About Ecobase
Ecobase is operated by two founders from South Canterbury, Hamish and Mackenzie. Both are graduates of the University of Canterbury and founded Ecobase while still at Timaru Boys’ High School. Since then, Ecobase has grown from a Young Enterprise startup into an established nationwide lip balm brand, now stocked across New Zealand.
Ecobase is focused on driving responsible change within the cosmetics industry. Our fully compostable products and eco-conscious manufacturing processes reflect our commitment to eliminating the harmful lifecycle of plastic personal care products.
Over 150 million plastic lip balm tubes are produced and discarded every year, and due to their small size, they are rarely recycled — meaning almost every plastic lip balm ever made still exists in landfills, oceans, or on our beaches.
Ecobalm directly addresses this issue through fully compostable packaging and a simple, natural formulation. Made without synthetic additives or preservatives, Ecobalm delivers a light yet effective balm that’s better for both your lips and the environment.
Meet the Team
Mackenzie Annett
Hi, I'm Mackenzie, one half of Ecobase. I have recently graduated from the University of Canterbury with degree in Marketing and Human Resource Management, which perfectly complements my role in shaping the future of Ecobase.
Growing up in rural South Canterbury, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. This upbringing fostered my love for the environment and fueled my desire to create positive change. Witnessing our natural surroundings and recognizing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives, I became passionate about contributing to a greener future.
During my free time, you'll often find me basking in the sun, whether fishing, swimming, camping, or simply enjoying quality time with friends and family. These moments spent in nature ignite my entrepreneurial spirit and inspire me to pursue innovative solutions for our planet.
Hamish Stayt
Hi, I’m Hamish, co-founder of Ecobase and a graduate of the University of Canterbury. Outside of work, I enjoy climbing, hiking, skiing — basically spending as much time outdoors as possible, alongside building Ecobase!
Spending time in the mountains and by the ocean has always been a big part of my life, and it’s where I feel most connected to the environment. That connection shaped the idea behind Ecobalm. If a compostable alternative to an everyday product is possible, why shouldn’t it be the standard? That belief pushed us to create a lip balm that genuinely reduces plastic waste while still standing up to the established, plastic-heavy brands.
I’m incredibly proud of the progress and impact Ecobase has made so far, and I’m excited about what the future holds.