Andrea Pérez
Mónica Espinosa
Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla
Fernando Rios y Valles
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The Respect Company offers biodegradable and health-safe cleaning products such as detergent in water-soluble sheets, which represent a sustainable alternative to traditional products on the market. This innovation contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing the use of harmful chemicals, minimizing waste and promoting a responsible business culture.
The Respect Company is a Mexican company founded in 2014 by Héctor Pinto, with the mission of offering sustainable cleaning solutions that respect both the environment and people. The company was born as a conscious response to the excessive use of aggressive chemicals in traditional cleaning products, seeking to transform the industry from an ethical, ecological and human perspective.
Its value proposition focuses on the manufacture and marketing of biodegradable products, such as detergent in water-soluble sheets, which eliminates the use of plastic packaging and significantly reduces the environmental footprint. In addition, its packaging biodegrades in about six months. This solution not only meets the ecological requirements of the present, but also puts the health of consumers at heart, by avoiding toxic ingredients.
The company operates in Mexico, but its model has the potential for global replicability, in a context where sustainability is an urgent need. In addition, The Respect Company is a pioneer in the country by obtaining the “Flustics” certificate, an international badge that guarantees compliance with rigorous sustainability standards.
The Respect Company’s innovation aligns with SDGs 3 (Health and Wellness), 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption) and 13 (Climate Action), creating a viable, healthy and sustainable option for everyday households. The company represents an inspiring example of how a business can be economically viable and socially transformative.
Héctor Pinto's inspiration for founding The Respect Company was forged over time and influenced his academic and personal experiences. After studying at the Universidad Iberoamericana and completing an MBA in the United States, his vision of entrepreneurship changed profoundly: "There, my perspective on entrepreneurship changed a lot," he says. Upon his return to Mexico, he still wasn't sure what business to start, but in 2008, he founded his first sustainable cleaning company, where he began his journey toward a conscious and responsible business model.
However, it wasn't an easy path. The forced sale of his first company marked a turning point. Instead of abandoning his purpose, Héctor decided to start over with an even stronger vision. Thus, in 2014, The Respect Company was born with the conviction that "we at least want to be an option to prevent Mexicans from consuming harmful ingredients."
An analogy that has stayed with him since his university years is the Japanese philosophy that compares businesses to children: "You can't tell a two-year-old to take care of the house; you have to educate them, care for them, and teach them." This idea led him to view his company as a long-term project that requires time and patience, not as a machine that produces instant results. This philosophy has guided his path toward innovation focused on the common good.
The Respect Company's innovation has had a tangible impact on the way Mexican consumers understand and consume cleaning products. In a market dominated by brands that prioritize chemical efficiency without considering environmental or health risks, this company offers a safe and sustainable alternative. Since its founding in 2014, the company has maintained a long-term vision that has made it resilient and true to its mission.
One of the most notable impacts is the launch of detergent in water-soluble wipes, a pioneering innovation in Mexico. This presentation not only eliminates the need for plastic packaging but is also free of toxic ingredients, protecting both the planet and people. The product packaging is completely biodegradable and degrades in six months, significantly reducing waste generation.
Furthermore, The Respect Company is the only company in Mexico with the international "Flustics" certification, which validates its high standards of sustainability and non-toxicity. This recognition represents concrete proof of the company's positive impact on the environment and public health.
In the long term, the company contributes to changing consumer habits by raising market awareness about the importance of responsible products. As Héctor points out, "The process is very long-term," and its history demonstrates that patience and perseverance can transform entire industries. Its innovation directly contributes to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.
The commitment to sustainability and health has opened up new business opportunities for The Respect Company. Its innovation has made it possible to differentiate itself within a highly competitive and standardized industry, gaining the preference of a growing segment of conscious consumers. Being pioneers in Mexico in offering products such as detergent in water-soluble sheets, they have captured the attention of niche markets interested in responsible and ecological solutions.
This differentiation has not only contributed to the brand’s recognition, but also facilitated its growth. Obtaining the “Flustics” certificate has strengthened its reputation and opened doors for strategic alliances and commercial expansion. In addition, by focusing on constant innovation.
The Respect Company’s innovation has a profound impact on protecting the environment and people’s health. In a sector where the use of aggressive chemicals and plastic packaging is the norm, this company offers biodegradable products that minimize environmental impact. Detergent in sheets, for example, eliminates the need for plastic packaging and dissolves completely in water, reducing waste and pollution.
The packaging, designed to biodegrade in six months, represents an effective solution to the accumulation of plastic waste, one of the main environmental challenges today. In addition, the commitment not to use toxic ingredients protects consumers from potential health impacts, especially in homes with children or people with chemical sensitivity.
The Respect Company promotes a more conscious business culture, focused on ethical, sustainable and human values.
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The Respect Company offers biodegradable and health-friendly cleaning products, which represent a sustainable alternative to traditional products on the market.
