How Bebello is Redefining Parenting: Andrew Carr on Time-Saving and Sustainability
In this episode of Why Design?, Chris Whyte speaks with Andrew Carr, founder of Bebello, a mission-driven startup transforming the way new parents approach bottle and pump cleaning with sustainability at its core. Andrew’s flagship product, the Bebello Washer, saves time for parents while drastically reducing environmental impact.
Andrew’s career journey spans nearly two decades, including roles at Elvie, Shark Ninja, Plexus, and design consultancies across the US, China, and Scotland. Along the way, he’s learned how to balance user-centric design with the demands of sustainability, all while driving impactful product innovation.
This conversation dives into:
- How Andrew’s time at companies like Elvie and Shark Ninja shaped his approach to design and leadership.
- The inspiration behind Bebello and the challenges of launching a hardware startup.
- Why sustainable design must also offer superior user experiences.
- Insights into building a circular economy business model.
- How his personal journey as a parent influenced the creation of Bebello’s first product.
Whether you’re interested in sustainable product development, building mission-driven businesses, or the challenges of hardware startups, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Key Takeaways:
- Sustainable products must deliver better user experiences to succeed in the market.
- Transparent communication and openness to feedback are critical for early-stage startups.
- Sustainability isn’t just an add-on—it should be embedded into a business’s foundation.
- Great design comes from understanding real-world problems through user research.
- Disrupting entrenched habits (like hand washing) can drive significant environmental benefits.
Links & Resources:
- Visit Babello: https://bebello.club
- Connect with Andrew Carr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-carr-designs/
- Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/
- Sign up for Why Design? events: teamkodu.com/events
- Learn more about Kodu recruitment: https://teamkodu.com
Book Recommendations from the Episode:
- Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough
- Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth
Podcast Recommendations:
- The Economist Podcast
- Lenny’s Product Podcast