Celebrating 40 Years: RapidClean and the International Day of Cooperatives 2025
On the first Saturday of July each year, cooperatives around the world come together to celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives (#CoopsDay) — a day dedicated to showcasing how cooperative businesses are helping to build a better, fairer, and more sustainable world.
For RapidClean, this year’s CoopsDay is especially meaningful, as we proudly mark 40 years as a cooperative. Since 1985, we’ve been driven by the core principles of cooperation: shared ownership, democratic decision-making, and a commitment to supporting our members and their communities.
What Is the International Day of Cooperatives?
CoopsDay has been celebrated since 1923 and was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1995. It highlights how cooperatives contribute to social and economic development, empower people, and promote values such as solidarity, sustainability, and inclusion.
Each year, a global theme is chosen by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the United Nations Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC). The theme for 2025 is: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World
Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World
This year’s theme aligns with the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), a worldwide celebration of the cooperative model’s role in shaping sustainable development.
Cooperatives offer practical, people-first solutions to many of today’s pressing challenges. From social inequality to environmental sustainability, co-ops lead the way with business models that prioritise purpose over profit.
RapidClean: A Trusted Cooperative for 40 Years
As a proud Australian and New Zealand cooperative, RapidClean is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration. With a network of over 70 locally owned and operated stores across Australia and New Zealand, we’ve been delivering trusted cleaning, paper, machinery and packaging solutions for four decades.
Our cooperative model ensures that our members are more than just business partners — they are co-owners with a voice in how the business operates. This unique structure enables us to deliver consistent, high-quality service, backed by local knowledge, national support, and long-term relationships.
In 2025, we’re honoured to be featured as part of the BCCM’s Co-op and Mutual Icons campaign — celebrating the achievements and impact of Australia’s most influential cooperatives and mutuals.
Read our story here https://iyc2025.bccm.coop/rapidclean/
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate CoopsDay 2025 and our 40th anniversary, we reflect on the strength of the cooperative model — and the people behind it. To our members, staff, and loyal customers: thank you for being part of this journey.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together, and we’re excited for what the future holds.
Here’s to 40 years of cooperation — and many more to come.
