Bernadette Clemente
De La Salle University Manila
Pia Manalastas
Keep this story going! Share below!
Three business entrepreneurship students from San Beda College Alabang—Nichole Fabillar, Joshua Ruben Pabayos, and Nathania Vela—own Eco Hommie Household Products Trading. From the project's inception to its completion, Maria Luisa Dimaranan served as their mentor. The business created a dishwashing sponge called "Coco E-Sponge," which is environmentally friendly and comprises cellulose sponge and coconut husk fiber scrubber. In the Philippines, pollution and plastic waste are decreased by this novel product, which is eco-friendly and sustainable. Coco E-Sponge aims to provide a sustainable dishwashing sponge that will satisfy every family.
The purpose of Coco E-Sponge is to encourage an environmentally friendly and sustainable environment. Rather than using the typical polyester plastic sponges that are bad for the environment, they created a sponge made of plants. Plant-based cellulose and coconut husk are used to make the Coco E-Sponge. They had an idea when making their coconut sponge at home. The group incorporated this into their business strategy and implementation project at school to emphasize sustainable living. They aim to become one of the top eco-friendly dishwashing sponges every family uses and recommends. One of the owners, Nathania Vela, previously told me during our interview, “Think green and save the environment because there is so much to do for our environment.”
Home Dishwashing Sponge For Sustainable Living
When the initial idea originated, Nathania and her classmates had to develop a product idea for their Business Planning and Implementation class. Their team's goal was to create an environmentally friendly dishwashing sponge. They investigated various materials that could replace the typical polyester plastic in cleaning sponges. Nathania believes that "God is so good that He created an environment for humans to live. We need to make a conscious effort to protect God's gifts, which is to protect our world."
Their group had difficulties along the road; thus, the trip was never simple. Finding cellulose materials was one of the difficulties they faced while the idea was still being developed. Registering with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) proved another challenge for them. One of the DTI's requirements was that they must pay. Despite this challenge, they persisted, maintained their concentration, and never gave up.
Developing a safer and more ecologically friendly product that wasn't on the market impacted Eco Hommie Household Products Trading's business. The sponges typically sold in the market are composed of plastic, which is terrible for the environment. Creating the Coco E-Sponge allowed the company to reach its sustainability goal. Since this product emphasizes environmental sustainability, a lot of people value it, which has an impact on society as well. People will be more mindful of their cleaning supplies and conscious of their environmental impact. Customers may buy a more environmentally friendly and sustainable brand thanks to options like Coco E-Sponge. Regarding environmental impact, the Coco E-Sponge is an excellent alternative to standard sponges made of polyester plastic that cannot be recycled because it is constructed of natural coconut husk and cellulose plant components. This will undoubtedly safeguard the planet Earth and encourage sustainable life.
Users will use the product's cleansing and oil-absorbing qualities regarding the Coco E-Sponge's immediate benefits. The product may nonetheless accomplish its intended purpose, just like the regular sponge we used to have, even if it is composed of coconut and cellulose. The Coco E-Sponge has longer-term environmental benefits because it can be recycled and utilized as plant compost. In the long run, this will significantly affect the ecosystem. Nathania said during the interview, "The environment where we live should be used wisely with our intelligence and do our part in preserving our environment."
When customers learned about their product in the marketplace, it was one of their winning moments. They managed to sell 100 units of Coco E-Sponge at their first bazaar. Additionally, they have online stores on Shopee and Lazada (online shopping platforms in the Philippines). The company has sold 400 pieces and plans to expand its product line and open a physical store.
The company will gain from this innovation in several ways. Demonstrating their concern for the environment and their community will allow people worldwide to learn more about the company's objectives. In addition to spreading the word and raising awareness of the Coco E-Sponge and, most importantly, acting sustainably in the business sector, this could inspire others and bring in business.
Businesses that put sustainability first are viewed as morally responsible, which boosts consumer loyalty, improves brand recognition, and boosts profitability. Businesses may boost production and efficiency and increase revenues by cutting waste and resource usage. Because this business uses sustainable techniques, it saves a lot of money by using less energy, water, and resources and paying less to dispose of garbage. Businesses implementing sustainable practices can receive various financial incentives from governments, including tax credits or rebates for using renewable energy sources. Sustainable business practices can enhance employee satisfaction by developing a healthy workplace culture and promoting a sense of purpose. This can, therefore, result in lower turnover costs and higher staff retention.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to investors and consumers, which opens doors for companies that respect sustainability to expand into new sectors and draw in new clients. This little business has much growth potential, and Eco Hommie, Household Products Trading, will be the catalyst to help it get over the finish line. During my interview with Nathania, she said, "Even if we are still very young, we wanted to contribute to the business community. In our way, we know sustainability can be achieved through our company goals." The company will be able to grow financially by increasing its market presence and product line, which will give it additional opportunities to introduce new technologies and sustainably sourced items.
Many firms are seeking ways to lessen their environmental impact with environmental concerns growing. When Eco Hommie Household Products Trading integrated eco-friendly and sustainable items into their business operations, this was one of their tactics. Nathania mentioned, “Reducing a business's environmental effect using eco-friendly and sustainable products is one of the primary advantages of the Coco E-Sponge. The Coco E-Sponge aims to produce as little waste as possible.” Another benefit is that sustainable and eco-friendly products can improve a company's reputation and branding. As consumers grow more aware of the impact of their purchases on the environment, they are prepared to spend extra on ecologically friendly products. Because Eco Hommie Household Products Trading sells environmentally friendly and sustainable goods, a company can appeal to this expanding market of conscientious customers, enhancing its reputation and brand image.
Eco-friendly and sustainable products can also achieve long-term cost savings for the environment and society. Because the sponge is composed of more robust materials, it requires less frequent replacement. Nathania shared, “It's important to remember that businesses are starting to demand more and more eco-friendly and sustainable products.”
An increasing number of laws and certifications promote or mandate sustainable practices because of increased awareness among customers, businesses, and governments about the impact of sustainability on the environment. Sustainable and environmentally friendly products can benefit a company's bottom line in addition to helping to lessen its environmental effects. Additionally, many customers are now prepared to pay extra for environmentally friendly and sustainable goods, which might increase Eco Hommie Household Products Trading's sales and profitability.
Get stories of positive business innovations from around the world delivered right to your inbox.
Coco E-Sponge is an eco-friendly dishwashing sponge made from Coconut Husk Fiber Scrubber and Cellulose sponge materials by Eco-Hommie Household Products Trading. This innovative product is sustainable and eco-friendly, reducing pollution and plastic waste in the Philippines.
