OceanSaver set to clean up with £1.9 million backing

An eco-friendly cleaning business in Leeds is set for significant growth after securing new investment to scale its range and reach more retailers.

OceanSaver has raised £1.9 million from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). 

Bosses at the firm, which is known for its plastic-free dishwasher tablets, laundry detergents and cleaning spray refills, say they plan to expand its product line, target additional supermarket listings and accelerate its mission to become the UK’s leading eco-cleaning brand. 

They add that its 12-strong team is also expected to double in size over the next three years.

OceanSaver’s products already sit on shelves in Tesco, ASDA, Co-op, Waitrose and Ocado, with the company forecasting a six-fold increase in turnover to £30 million by 2030. 

Rhys Harvey, chief executive at OceanSaver, said: “The ocean acts as the planet’s life-support system, producing 90 per cent of our oxygen and removing CO2 from the atmosphere. 

“Ocean health begins at home, with what we put down the drain and in the bin. 

“OceanSaver has made a really positive start, but still has a long way to go. 

“This funding will enable us to reach out to more customers to show them that little everyday changes really do add up.”

Founded in 2018, the brand develops formulas with ocean health in mind, avoiding plastic and harmful chemicals. 

In the past two years alone, OceanSaver has prevented more than 15 million pieces of plastic from entering oceans or landfill, while donating one per cent of turnover to the Blue Marine Foundation.

Sales have risen by over 60 per cent in the last year, with its Pearl dishwasher tablets helping establish OceanSaver as the UK’s fastest-growing dishwasher and laundry brand.

Will Schaffer, investment manager at Mercia Ventures, added: “The UK market for home cleaning and laundry products is worth over £6 billion market but trends are changing. 

“As consumers become more concerned about plastic waste and pollution, there is a steady shift toward eco-friendly products. 

“OceanSaver’s products are an appealing choice as they enable consumers to live more sustainably without spending more. 

“The company is well placed to take advantage of the shifting plates and expand its market share.”

The £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) fund, operated by British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “Driving forward the sustainable economy is one of the core aims of NPIF II, ensuring we’re supporting businesses that are creating real-world solutions to the growing threat of climate change. 

“All from a Yorkshire base, OceanSaver is doing exactly this, catering to growing consumer demand while providing a product that better protects our planet. 

“Our region is full of forward-thinking, eco-conscious businesses, and NPIF II is primed to continue supporting them.” 

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