LowCo
Non-profit e-marketplace connecting local producers and artisans with consumers
Description
LowCo is a non-profit e-marketplace that connects local producers and artisans with consumers. The platform applies selection criteria to producers and artisans who want to join that can be either self-checked by the producers and artisans, or by ambassadors or producers who are already registered. The criteria are graphically represented by 12 badges that advise consumers when selecting products, including: 1) short-circuit products; 2) locally produced products; 3) locally transformed products; 4) products for local valorization; 5) products created within a circular economy; 6) zero waste products; 7) products without packaging; 8) fair trade products; 9) small scale trade; 10) agroecological products; 11) secondhand products; and 12) products with sustainability related labels.
Technology
The LowCo online marketplace is integrated with social media channels and Google Maps in support of navigation and location identification, and numerous filter options are available to help users navigate the rich database of local products. The marketplace can be accessed via a browser or as a mobile app downloadable on Android devices.
Target
The main users of the online marketplace are ethical consumers, local producers and artisans engaged in the production of foodstuffs, home goods, fashion, wellbeing products and art. Producers and artisans must register to sell their products via the platform, while consumers are free to navigate the online marketplace without registration.
Business model
The platform can be accessed free of charge, no commission is charged on transactions and no data collected by the platform is sold to third parties. The platform was created with support from the Region of Bruxelles and with donations from 320 members of the public, and civic and private actors.
Impact
The organization reports that, by January 2023, more than 1600 producers in Belgium, including artisans and small-and medium-sized enterprises, had registered with the online marketplace and were benefitting from the online sale and communication channels. The online marketplace selection criteria seeks to support a vulnerable but sustainable segment of the market, offering space to small-scale and locally engaged enterprises and businesses.
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
