Our Story & Team
Our Story
The Party Kit Network is a nonprofit social enterprise passionate about making celebrations more sustainable. We are dedicated to reducing waste by increasing access to reusable tableware. A simple but impactful initiative, the party kit concept combines the benefits of reuse with local sharing.​
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In 2019, Isabel Mack was listening to Jen Gale’s Sustainable-ish podcast. Jen was speaking with Tillie, who had recently set up a party kit in Frome. The concept was simple: Tillie had a box of reusable tableware she lent out to neighbours, so they didn’t have to buy their own. The idea instantly resonated with Isabel, but how could she find out if there was a party kit near her?
Within 2 weeks, Isabel had found over 40 existing party kits across the UK. There was Rachel in Cardiff, Darren in Ware, Aneeta in East London and many more. Isabel realised there was real momentum among those who ran party kits, a chance to get organised and collaborate, and so the Party Kit Network was born!​
​The network grew quickly with 250 members joining within six months. In 2020 the network expanded to Australia with the help of zero-waste author Erin Rhoads (aka The Rogue Ginger). In 2021 membership was opened up to party kits from any country.
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Through resources, training, and community-building, we have helped our members raise awareness and make reusable tableware accessible to more people. Membership is free, and many members use their party kits to fundraise for local organisations, such as school PTAs.​​
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In 2023 we launched Party Kits for Schools, an initiative which funds the set up of new party kits for UK primary school PTAs.
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Our members’ collective impact has already prevented over one million single-use items from reaching landfill, driving a shift toward more thoughtful, sustainable celebrations.
How We Are Funded
We do not charge a membership fee or take commission from any party kit bookings. This means that we need to find alternative ways to fund the work of our network. Our core income comes from: voluntary donations, Isabel's own party kit and a small amount of corporate sponsorship. ​
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Our costs are low (in 2023-24 we spent £1,703). We have no staffing costs and we are fortunate to receive some professional services and subscriptions at zero cost. Our core costs are: website hosting and software, grants awarded to members.
“The Network inspired me to start up a kit in my area and has been an invaluable source of advice and support ever since. Isabel has done an amazing job in sharing ideas and information to create a network of like minded individuals. Together we really can save the planet one party at a time!” - Caroline
Our Team
Isabel Mack
Isabel runs a party kit in Winchester UK. She is the founder of the Party Kit Network and responsible for day-to-day operations.
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In 2022, Isabel was on the Women in Social Enterprise Top 100 List. And in 2025 won the judges' Highly Commended prize at the Better Business Pioneer Award for her work.
Erin Rhoads
Erin runs a party kit in Melbourne, Australia. She is a zero-waste author and campaigner. In 2020 she helped launched the Party Kit Network in Australia.
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Erin continues to advocate for our mission, working to promote the network and party kit concept through talks and more.
Our Board
