BPMA member Bio Laboratories is continuing to make a positive impact through the A Good Thing platform, demonstrating how surplus branded merchandise can support communities while reducing waste. The Cheshire-based company, a long-time supporter of the initiative, recently donated a substantial collection of self-care items including more than 500 mini tubes of toothpaste, 685 jars of sunblock, 1,620 lip balms and 18 chapsticks.

The donation is part of Bio Laboratories’ ongoing commitment to responsible business practices. Since first using the platform in March 2024 and becoming a paid supporter later that year, the company has listed 75 different items on the platform, ranging from toiletries and first-aid supplies to beauty products, ensuring that useful products are redirected to organisations that need them most rather than going to landfill.

Sue Mannion from Bio Laboratories shared her experience of using the platform: “We have been using A Good Thing since March 2024, and we became a Supporter in July 2024. We find the process very easy and there is always someone to help if we have a query. The concept is amazing and the whole team at Bio Labs enjoys it when we load a new item on, to stop items going into landfill and support different charities.”

The donated products have been distributed across several charities in the North West of England, each using the items in ways that directly support their communities.

In Rochdale, Springhill Hospice received the mini toothpaste tubes, which are being used by patients and families staying at the hospice. Jo Ali explained how the items help during difficult times: “Some mini toiletries have been used for our inpatients and families who find themselves staying in family rooms while their loved ones are with us. These are so helpful in making the transition into the hospice as easy as possible for patients and their loved ones.”

The hospice has also previously benefited from Bio Laboratories’ donations, using nail varnish sets in fundraising goody bags at a lunch event that raised more than £21,000.

Elsewhere, the sunblock jars proved particularly useful for the Counselling & Family Centre during its 50th anniversary open day. Alison Hambleton said: “This was our first successful use of the A Good Thing service – it was so easy and quick to apply for the offer. We collected a few hundred mini sunblock creams and pocket-sized mirrors: as it was a super-hot day, no burnt noses for our service users and guests!” Some of the sunblock was also distributed through Manchester Central Foodbank to support people in the local community.

Further donations reached organisations supporting families and individuals across Greater Manchester. The Little Green Sock Project received hundreds of lip balms, which are being included in toiletry packs for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, poverty and displacement. Catherine Dalbertanson explained: “Treats such as lip balms are a luxury that can’t be afforded. We add them to our toiletry packs for children and women to add a little bit of luxury.”

Finally, Home-Start Salford, Trafford & Wigan received the chapsticks, which were shared with families supported by the charity and given as thank-you gifts to runners who raised funds during the Great Manchester Run.

If you’re ready to take a positive step towards being a more sustainable business, Sign Up to A Good Thing today for free!