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LiquiDonate: Transforming Retail Returns into Community Good

LiquiDonate, an innovative retail technology company, is making waves in the retail industry by offering groundbreaking solutions to manage unsellable returns and excess inventory sustainably. The firm was honored by TIME magazine, being named one of the Best Innovations for 2025, recognizing its contribution to sustainable retail logistics.

Founded in 2021, LiquiDonate's primary mission is to facilitate the transfer of unsellable inventory from retailers to various local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations, thus fostering a circular economy. This platform enables retailers to donate items that would otherwise be discarded, positively impacting both the environment and the community.

The LiquiDonate Approach

Through its network of over 4,000 nonprofit organizations, LiquiDonate allows these entities to 'shop' for excess inventory posted by retailers. When a match occurs, the items are shipped locally, significantly cutting costs compared to landfill disposal. This seamless matching process not only supports sustainability efforts but also provides retailers with donation receipts for tax benefits, thereby revealing the financial incentives of charitable donation.

Disney Petit, the CEO and founder of LiquiDonate, expressed her pride in the company's recognition by TIME. She stated, “Being acknowledged as one of the Best Innovations of 2025 further validates our mission to show that sustainability can be charitable, scalable, and profitable.” Petit's passion for environmental sustainability led her to develop this unique solution after observing a gap in the system while volunteering in her community.

Significant Impact on the Environment

Since its inception, LiquiDonate has successfully facilitated the donation of over 12 million items from more than 150 brands, including notable partners like Room & Board, Baggu, and Liquid Death. By directing these goods to those in need and preventing them from ending up in landfills, LiquiDonate has managed to divert over 12.3 million pounds of surplus goods from disposal.

This initiative not only aids consumers but also addresses a larger issue – the staggering 11.3 million tons of items that are disposed of in landfills every year. The company's focus on local distribution reduces transportation costs and waste, making the process efficient and community-focused.

Highlighting the Importance of Sustainability

Petit's vision is to foster a retail landscape where excess inventory is transformed into community resources rather than waste. She noted, “This honor from TIME highlights the urgency of our work in diverting goods from landfills and delivering them to those who need them most.”

TIME’s announcement is part of its annual Best Inventions issue, which celebrates advancements that are reshaping society in meaningful ways. The print edition is set to release on December 12, 2025, featuring other industry leaders like LG, Google, and Dyson, thus positioning LiquiDonate alongside some of the most notable innovations of our time.

As it continues its mission, LiquiDonate is committed to not only enriching communities but also establishing a model for sustainable business practices in the retail sector, fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

For those interested in learning more about their sustainable solutions, visit LiquiDonate's website.