Packaging manufacturer invests in sanitary start-up
FAMILY-owned manufacturing company Duo UK has invested in a start-up firm that it says is set to revolutionise the sanitary industry but also has forensic and medical applications.
Set up in 2015 by entrepreneur Martha Silcott, Loopeeze is an early-stage company that designed, owns and markets FabLittleBag – an invention designed to give women a simple, practical and environmental way to dispose of tampons, sanitary towels and wipes.
The design, which has a registered trademark and is fully patented, features a loop handle allowing the bag to be opened and sealed with one hand. Each bag is made from 35% organic material and is oxo-biodegradable.
Duo, the £23m turnover plastics manufacturer which is owned and run by the Brimelow family in East Manchester, has been involved in the project journey from initial idea through to finished product. The firm created the first prototype for the FabLittleBag and engineered the machinery to manufacture the unique bag design for mass-market production.
FabLittleBags are currently stocked by retailers including WholeFoods, Waitrose and Ocado stores, and major UK water boards are interested in supplying the product as a potential solution to help the increasing drainage crisis in the UK.
Loopeeze is also looking to raise £600,000 through a crowd-funding project with GrowthDeck. This funding will enable investment in marketing, staff and stock to build on the great success to date.
Loopeeze and Duo UK want to see FabLittleBag sold in all major retail stores as well as through monthly subscription services such as Pink Parcel and Sanitary Owl.
The next year will also see potential use of the Loopeeze design in other markets such as forensics and medical disposal.
Anthony Brimelow, commercial director at Duo UK, said: “We’re always open minded when it comes to expanding our business offering which is why when Martha approached us we were keen to find out more about her invention.
“In the first five minutes of meeting Martha we were absolutely blown away by her passion, confidence and sheer belief in how this product was going to revolutionise the sanitary industry. We thrive on challenges and developing a solution to bring this concept to market with such a driven individual has been an incredible experience.
“Everybody is in agreement that Britain’s Victorian drainage system simply can’t cope with the level of waste that it has to deal with, and we are confident that FabLittleBag with Martha’s infectious passion for the product, will help to reduce the environmental impact of sanitary product disposal and provide a hygienic alternative option to flushing.”
Loopeeze founder, Martha Silcott said: “These are exciting times for FabLittleBag as we focus on becoming the product of choice for those looking for an alternative tampon disposal that’s simple, hygienic, and kind to the environment.”
She added: “The dedication Duo UK has shown to make my idea a reality, together with their valuable manufacturing and product expertise has ensured that together, we’ve been able to launch with a commercially viable product. We’re very much looking forward to what the future holds for this partnership.”
