4 minute read
ECO: HOME, BODY & MIND
Home, body & mind
Koala Eco was born out of a deep desire to find eco-friendly, non-toxic products that were both efficacious and safe for even the littlest members of the family.
When and why did you launch Koala Eco?
Jessica Bragdon (JB): Koala Eco was launched in 2017 to create a healthier, safer environment but without compromising on efficacy. My husband, Paul, and I wanted to create non-toxic, effective cleaning and household products that also respected the planet. This mission became even more personal after our son, Arthur, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just five weeks old. That experience reinforced our commitment to living naturally and led us to create a range of plant-based products using Australian native botanicals.
How has the brand evolved since then?
JB: One of the most rewarding moments was seeing our products embraced and recognised from being featured in goop, The New York Times and Vanity Fair to expanding into markets like the US and Asia. However, rapid growth has also been one of our biggest challenges with balancing expansion. Over time, we’ve grown from household cleaning solutions to include personal care items, room sprays and even a natural dog wash, always staying true to our eco-friendly non-toxic ethos.
Tell us more about your latest collection.
JB: Our latest products focus on enhancing wellbeing by bringing the calming and therapeutic properties of nature into the home. Having a masters in psychology, I wanted to bring eco psychology into the heart of the brand. For example, our natural pillow and linen spray combines eucalyptus, peppermint and Rosalina essential oils, designed to improve sleep and create a calming atmosphere. Each product in this collection reflects our belief in the restorative power of nature to help mental health.
How does greenwashing impact brands like Koala Eco?
JB: Greenwashing is a real issue that undermines trust in truly sustainable brands. At Koala Eco, we combat this by maintaining complete transparency and obtaining certifications like toxic-free, allergy-certified, vegan and cruelty-free. These certifications assure our customers that we stand by our values and deliver genuinely ecofriendly products.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. All our bottles are made from 100 per cent recycled post-consumer plastic (RPET) and we’ve introduced options like glass bottles, concentrates and refills to reduce single-use waste. Our products are biodegradable, vegan and free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that both our formulations and packaging are as kind to the planet as possible.
Why is giving back an integral part of Koala Eco’s mission?
JB: We donate a percentage of every sale to 1% for the Planet and support causes like WWF Australia and the People and Parks Foundation’s NaturePact initiative. We’re also proud to sponsor the Oceanic Society’s Critter Scholars Program, helping disadvantaged teens connect with marine life. These partnerships align with our goal of fostering a deeper connection with nature and protecting our environment—more nature feel better.
Looking back at the last eight years, is there anything you would’ve done differently?
JB: If I could change one thing, it would be to celebrate the small wins more. When you’re so focused on growing a business, it’s easy to overlook the milestones along the way. Taking a moment to acknowledge progress is crucial for maintaining momentum and enjoying the journey.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
JB: Resilience and self-belief are vital. I’ve learned not to take ‘no’ for an answer and to trust in the process, even when things don’t go as planned. Building a business is a journey of constant learning, but the relationships and experiences along the way make it incredibly rewarding.
What can we expect next from Koala Eco?
JB: We’re excited to continue expanding our product range with items that help people integrate nature into their daily routines. Our focus remains on creating sustainable, effective solutions that support personal wellbeing and a healthier planet. There’s so much more to come and we’re thrilled to take our community on this journey with us.
