What EcoShip NFP does

EcoShip NFP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, that operates a circular-economy logistics network for shipping materials. The organization collects used cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, air pillows, and related packaging from Chicagoland residents, businesses, and schools, and redistributes them for reuse rather than landfill disposal. It operates a retail storefront alongside a distributed collection infrastructure spanning 12+ community collection sites and a partner network of 250+ businesses and 7+ schools, serving small shippers, artists, makers, and the broader community seeking low-cost packing supplies.

The organization's revenue model is multi-channel and characteristic of a small mission-driven nonprofit: tax-deductible donations, below-market retail sales of packing materials, corporate sponsorship tiers ranging from $100 to $25,000, paid workshops, and paid partnership programs such as "Host a Bin" that let partner sites host branded EcoShip collection bins. Strategic recycling partnerships include Reduce Waste Chicago and Cradles to Crayons, and the organization has integrated Zeffy as a payment platform to facilitate donations and program fees. The model effectively converts a waste stream into both a community resource and a diversified fundraising engine.

EcoShip relocated to a larger "forever home" facility in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood in October 2025, signaling operational expansion. The school collection program and Crosstown Classic Fundraiser represent engagement initiatives designed to broaden the supply base and community visibility. The organization runs with a lean team of approximately 6 employees, reflecting a grassroots operating posture rather than a scaled enterprise model.

Name

EcoShip NFP

Legal name

EcoShip NFP

Website

https://ecoship.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

EcoShip NFP is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collects and redistributes used shipping materials from 250+ business partners, 12+ collection sites, and 7+ schools, serving small shippers, artists, and community members through below-cost retail sales, donations, and tiered corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Packaging Reuse

NAICS

Materials Recovery Facilities (56292)

SIC

Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110)

akta.pro primary industry

Reusable Packaging & Container Return Programs (On-site) (BPABALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fair Trade & Ethical Supply Chains (Certification, Traceability, Producer Support) (BPAGALAL)

Keywords

• Shipping material reuse
• Packaging waste recycling
• Community collection programs
• Nonprofit sustainability services
• Affordable packing supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations: EcoShip accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. The organization uses Zeffy to process donations, noting that 100% of donations go to the mission.
2. Product Sales: EcoShip sells donated and surplus shipping materials (boxes, mailers, tape, packing peanuts, moving bags, insulated coolers, etc.) at below-market prices. Some items such as used mailers and paper bags are free.
3. Sponsorships: EcoShip offers event sponsorships, headquarters sponsorship, collection campaign sponsorships, and corporate sponsorships. Sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $25,000 depending on the type and scope.
4. Workshops & Events: EcoShip hosts workshops led by independent organizers. EcoShip provides the space and shares in ticket revenue while organizers run the sessions.
5. Paid Partnership Programs: EcoShip charges for paid collection bin programs (starting at $60/pick-up), volunteer event hosting at partner locations, event tabling (starting at $125), and collection at partner events (starting at $325).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

EcoShip NFP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois that collects used shipping materials (boxes, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies) from Chicagoland residents and businesses, then redistributes those materials for reuse. The organization operates a retail storefront at 3248 N Pulaski Rd where materials are sold at low cost or given away, supported by community collection sites, school partnerships, workshops, and volunteer programs.

Product overview

EcoShip NFP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating as a materials reuse and redistribution platform. The core offering consists of a Headquarters Drop-Off Program where community members donate shipping materials, which are then sorted and made available through the EcoShip Retail Shop at discounted prices. The organization operates a Collection Points Network of partnered local businesses for convenient drop-offs, and runs seasonal Collection Campaigns (Earth Month, Holiday) with bin purchases. Additional services include Independent Collection Programs for self-organized community collections, Host a Bin year-round collection programs, Corporate Volunteer Events, Group Volunteer Sessions, Community Workshops, Event Tabling and Material Collection Services, School Sponsorship Programs, Business Partnership Programs, the Accepted Materials Marketplace listing, Sponsorship Opportunities, and a Business Resources Hub. The entire ecosystem is tied together by volunteer operations and community partnerships, with funding from donations, retail sales, sponsorships, and service fees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Retail Storefront — Reused Packing Materials
• Free Packing Materials Donation Program
• Community Collection Site Network
• Workshops and Educational Events

Quantifiable outcome

• Worked with 250+ businesses to provide packaging materials or divert packaging from landfills
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• The Urban CanopyminorOthersThe Urban Canopy is EcoShip's Composting Sponsor. EcoShip promotes The Urban Canopy's composting services to its community, and EcoShip users can use the code 'EcoShip25' for one month of free compost collection.
• Independent RecycleminorOthersIndependent Recycle is EcoShip's Waste Sponsor, providing waste management support for EcoShip's operations.
• Kelly Brask OrganizingminorOthersKelly Brask Organizing is a 2026 community sponsor of EcoShip, contributing to the organization's sustainability mission.
• FolkmademinorOthersFolkmade is a 2026 community sponsor of EcoShip, contributing to the organization's sustainability mission.
• Indigo and Violet StudiominorOthersIndigo and Violet Studio is a 2026 community sponsor of EcoShip, contributing to the organization's sustainability mission.
• Megan Sauve CeramicsminorOthersMegan Sauve Ceramics is a 2026 community sponsor of EcoShip, contributing to the organization's sustainability mission.
• The PlantminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Plant (Back of the Yards) serves as a public collection site, accepting up to one grocery-sized paper bag of accepted packaging materials from community members during its business hours.
• Czubin IndustriesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCzubin Industries (Back of the Yards) is a public collection site that accepts ALL packaging materials on EcoShip's accepted list — a higher volume than typical collection sites.
• The Unwaste ShopminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Unwaste Shop has two locations (Beverly & West Loop) that serve as public collection sites, accepting packaging materials from community members.
• BFF BikesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBFF Bikes (Bucktown) serves as a public collection site accepting packaging materials during business hours.
• Ray's Bucktown BnbminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRay's Bucktown Bnb (Bucktown) is a collection site that accepts ALL packaging materials on EcoShip's accepted list.
• The RefilleriminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Refilleri (Humboldt Park) is a collection site that accepts ALL packaging materials on EcoShip's accepted list.
• The Eco FlamingominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Eco Flamingo (Lincoln Square) is a collection site accepting only mailers and bubble wrap.
• Katherine Anne ConfectionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKatherine Anne Confections (Logan Square location ONLY) is a public collection site for packaging materials.
• Ash & Willow Eco SalonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAsh & Willow Eco Salon (Park Ridge) is a public collection site accepting packaging materials during business hours.
• Wheel & SprocketminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWheel & Sprocket (Park Ridge) is a public collection site accepting packaging materials during business hours.
• Windy City ToolBankminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWindy City ToolBank (Pilsen) accepts packing paper, bubble wrap, mailers, packing peanuts, and jewelry bags/boxes as a public collection site.
• Hey, I Thought of YouminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHey, I Thought of You (Ravenswood Manor) is a collection site that accepts ALL packaging materials on EcoShip's accepted list.
• Reduce Waste ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReduce Waste Chicago is a key material recipient partner. EcoShip passes items such as Arm & Hammer/OxiClean plastic pouches, bread tags, Brita filters, contact lenses, crayons, ink cartridges, keys, LEGOs, Paktech, plastic cards, glasses, sneakers, and toothpaste tubes to Reduce Waste Chicago for proper recycling or redistribution.
• Cradles to CrayonscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCradles to Crayons receives donated items from EcoShip for distribution to children in need. EcoShip collects new or gently used children's items on Cradles to Crayons' accepted list.
• TinyShop GrocercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTinyShop Grocer receives donated Health-Ade glass bottles and other materials from EcoShip for reuse and redistribution.
• EveryMom ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEveryMom Chicago receives donations of new baby and parenting supplies (unscented wipes, diapers, nursing pads, breast pumps, bottles, etc.) from EcoShip's collection stream for distribution to families in need.
• One Tail at a TimeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne Tail at a Time receives donated prescription bottles (orange, blue, green see-through bottles only) from EcoShip for use in their animal shelter operations.
• Dignity DinerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDignity Diner receives donated plastic grocery bags from EcoShip for reuse in their meal service operations.
• DART (Daniels Brothers Recycling)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcoShip pays a fee to transport collected Styrofoam (#6) to DART's recycling facility for proper processing. The fee covers van rental costs.
• Lane Tech High SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLane Tech High School is a primary school partner running a year-round collection program. EcoShip provides bins, informational materials, and pickup services. Lane Tech also sponsors the school collection program.
• Waters Elementary SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWaters Elementary School runs a year-round collection program with EcoShip, collecting packaging materials from students and staff for pickup and redistribution.
• Maria Saucedo Scholastic AcademyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaria Saucedo Scholastic Academy participates in EcoShip's school collection program, collecting packaging materials year-round.
• Skinner North Classical SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSkinner North Classical School participates in EcoShip's school collection program, collecting packaging materials year-round.
• Bennett Day SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBennett Day School participates in EcoShip's school collection program, collecting packaging materials year-round.
• Evanston Township High SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEvanston Township High School participates in EcoShip's school collection program (partnership began in 2023), collecting packaging materials year-round.
• Maine South High SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaine South High School partnered with EcoShip from 2022-2024 for collection programs.
• Northlasalle (203NLS)minorOthersNorthlasalle (203NLS) is a 2025/2026 School Program Sponsor, providing financial support for EcoShip's school collection programs.
• Anonymous Community SupporterminorOthersAnonymous Community Supporter sponsors Waters Elementary School's collection program.
• Eco Chic EventsminorOthersEco Chic Events is a 2025/2026 School Program Sponsor, supporting EcoShip's school collection programs.
• Katherine Anne ConfectionsminorOthersKatherine Anne Confections is a 2025/2026 School Program Sponsor, supporting EcoShip's school collection programs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• EcoEnclose: Commercial sustainable packaging supplier offering recycled, recyclable, and reusable shipping materials. Comparable because it serves the same small-business audience seeking packaging alternatives, but as a paid product rather than reuse hub.
• TerraCycle: Large-scale circular economy company operating branded recycling and reuse programs nationwide. Operates in the same packaging-waste diversion category as EcoShip but at significantly larger scale and with commercial brand partnerships.
• Patagonia Worn Wear: Patagonia's reuse/repair program trading in used garments and gear. Adjacent in operating a reuse-retail model with community engagement, though focused on apparel rather than packaging materials.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Nonprofit reuse retail network operated by Habitat for Humanity, selling donated building materials, furniture, and household goods. Comparable nonprofit retail reuse model with similar donation-driven economics and community footprint.

Emerging players

• noissue: Custom sustainable packaging company serving small businesses and creators with compostable mailers and recycled packaging. Comparable target customer segment (artists, SMBs shipping goods) but commercial rather than reuse-based.
• Buy Nothing Project: Hyperlocal community gifting and reuse network with millions of members across thousands of neighborhoods. Comparable hyperlocal, volunteer-driven reuse mission, though organized around peer-to-peer gifting rather than material redistribution.
• Returnity: Reusable shipping container company providing branded returnable packaging for e-commerce and logistics. Operates in the reusable-packaging space EcoShip addresses, though focused on B2B logistics rather than community collection.

Direct peers

• Give Back Box: Nonprofit reuse platform that enables donation of unwanted items via online returns and shipping labels. Closely aligned mission — repurposing shipping materials and consumer goods for charitable reuse — with overlapping small-business and donor audiences.
• Ridwell: Subscription-based reuse and recycling service operating in select U.S. metros, collecting household items for responsible reuse or recycling. Most directly comparable operating model to EcoShip's collection-and-redistribution mission, though structured as a paid subscription rather than donation-based.
• The Refillery Movement: Network of zero-waste retail stores that refill and redistribute household goods in reusable containers. Comparable reuse-retail hybrid model targeting similar environmentally conscious consumer segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/EcoShip-Chicago-114256311171753
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ecoship-nfp
• Instagraminstagram.com/ecoship_chicago

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EcoShip NFP