As Australia moves towards a greener future, sustainable businesses are no longer just a trend—they’re a necessity. Consumers, businesses, and governments are all prioritising eco-friendly solutions, creating massive opportunities for small businesses that reduce waste, save energy, or promote ethical consumption.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, 2025 is the perfect time to launch a sustainable small business with high growth potential. From eco-friendly home services to zero-waste beauty brands, here are five green business ideas that are easy to start, profitable, and perfectly suited to Australia’s shifting market.
1. Eco-Friendly Home & Office Cleaning Service
With businesses and households prioritising sustainability, there’s growing demand for non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning services. Many commercial cleaners still use harsh chemicals that pollute waterways and harm indoor air quality.
💡 How to Start:
- Use plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products.
- Offer specialised services, such as mould prevention or allergy-friendly cleaning.
- Market to businesses looking for green credentials or homes with young children and pets.
Why It’s High-Growth:
- The eco-friendly cleaning market is projected to grow 11.5% annually worldwide.
- Australian businesses increasingly seek “green-certified” suppliers for sustainability goals.
2. Solar-Powered Outdoor Lighting Business
Australians love their outdoor spaces, and solar-powered garden lighting is an affordable, sustainable, and easy-to-install solution. This small business can cater to homeowners, Airbnb hosts, or event planners.
💡 How to Start:
- Source high-quality solar lights from local or ethical suppliers.
- Offer installation, custom designs, or solar-powered security lighting.
- Sell through an online store and offer in-person setup services.
Why It’s High-Growth:
- Australia’s solar industry is booming, with over 3.5 million homes already using solar energy.
- Solar-powered lighting has low operational costs and no electricity bills for customers.
3. Upcycled & Sustainable Furniture Business
With landfill waste a growing issue, many Australians prefer eco-friendly, repurposed furniture over cheap, mass-produced alternatives. This business focuses on recycling wood, metal, or other materials into stylish, handcrafted pieces.
💡 How to Start:
- Source second-hand or discarded furniture and refurbish it.
- Offer custom design services for home and office clients.
- Sell via Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, or Etsy to reach eco-conscious buyers.
Why It’s High-Growth:
- Australia generates up to 20 million tonnes of waste annually, and demand for upcycled furniture is rising by 15% per year.
- Consumers are increasingly choosing quality over fast furniture.
4. Sustainable Skincare or Haircare Brand
The Australian natural and organic beauty industry is thriving, with demand for plastic-free, vegan, and refillable personal care products. If you have a background in chemistry, biology, or natural remedies, this can be a great small business idea.
💡 How to Start:
- Develop small-batch skincare using natural ingredients like shea butter, aloe, or native Australian botanicals.
- Package in plastic-free or refillable containers.
- Sell online, at local markets, or partner with eco-conscious retailers.
Why It’s High-Growth:
- Australia’s organic beauty market is expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2026.
- Consumers are moving away from mass-produced brands with synthetic chemicals.
5. Local Composting & Organic Waste Collection Service
Food waste is a major issue in Australia, with over 7.6 million tonnes wasted annually. A small-scale organic waste collection business can serve cafes, restaurants, and households that want to reduce landfill waste but lack composting solutions.
💡 How to Start:
- Offer a weekly compost pickup service for households and businesses.
- Partner with community gardens or farms to use collected organic waste.
- Sell composted soil to local gardeners or landscapers.
Why It’s High-Growth:
- Many councils have banned food waste in general rubbish bins, creating demand for composting services.
- Sustainable food waste solutions are a priority for restaurants and cafes.
