Pioneering zero waste home care brand raises major investment

The Friendly Chemical Co. (FCC), a sustainable chemical manufacturer based in Skipton, Yorkshire, has secured its first-ever investment from Fearless Adventures, a fast-growing investment platform for start-up entrepreneurs. 

The investment, Fearless Adventures’ largest to date, will support the expansion of FCC’s award-winning ethical cleaning products brand, Miniml. Launched in 2020, the range has quickly grown in popularity, available in 2,500 stores in the UK alone, including major stockists such as Booths and Holland & Barrett. 

FCC is a specialist producer of eco-friendly cleaning products, and one of the only manufacturers in the UK to operate on a completely closed loop system through their unique reverse logistics model. This means that all empty packaging is collected free of charge, to be cleaned, reused and refilled back at their factory in The Yorkshire Dales. This approach has helped to save around 140 tonnes of waste since FCC was founded. Customers can also access refill stations up and down the country to top up their Miniml products. 

FCC was established by Emma Tapper and Scott Rudd, who started the business from their garage in Leeds using a paint mixer and a 200L drum to make their first ever product. It has experienced rapid growth ever since, recently expanding into a 10,000 sq ft new facility in Skipton, which will act as it’s dedicated manufacturing site in The Yorkshire Dales.  

Founded in October 2021 by young entrepreneurs David Newns, Dominic McGregor, and Charlie Yates, Fearless Adventures is an investment firm that offers its partners support through funding, strategy, marketing services and talent. Through this new partnership, Miniml will benefit from Fearless Adventures’ centralised team of digital marketers, data experts, and talent specialists. 

Emma Tapper, co-founder of The Friendly Chemical Co., said: “As The Friendly Chemical Co. is growing rapidly, we needed investment to scale and meet the rising demand for our sustainable ranges. When Scott and I began searching for a partner, it was vital we found an organisation that shared our values and was fully behind our goal – to leave a minimal trace on the planet.  

“The ethos of the Fearless Adventures team aligns perfectly with ours, especially their drive to challenge the status quo and do things differently. 2022 is shaping up to be a significant year in our history, with new product launches lined up, and our team and network of stockists growing at a fast pace. Fearless Adventures’ support will add real value to what we do, and we can’t wait to start working with the team.” 

Charlie Yates, co-founder of Fearless Adventures, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Miniml. It has already built a phenomenal reputation in organic markets across the UK thanks to creating a closed-loop, zero-waste supply chain for all cleaning, laundry, and personal care needs.  

“After meeting the founders, it was clear that we both have a similar vision for the business. We believe the brand can become a sector leader that encourages more consumers to make the small, simple switches to a better, greener lifestyle.  

 “The state-of-the-art bulk chemical blending facility has doubled production levels, so is already gearing up for strong growth. With our help in sourcing the best talent and supporting growth marketing, Emma and Scott will be able to bring their brilliant brand to a much wider consumer audience."