Rather like the fabled tortoise, Baula’s achievements have been hard-earned — the result of consistent effort and determination. Over a decade ago, Caparrós began experimenting with eco-friendly, capsule-based detergents. His innovation was to create a small detergent tablet, free from harmful chemicals, that users could simply dissolve in water. This effective concentrate removed the need to keep buying new plastic bottles.

Caparrós received support from Barcelona Science Park, a well-known research institute, before obtaining his first patent in 2010. He explored the capsule technology’s market potential, running tests with restaurants, hotels and households, before finally establishing Baula as a company in December 2015.

Since then, Baula has manufactured and sold its range of degreasers, disinfectants, bleaches, glass cleaners, and more. The business strategy focused on the commercial cleaning sector, which has culminated in lucrative contracts with major global corporations, including Bunzl (a large distributor) and ISS (a powerful facility services provider).

Baula gains a competitive edge from its eco-friendly credentials, as governments increasingly demand more sustainable business practices from cleaning companies. According to Caparrós, Baula’s contracts already cover 16 countries, and include the option of expanding to 15 more.

Now, Caparrós wants to leverage Baula’s reputation for making effective and sustainable cleaning products to enter the domestic cleaning market. For a start, he hopes that workers with his commercial partners — such as ISS’ 800,000-person strong staff — will use Baula products in their own homes. Caparrós believes that the products’ high performance will do the rest.

Of course, it will be far from easy for Baula to change the mindsets of more stubborn consumers, who may still prefer lower prices over sustainable cleaning products. Nevertheless, Caparrós remains undaunted.

For the name Baula does not only refer to the Leatherback turtle, whose life is threatened by plastic waste. Baula also means the “link” found in a chain which, for Caparrós, calls to mind his company’s dedicated and talented staff. He enthused: “Many baulas, or links, create a great team chain.”

Learn more about Baula through the website and Facebook.

Photos courtesy of Baula