Alan Cooper, the visionary founder of the environmental and social enterprise Waste to Wonder, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours List. The prestigious recognition celebrates his “outstanding services to charity and to sustainability” over a career spanning more than two decades.
A Legacy of Redirected Resources
Since founding Waste to Wonder, Cooper has been a vocal advocate for the circular economy, operating on the core belief that corporate surplus – often destined for landfills – can be a life-changing resource when redirected with purpose.
Under his leadership, the organisation has pioneered a model that bridges the gap between corporate waste and global need. By managing the ethical disposal and redistribution of office furniture and equipment, Cooper has turned environmental challenges into social opportunities.
Global Impact by the Numbers
The scale of Cooper’s work is reflected in the massive reach of Waste to Wonder’s initiatives:
- 20+ Years: Championing sustainable redistribution and waste reduction.
- 1,500+ Beneficiaries: Schools, charities, and community projects globally have received essential equipment.
- Global Footprint: Impacting communities across the UK and in developing nations worldwide.
- Measurable Environmental Savings: Diverting thousands of tonnes of equipment from the waste stream, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of partner corporations.
A Collective Milestone
Responding to the announcement, the Waste to Wonder team noted that the honour reflects more than just individual dedication. In a statement, the organisation shared:
“This honour reflects not only Alan’s unwavering dedication, but also the collective support of everyone who has been part of this journey—our partners, customers, and global community.”
The award comes at a pivotal time for the Facilities Management and corporate sectors, which are under increasing pressure to meet stringent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets. Cooper’s “Waste to Wonder” model provides a blueprint for how businesses can achieve these goals through practical, ethical resource management.
The Road Ahead
As the sector moves further into 2026, the recognition of Cooper’s work highlights the growing importance of the “S” and the “E” in ESG. By proving that sustainability and charity can operate as a single, cohesive business model, Alan Cooper has set a new standard for the industry.
