Winnipeg-based Botanical PaperWorks (asi/41273) is turning over a new leaf. After three decades of leadership, founder and CEO Heidi Reimer-Epp has sold the certified B Corp supplier to Kyle and Kayla Kannwischer. The sale is effective immediately. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Reimer-Epp retains an investment stake in the plantable seed paper company. Although she is stepping away from her responsibilities as CEO, she will remain under contract as a consultant through 2026 to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.

“Finding the right buyer for Botanical PaperWorks took the better part of a year and involved careful consideration of several offers,” Reimer-Epp said. “This company has been my life’s work, and I wanted to ensure the new owners shared my personal and the company’s values along with the ‘business for good’ approach that has been the hallmark of Botanical PaperWorks since its inception.”

The Kannwischers are both chartered professional accountants with accounting and business degrees, and each boast a decade of experience in leadership roles. While the couple are joint owners, Kyle will oversee day-to-day operations as the company’s CEO, having left his role as a chief financial officer in the transportation industry.

Kyle Kannwischer said he and his wife were attracted to Botanical PaperWorks because of Reimer-Epp’s purpose-driven, methodical and disciplined approach to building the company. “Kayla and I value the commitment to social responsibility and look forward to being held accountable in this regard as business owners,” he added.

Reimer-Epp, past chair of the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada National Board, said she knew it was the right time to step away from Botanical PaperWorks because the company is thriving and has a strategic growth plan. Selling the company gives Reimer-Epp the chance to focus on other opportunities once the transition to new CEO is complete, she added.

Despite the change in ownership, leaders said other aspects of the business will remain the same, including current team members, longtime vendors and the supplier’s B Corp certification, which it achieved in 2024 as a testament to its commitment to sustainable business practices.

“I am excited to continue to create exceptional products that have a meaningful environmental and social impact,” said Kyle Kannwischer. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue to create new, high-quality products as a leader in the emerging sustainability sector. I love a challenge, and it will be fun to see what more we can accomplish through continuous improvement and innovation.”

Botanical PaperWorks specializes in Canada-made zero-waste seed paper, as well as handmade soaps and eco-friendly soy and coconut wax candles.