Dundee-based entrepreneurial friends turn school project into worldwide cleaning business

Sustainable household products brand The Green Co was founded by young entrepreneurs and school friends, Emilio Rimini and Kieran Chauhan, in 2018 at the age of 16.

Started from their mothers’ kitchens, The Green Co now ships over 100,000 units to 150 countries, persevering through the pandemic by focusing on product development. Officially carbon negative, The Green Co offers biodegradable products like GreenSheets and innovative GreenTabs, designed to reduce plastic use and eliminate unnecessary water transport.

Emilio, managing director, recalls their humble beginnings and the journey from his student flat to an office in Dundee with a dedicated team.

He said: “Remembering that not too long ago I was packaging up products and working on the business from my student flat to now having our own office in Dundee and being surrounded with an amazing team that all shares the same desire to change the washing industry is heart-warming and exciting.

“We know that condensed cleaning that doesn’t impact our planet is not only possible but definitely achievable. We all need to play our part in protecting the environment and we encourage everyone to join us in reducing plastic wastage through greener and cleaner alternatives.”

Both Kieran and Emilio have been inspired by their family members in starting and running their own businesses.

Emilio said: “My grandparents came across from Italy to London just after the war and to build a life for themselves, they started importing products to sell in the UK. My mum’s dad also had his own businesses, so there’s certainly entrepreneurial spirit inbuilt.

“I’d say my biggest inspiration is my mum. She was a teacher and was always so meticulous in her planning and I’d say her attention to detail is certainly something I carry with me when running the business day-to-day.”

Kieran Chauhan, COO at The Green Co, said: “My father has spent his entire life in business, continuing my grandad’s legacy in our family’s motor trade business. He’s been an inspiration in seeing how he has navigated the changing economy and trends over the years.

“It really wasn’t that long ago that both Emilio and I were attending weekend markets to fit around school to sell our products. We learnt so much during this process from other business owners. It was when COVID hit that our business switched from in person selling to online, which is when we really noticed a step change.

“We’re looking forward to this next chapter of our business journey together as we both graduate from university and have big ambitions for growing the business in Dundee and creating more opportunities for the local and wider economy.”

Both co-founders are set to graduate this summer – Kieran from Bath University with a degree in Politics and International Relations, and Emilio from St Andrews University with a degree in Geography. As they look to the future, they aim to grow their business in Dundee and contribute to the local economy with their innovative, eco-friendly products.