A new Gloucester-based business start-up, Tallow + Ash, has set its sights on revolutionising the laundry industry with clean chemical products that are non-toxic and kind to the skin. 

Ciara McGurk, a co-founder of Tallow + Ash, said: "We have developed a range of unique washing products to tackle what is a relatively dull aisle in the supermarket where nothing really talks to the consumer. Our vision is to deliver a skin-sensitive laundry shampoo that is totally planet-friendly without any harsh, harmful chemicals, in attractive packaging."

"We wanted these non-bio, clean chemical products to carry fantastic, vibrant fragrances, that last, and provide laundry products that are good for your skin and the environment. Just as importantly they do not disperse pollutants back into the water systems after the wash cycle."

The non-bio market is very limited in choice and most detergents do not have a fragrance other than the typical powder smell or none at all.

The Tallow + Ash Laundry Lab shampoos and conditioners contain top, middle, and base notes just like perfumes. All fragrances are IFRA (International Fragrance Association) regulated and approved. According to Tallow + Ash, it is possible to have a long-lasting smell without toxic, skin-aggravating chemicals.

Having sent out thousands of first edition lab samples to a growing audience of over 14,000 laundry fans, Tallow + Ash has set about gathering feedback on product formulas, and fragrances to feedback into its R&D facility the Laundry Lab, based at the Francis Woodcock Trading Estate, on Barton Street, Gloucester.

Ciara added: "With a family history of sensitive skin problems, we have always been concerned about washing and laundry and not using harsh toxic chemicals in the family load. Sensitive skin is a common condition that affects an estimated 50% of the population so it's high time to revolutionise laundry."

The company currently employs four people and is inviting fellow laundry enthusiasts to join the Tallow + Ash Laundry Lab Facebook group and to get involved, test new products and have a say. The product range is based on clean chemicals, sophisticated fragrances and is kind to your skin.

Ciara's entrepreneurial spirit is in her genes. Her father is local businessman Eamonn McGurk, who is immensely proud of his daughter's work ethic and commitment to making a success of this laundry product start-up.

The full company launch is at the end of May and all products will be available online in the first phase. Private investment backs the R&D facility in Gloucester, while manufacturing is in Northampton and bottling and packaging/ shipping are at the Barton Street site.