Waste to Wonder Worldwide, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting sustainability and charity, is pleased to announce that its founder, Alan Cooper, has been recognized in the New Year Honours List. Cooper has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his exceptional contributions to the fields of charity and sustainability.
Cooper, who was notified of the honour by the Cabinet Office in November, expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating that it was “a thrill and a moment to reflect on the journey so far.”
For over two decades, Cooper has been a leader in ethical reuse and circular economy innovation. His company, Waste to Wonder Worldwide, has a simple but revolutionary mission: to change the perception of waste. What began as a small initiative to redistribute office furniture has now become a global movement.
Under Cooper’s guidance, Waste to Wonder Worldwide has achieved impressive results, including donating over £49 million in furniture and equipment, equipping 1,500 schools in 47 countries (including the UK), and diverting thousands of tonnes of office furniture from landfills every year. The company has also received recognition for its social and environmental impact through its focus on reuse, education, and community development.
Looking towards the future, Cooper stated, “Running a company brings many opportunities – to support customers, embrace ideas from colleagues, and work with valued partners. But it also comes with a responsibility to do positive things beyond the business. As the saying goes, ‘The world is your oyster.'”
He continued, “In 2026, companies and their employees will have the chance to plan how they can benefit people they may never meet, using their organization as a catalyst to improve lives worldwide. As the Latin phrase says, nothing is great except good.”
Waste to Wonder Worldwide specializes in ethical office clearance, sustainable relocations, and circular economy programs that promote education and community development globally. Its flagship initiative, School in a Box, redirects surplus office furniture to underserved schools, providing essential resources while reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Media Enquiries:
Paula Gibson
Communications Manager
Waste to Wonder Worldwide
paula.gibson@wastetowonder.com
0844 809 4928
www.wastetowonder.com
