This small Portuguese company has designed and patented a unique collection of eco toys made from sustainably sourced cork. Cork is a natural raw material extracted from the cork oak, through an eco-friendly harvesting process that does not resort to cutting the tree down.
The company proposes an innovative approach to the extended usage of one of Portugal’s most valuable natural resources – cork, and cleverly applies cork benefits to the creation of natural toys of minimalist conception that make days funnier and more meaningful, helping children learn important motor, sensory, and cognitive skills. A range of toys that are an alternative for customers choosing ecological, natural parenting.
Cork is one of the most natural and sustainable materials known to man. It is lightweight, soft, smooth, hypoallergenic, shock resistant and compostable. Its soft texture and absorption properties also make it compatible with all stages of child development.
The brand is established in Portugal and is sold via online platforms in 17 countries, however the aim is to expand further and enable continual innovation and development. To do so, the startup wishes to internalise resources, evolve skill set and boost its R&D talent.
The company is seeking a financial agreement with investment partners to fund a production unit headquartered in Portugal, in order to insource the entire production process of cork toys (from design to packaging), retain control of this process in-house, scale up, boost productivity and increase their business growth curve.
Advantages & innovations
This Portuguese company offers the following advantages to potential partners:
• A highly experienced team with a proven record of R&D and innovative projects;
• Higher education and technology institutions are key stakeholders in their innovation procedures;
• The 100% natural and recyclable toys minimize the company’s ecological footprint and increase citizen engagement through the adoption for more sustainable approaches;
• The company offers significant competitive advantage through the development of toys using an innovative thermoforming technology under a single raw material (cork);
• The toys are already sold in Europe and are certified and tested by several competent authorities.
Stage of development
Already on the market
Partner sought
The company looking for a partner who would provide investment or other financing to support the construction of a production unit located in Portugal. It is expected that the partnership will take the form of a financial agreement.