Cleaning brand OceanSaver has raised £1.9 million (USD$2.53) to continue its expansion and get its products on to more supermarket shelves. The company contributes some of its profits to cleaning up ocean bound plastics and donates 1% of its turnover to the Blue Marine Foundation.
The funding came from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). The fund covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
OceanSaver’s says it dishwasher tablets, laundry detergents and cleaning spray refills are free from plastic and harmful chemicals, though the company was found responsible for greenwashing in April by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority.
The company’s laundry pods are sealed in PVOH, which the company argued can break down into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water when consumed by organisms common in water treatment facilities. However the Plastic Pollution Coalition reports that such biodegradability is not proven and some evidence suggests otherwise.
“The ocean acts as the planet’s life-support system, producing 90% of our oxygen and removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Ocean health begins at home, with what we put down the drain and in the bin,” said Rhys Harvey, CEO. “OceanSaver has made a really positive start but still has a long way to go. This funding will enable us to reach out to more customers to show them that little everyday changes really do add up.”
“The UK market for home cleaning and laundry products is worth over £6bn market but trends are changing,” said Will Schaffer of Mercia Ventures. “As consumers become more concerned about plastic waste and pollution, there is a steady shift toward eco-friendly products. OceanSaver’s products are an appealing choice as they enable consumers to live more sustainably without spending more. The company is well placed to take advantage of the shifting plates and expand its market share.”
