To support their investment premise of “People prefer safer products”, Safer Made seeks out and invests in technologies and companies that use safer chemistry.

These technologies enable brands and retailers to tell a differentiated story of safety that resonates with consumers. Safer Made has deep expertise in green chemistry, which they use to identify products that deliver superior performance without using harmful chemicals and materials.

I just attended their 3^rd annual meeting where they showcased their portfolio and introduced new companies and materials to brands, foundations and angel investors.

Safer Made shared some industry/product trends from their research and these include the following themes.

Replace plastic

Safer alternatives are replacing plastic products. For example, Repurpose is making reusable plastic utensils, such as lunch boxes for kids from PLA instead of plastic. The product is safer, contains fewer harmful chemicals and is better for the environment because it can be used again and again and again.

Nohbo Drops are single-use, water-soluble “Drops” that contain shampoo, conditioner, body wash or shaving cream. The company is targeting hotels where single-use plastic bottles containing toiletries are very common. The chemicals contained inside each Drop are plant based and safer than their synthetic alternatives.

Sustainable packaging

There is growing concern about packaging, from single-use plastics to hazardous chemicals added to food packaging to serve a function such as protection from oil and grease. Ecologic has developed a paper bottle that drastically reduces the use of plastic in its packaging. The container is made from recycled paper and is recyclable. It is also free from BPA and PFAS’s.

Products with less water

This trend is applicable to many different consumer product categories especially household cleaning products and beauty care. Water reduction is also very prominent in textile manufacturing and has led to such innovations as the use of ozone gas and lasers in the denim industry. There are many advantages to concentrated products or solid products (soap) compared to their liquid alternatives and include:

1. Less preservatives needed to extend shelf-life
2. Formulating solids is easier than liquids. Fewer chemicals such as stabilizers, anti-coagulants are needed.
3. Concentrated products require less packaging.
4. Cheaper to transport.

Force of Nature sells a multifunctional cleaning product that converts water, salt and vinegar into electrolyzed water via an electric current. The chemical composition then changes into hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide.

The company sells a “one-time purchase” machine similar to a soda stream. Miniature capsules of chemicals are shipped and converted into the cleaning product at home.

The chemicals are less hazardous and the cleaning product is very versatile.  Minimal packaging is required for shipping because you make the cleaning product at home using tap water!

This meeting was particularly enjoyable because I would use each and every product that was shown!

Do you need help developing or selecting safer products?

For help with sustainability, circularity and chemicals, contact Amanda Cattermole at (415) 412 8406 or Amanda@cattermoleconsulting.com. We can help you develop powerful solutions to protect your company and brand reputation.

Tips and Insights contains information to help you make informed sustainability decisions. Each post highlights a particular topic and includes questions you may want to consider for your business.