22 Nov 2024
Cairo, Egypt
Resource Efficiency and Sustainable Waste Management

For those who thought that handicrafts would lose its place in a tech-driven society, Wonder Box is here to prove the opposite. Combining technology with handmade production, the company is showing how these two forces can work together in new business models, especially for green entrepreneurs. A sustainable business, founded by a DIY enthusiast turned entrepreneur making daily life products like spoons, personalized jewelry box, toys, games and much more, using different types of wood. 

Wonder Box is committed to using natural materials from local sources, one example is using wood from trees that have been cut down for urban development, ensuring that this resource, which would otherwise be discarded, gets a new life in the form of long-lasting products that serve practical purposes in our daily lives. 

“We want to help people meet their needs with beautiful small products, while promoting a more sustainable way of life,” says the founder Ahmed Hussein Ragheb. “Our focus is on minimizing waste and ensuring that every piece has a purpose in daily life, whether it’s in homes, hotels, or restaurants.”
Where Craftsmanship Meets Sustainability | The Switchers

This approach helps minimize the effects of deforestation. But more than that, Wonder Box focuses on making efficient use of materials. Sawdust, a byproduct of wood processing, isn’t wasted but repurposed in new creations. This method reduces waste and ensures that every part of the wood has a purpose. In doing so, the company not only minimizes its environmental impact but also encourages other woodworking enthusiasts to adopt sustainable practices. A way to advocates of upcycling, and foster a culture of creativity and mindful consumption. 

The passion started when I realized I could make educational wooden toys for my daughter, and that’s when the idea of a business started to grow,” he explains. “As I gained more experience, I realized that my values of using natural materials and reducing waste perfectly aligned with the growing movement toward green entrepreneurship.”
Where Craftsmanship Meets Sustainability | The Switchers

Today, Wonder Box is growing his customer base, including hotels and restaurants and Ahmed Hussein decided to leave his job in the cardboard packaging industry to pursue woodworking full time, and today he reflects on the long hours and steep learning curve, saying that the effort was worth it as the business began to grow. 

Green Entrepreneurship: Commitment to People and the Planet 

Every business faces challenges, and Wonder Box is no exception. Disruptive entrepreneurs—those seeking new business models—must always improvise and believe in what they’re promoting. 

One of the biggest hurdles was changing people’s perception of wood.” While many associate wood only with furniture, Wonder Box has been proving that wood can be used for all kinds of small, practical products. “Overcoming this challenge meant educating customers on the versatility and benefits of wooden products—especially compared to plastic alternatives.” 

As a small business with limited resources, managing waste materials was a constant challenge. However, Wonder Box turned this challenge into an opportunity, creatively using leftover pieces of wood to make new products and reduce waste even further. 

Another key to this growth has been the way the team works. The founder emphasizes the importance of having team members who truly believe in the company’s vision and values. The team consists of skilled professionals from diverse areas, each complementing one another and working together as a cohesive unit. Today, employees are divided into various roles, such as woodworking, design, marketing, and sales. Together, they ensure that every product meets the highest standards while staying true to the company’s commitment to sustainability and a healthy work environment. 

We’re building a team of people who are not just skilled, but who really believe in what we’re doing. That’s what makes the work so rewarding,” says the founder.

Wonder Box now has a solid business model and a range of established products, and it is now preparing for expansion. The company is getting ready to move into an industrial space and is actively participating in the National Initiative for Sustainable Entrepreneurs (NISE), organized by Medwaves-Switchers and Cedare.   

Wonder Box’s journey is only just beginning. With a clear commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and a circular economy, the company is proving that eco-friendly businesses can thrive while making a real difference.  

WonderBox Resource efficiency & sustainable waste management