As 2022 comes to a close, we wanted to pause for a moment to reflect on all the things that have been happening at Koala Eco this year, and to say a huge thank you to all of you, our loyal customers.
We recently asked you what Koala Eco means to you. Your responses were fascinating and so gratefully received. You said our brand embodies reassurance, because the products are natural, safe and non-toxic. You like to support local manufacturing, and you also like our eco-friendly values. We were thrilled that your feedback repeatedly shared how much you enjoy using our range because of the sensory experience it offers, thanks to the naturally beautiful scents from the Australian essential oils we use.
This year we started to take more action with our company’s purpose: to bring more nature into people’s daily lives. Our commitment to improve wellbeing by advocating for the importance of connecting with nature, was a big focus for our team, our customers and our community.
We became the principal sponsor of People and Parks Foundation’s #NaturePact campaign, which aims to encourage as many people as possible to spend more time connecting with the outdoor world. We’ve talked to lots of inspiring people about what nature means to them and shared their revelations in our An Hour in Nature journal series.
We’ve also continued to encourage our team members to also take An Hour in Nature as part of their working week; a practice that has become especially meaningful during 2022, with the world emerging from lock-downs and coping with wild weather conditions (especially in eastern Australia).
It was also a year to celebrate. Not only did we reach our 5-year anniversary, but Koala Eco also won best home cleaning product (Natural Multipurpose Kitchen Cleaner) and best eco-home product (Natural Fruit and Vege Wash) in the Nourished Life Wellness Awards. Our Kitchen Cleaner Concentrate and Body Wash were also winners in the Clean + Conscious Awards.
We are proud to have reached some significant milestones. Our biodegradable formulations have prevented well over 1 million litres of toxic liquid from entering our homes and waterways. And, by using recycled plastic, we have prevented 1.5 million new plastic bottles from entering circulation.
We are so thankful to be supported by such an incredible group of people in the extended Koala Eco family, spanning Australia, Philippines, Columbia, Canada, and USA. Paul and I were overjoyed to be able to take our sons and reconnect with extended family in the United States earlier this year. We were also there to join my twin sister Adrienne and the team in achieving our dream of launching Koala Eco’s US operations. We’re delighted to share that our products are now stocked across the US, and our Gift Collection was just featured on goop’s Holiday Gift Guide.
With the world now seemingly ‘living with Covid,’ it’s a moment to feel grateful that travel restrictions no longer prevent loved ones from being together. However, it's also a moment to remember that many precious lives have also been lost, or irrevocably changed, by the pandemic. If this applies to any of you in our Koala Eco community, we send thoughts, love, and strength to you. 2023 is something we are looking forward to with exciting new products about to launch and our Koala Eco community continuing to grow and share.
Now please go and enjoy your hour in nature these holidays. More Nature, Feel Better.
Jess and Paul, Koala Eco Co-Founders