12th March 2021

Development Bank Helps Natural Plant Fibre Grow Online Presence

A business which specialises in plant-based alternatives to household plastic use has used a micro-loan from the Development Bank of Wales to help grow its online presence.

ShearWater Eco is the brainchild of entrepreneur Paaristha ‘Paris’ Oomadath who has more than 30 years’ experience in plant fibre manufacture and design.

The entrepreneur launched her e-commerce site in 2020 and secured a £35,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales to help with marketing costs and support the purchase of more stock and a vehicle for local deliveries.

Using natural plant fibres such as hemp, sisal, bamboo, banana, orange, aloe, rattan, jute, cacti, coconut and seaweed, the Shearwater team has created a range of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) that are used around the home.

After visiting the Ocean Film festival in Porthcawl in 2018, Oomadath realised that more responsibility and accountability was needed from businesses and manufacturers to work towards the Welsh governments’ Green Growth Plan and Future Generations Act. She has been working to ensure that other companies can follow in her footsteps.

Oomadath said: “It’s my ambition to see our plant-based, plastic free and zero waste products replace FMCG plastics in the home. The world is facing a climate crisis, which is exacerbated by our use of single use plastics. Using natural fibres, which would often otherwise go to waste, we can make a real difference to the future of our planet.

“The support I’ve received from the Development Bank has been invaluable in boosting our online presence.”

The investment was introduced to the Development Bank through David Fisher of Business Wales.

He said: “I have been working with Paris and ShearWater Eco Ltd for the past nine months. Paris is a highly qualified entrepreneur who is extremely passionate about her concept – and has created a company with high growth potential as well as first-class ecological credentials.”

The company has also identified the potential to build a green manufacturing plant in Wales where it aims to produce the natural fibre products and create more local jobs.

The micro loan was arranged on behalf of the Development Bank of Wales by investment executive Claire Vokes.

She said: “Paris has a lot of experience in the area of reusable plant-fibres and has already created some very popular products. We’re delighted to be able to support her and her ambitions, which are centred in the desire to create more sustainable and eco-friendly living.”