HaPPE Earth

About HaPPE Earth

HaPPE Earth provides medically approved, compostable personal protective equipment (PPE) and an end-to-end waste management solution for the healthcare industry and other sectors. The company addresses the significant environmental impact of single-use plastics by offering sustainable alternatives. Its flagship product is the HaPPE Apron, a CE-approved Class I medical device made from a proprietary compostable bioplastic resin. This apron matches the safety and performance standards of traditional plastic aprons but has a carbon footprint that is 75% lower and composts in approximately five to eight weeks, compared to 50 years for its plastic counterpart. The company was co-founded in 2021 by cousins Dr. Mary O'Riordan and Lisa O'Riordan, with David O'Riordan also being a co-founder. The idea originated from a conversation between the cousins about the immense plastic waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Mary O'Riordan has over 20 years of experience in medicine, specializing in public health and emergency response to infectious threats. Lisa O'Riordan is an entrepreneur with a background in logistics, apparel manufacturing, and design. David O'Riordan is a mechanical engineer with experience in managing business and technical change projects. This combination of medical, business, and engineering expertise underpins the company's strategy. HaPPE Earth's business model involves not only supplying compostable PPE but also providing an on-site waste solution. The "HaPPE Life Cycle" system uses on-site biodigesters to transform the used bio-PPE and food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, creating a circular economy model within the client's facility. This process helps clients reduce plastic waste, cut costs, and track progress towards their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets through real-time data monitoring. The company has successfully piloted its aprons at Irish hospitals, including the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork, where the products were well-received by staff for their usability and durability. HaPPE Earth is expanding its product line to include compostable overshoes and mop caps. The company has gained recognition through several awards and accelerator programs. It was a winner of the Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) Open Call in 2022 and participated in Bord na Móna's Accelerate Green programme. In late 2025, HaPPE Earth won the inaugural All-Island Circular Venture Awards, recognizing its contribution to the circular economy.