2016
20
$250,000
$65,000
$500,000
No
ChopValue is pioneering the circular economy movement by transforming discarded chopsticks into high-performance, sustainable materials for furniture and home decor. With a vision to redefine waste as a resource, ChopValue's Microfactory franchise offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to tap into the growing demand for eco-friendly products while contributing to environmental conservation.
Operating on a decentralized model, each Microfactory serves as a local hub for recycling, manufacturing, and distributing products made from recycled chopsticks. This approach not only reduces carbon footprints but also supports local economies by creating jobs and promoting sustainable practices. ChopValue's commitment to quality and sustainability has garnered recognition, positioning it as a leader in the green manufacturing sector.
Innovative Business Model: Leverage a proven system that combines recycling with manufacturing, tapping into the lucrative eco-conscious consumer market.
Sustainability at Core: Align your business with global sustainability trends, appealing to environmentally aware customers and businesses.
Scalable Operations: Benefit from a modular setup that allows for easy expansion and adaptation to various market sizes.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing assistance in operations, marketing, and business development.
Positive Impact: Contribute to reducing landfill waste and promoting a circular economy, enhancing your brand's reputation.
1. Established Year:
ChopValue was founded in 2016 by Felix Böck in Vancouver, Canada. The company was created with a mission to reduce waste and demonstrate the potential of the circular economy by transforming discarded chopsticks into high-quality, durable materials for furniture, home decor, and other products.
2. Founders & Vision:
Founder: Felix Böck, an engineer and sustainability enthusiast.
Vision: To turn waste into a resource, promoting a circular economy while creating stylish, functional products.
Mission: Reduce landfill waste, empower local communities, and inspire sustainable living.
3. Brand Journey & Growth:
ChopValue started as a single workshop in Vancouver, recycling used chopsticks from restaurants and turning them into furniture and decor.
Over the years, the brand expanded internationally, gaining recognition for its innovative approach to recycling and sustainable manufacturing.
Microfactory Concept: A key innovation that allows local recycling, production, and sales in one facility, reducing carbon footprints and supporting local economies.
4. Franchise & Market Presence:
Franchise Model: ChopValue operates on a franchise basis in North America, including the USA. Each Microfactory is independently owned by franchisees.
U.S. Presence: Microfactories have been established in major cities like Las Vegas, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta, and New York City.
Industry Category: Green Manufacturing, Circular Economy, Eco-Friendly Furniture and Home Decor, Sustainability-Focused Franchise.
5. Ownership:
Privately held company.
Actively expanding through franchising to increase its global impact on sustainability.
6. Reputation & Achievements:
Recognized as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
Featured in news outlets and sustainability forums for its unique approach to the circular economy.
Works with local restaurants and communities to source raw materials, fostering partnerships and social responsibility.
7. Other Information:
Products: Furniture, home decor, bespoke designs, educational workshops.
Impact: Each Microfactory prevents tons of chopstick waste from entering landfills annually.
Sustainability Recognition: The company emphasizes reducing environmental impact, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and investors.
ChopValue provides comprehensive support and training to ensure every franchisee can successfully operate a Microfactory while maintaining the brand’s high standards of sustainability, quality, and customer experience. The support is structured across all stages of the business lifecycle:
Before opening, ChopValue helps franchisees establish a strong foundation for success:
Site Selection & Facility Planning: Guidance on choosing the optimal location for maximum customer reach and logistical efficiency.
Lease Negotiation & Build-Out: Assistance in negotiating leases and designing the Microfactory layout for production, retail, and customer engagement.
Regulatory Compliance: Help navigating local permits, health, and safety regulations.
Procurement: Support in sourcing the necessary equipment, machinery, and raw materials.
ChopValue ensures franchisees and their staff are fully trained before launching:
Operational Training: Hands-on instruction in chopstick recycling, production processes, machinery operation, and quality control standards.
Customer Service Training: Techniques for delivering excellent in-store and B2B customer experiences.
Health & Safety Training: Guidance on safe handling of materials and equipment.
Technology Training: Instruction on using ChopValue’s proprietary systems for production tracking, inventory management, and reporting.
ChopValue equips franchisees to build strong local and national brand awareness:
Brand Guidelines: Access to a full suite of branding materials, logos, and corporate design templates.
Digital Marketing Support: Guidance on social media campaigns, local SEO, website setup, and email marketing strategies.
Local Promotions: Assistance planning grand openings, community events, and collaborations with restaurants or eco-conscious businesses.
National Campaigns: Inclusion in ChopValue’s global sustainability initiatives and marketing efforts.
Ongoing assistance ensures smooth day-to-day operations:
Production Guidance: Advice on maintaining efficiency and consistent product quality.
Supply Chain Management: Support in sourcing chopsticks, inventory planning, and vendor management.
Staffing & Training: Help recruiting, training, and retaining skilled employees.
Performance Monitoring: Tools and metrics to track sales, efficiency, and profitability.
ChopValue encourages franchisees to become local sustainability leaders:
Educational Workshops: Training and resources to host workshops on recycling, sustainability, and circular economy principles.
Community Integration: Strategies to partner with local restaurants, schools, and eco-friendly organizations, building goodwill and brand loyalty.
ChopValue’s relationship with franchisees continues beyond launch:
Business Development: Regular consultations to identify growth opportunities, new product lines, and additional revenue streams.
Innovation Updates: Access to new product designs, processes, and sustainable manufacturing innovations.
Networking: Opportunities to connect with other franchisees, share best practices, and participate in brand-wide initiatives.
ChopValue seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also aligned with the brand’s mission of sustainability, innovation, and community impact. The ideal franchisee combines business acumen with a passion for environmental responsibility and hands-on engagement in local operations.
Business Experience: Ideal candidates have experience in business management, operations, retail, or manufacturing. Experience in running or managing a small to medium-sized business is highly valued.
Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management capabilities are essential to oversee staff, production processes, and customer service standards.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to troubleshoot operational challenges, adapt to new processes, and implement innovative solutions.
Environmental Commitment: A genuine interest in sustainability, recycling, and the circular economy.
Community-Oriented Mindset: Willingness to engage in local initiatives that promote eco-conscious practices.
Brand Ambassador: Enthusiasm for representing a company known for environmental impact and positive social contributions.
Investment Resources: Ability to meet the initial investment requirements (approx. $250,000 to $500,000 depending on location) and cover ongoing operational expenses.
Long-Term Vision: Commitment to building a sustainable business over time, including reinvesting in growth opportunities and marketing initiatives.
Business Planning Skills: Capability to manage budgets, cash flow, and financial reporting to ensure profitability.
Urban or Suburban Areas: Preference for locations with high foot traffic, access to restaurants for chopstick sourcing, and a market interested in eco-friendly products.
Community Integration: Eager to engage with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Adaptability: Ability to tailor operations and marketing to fit local demographics while maintaining ChopValue standards.
Hands-On Approach: Willingness to be actively involved in day-to-day operations, from production to customer engagement.
Innovation & Creativity: Interest in developing new products, workshops, or services to enhance the Microfactory’s offerings.
Networking Skills: Ability to build relationships with suppliers, local partners, and customers to strengthen brand presence.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $250,000 – $500,000 (depending on location, facility size, and local costs) |
| Minimum Investment Required |
$250,000
|
| Franchise Fee | $65,000 + applicable taxes |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross revenue |
| Branding Fund Contribution | 2–3% of gross revenue for global branding initiatives |
| Infrastructure / Facility Setup | $100,000 – $250,000 (equipment, machinery, retail space build-out, signage) |
| Initial Inventory | $20,000 – $50,000 (raw chopsticks, materials, and finished product stock) |
| Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $30,000 for local marketing, grand opening, and initial campaigns |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 to cover first 3–6 months of operating expenses |
| Expected ROI | Varies based on location, operational efficiency, and sales volume (estimated 20–30% annually in mature units) |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 12–24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - Retail sales (furniture, decor, home products) - B2B partnerships (restaurants, offices) - Custom product orders - Workshops and educational programs |
