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Who's Biene?
Hi, I’m Caroline: Founder of Biene, mom of two, and a German native now living in West Chicago, IL.
I started Biene (pronounced bee-nuh) in December 2024 with a simple goal: to help people waste less, without the overwhelm. As someone who grew up in a culture where reusing and reducing waste were second nature, I know how powerful everyday choices can be. But I also know how hard it can feel to stay sustainable when life gets busy (especially with kids, work, and routines pulling you in every direction).
That’s where Biene comes in. We're the first low-waste store in our neighborhood. Our shop is designed to meet people where they are, literally and figuratively! We bring plastic-free home and personal care products straight to neighborhoods, homes, and businesses across DuPage and Kane counties. No judgment. No pressure. Just simple ways to build better habits, one swap at a time.
The name “Biene” (German for “bee”) comes from my childhood nickname. Bees are small but mighty, always working to support their community and the planet. That’s the spirit behind everything we do.
Our Values
Driving Sustainability, Building Community, and Creating Purposeful Change
Woman Owned
& Operated
Biene is proudly woman-owned and operated, founded by a local mother who is passionate about sustainability and community. Rooted in West Chicago, we bring a personal touch to everything we do, striving to create a better future for our neighbors and the next generation. Supporting Biene means supporting a small, family-driven business dedicated to making eco-friendly living accessible.
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Product & Packaging
always Plastic free
We are dedicated to offering products and packaging that are 100% plastic-free. From the suppliers we partner with to the way we deliver, every detail is designed to reduce waste and protect our planet. By prioritizing sustainability without compromise, we make it easy for you to embrace eco-friendly choices that truly make a difference.
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Local Focus from
Supplier to Consumer
We believe in the strength of community to drive meaningful change. That’s why we partner with small businesses across North America (most of them manufacture the products in house!) and focus our efforts locally. By keeping it close to home, we aim to create real, tangible impact here in DuPage and Kane county.
Meet the Suppliers
Thoughtfully Sourced, Sustainably Made: At Biene, we exclusively partner with small, U.S. and Canada-based businesses—most of which you won’t even find on Amazon. Supporting local is important to us, and every supplier shares our commitment to sustainability, quality, and reducing waste.
Concord, New Hampshire
Cosh
Cosh began as Shela & Mike's hobby, creating natural, additive-free self-care products for friends and family. Now a small business, they offer toxin-free items scented with pure essential oils, packaged sustainably. Cosh means "Clean Options for Self & Home."
Eugene, Oregon
Marley's Monsters
Marley’s Monsters was founded in 2013 when founder Sarah was awaiting her first child, Marley. Starting with creating little fabric scrap monsters, Sarah turned her passion for reusability into a business, offering simple, sustainable products to inspire eco-living.
North Barrington, Illinois
Honeywild Apothecary
Founded by best friends Laura and Kate, Honeywild Apothecary crafts small-batch skin products with organic, responsibly sourced ingredients. Many botanicals are homegrown or foraged, and all honey & beeswax come from their farm or local beekeepers.
Silverton, Oregon
Silver Falls Sustainability Co.
Founded by a cancer survivor in 2018, Silver Falls Sustainability Co. crafts zero-waste home and body care products in Oregon using natural, high-quality ingredients and no plastic. Their authentic, handcrafted goods have earned a loyal and growing customer base.
Claremont, California
Unearth Malee
Founded by a Thai-American maker, Unearth Malee crafts palm oil-free, small-batch body care inspired by traditional Asian herbs and remedies. Rooted in heritage and sustainability, each product reflects a deep love for wellness and rainforest conservation.
Goleta, California
Simpl Bars
Simpl Bars is a mother-daughter brand simplifying personal care with salon-quality bars for hair, body, hands, and face. Each bar is handmade in small batches in Santa Barbara using natural ingredients and essential oils.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Nellie's Clean
Nellie’s was inspired by a real woman who valued honesty, simplicity, and eco-friendly living (long before it was trendy!). Her son, James Roberts, founded the brand to honor her legacy with products that reflect those same values.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Indigo River & Co.
The company was born from Rachel and Tim’s move to Cedar Rapids, where they saw a need for low-waste options in their new community. What started as Rachel’s longtime passion for soap-making became the region's first refill shop in 2022.