Banbu

Banbu is a Spanish company operating in the sustainable personal care and cosmetics sector, offering an alternative to conventional products. The firm was founded in 2018 by Verónica Díez and Rodrigo Folgueira. The inspiration for the company stemmed from Verónica's personal health experience with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which led her to research endocrine disruptors commonly found in daily-use cosmetics. This discovery, coupled with the couple's decision to adopt a vegan, low-waste lifestyle, highlighted a market gap for plastic-free, non-toxic products and prompted Verónica, who holds a law degree, to start the business in 2019.

The company's business model encompasses both direct-to-consumer (B2C) sales through its online store and a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) approach involving marketplaces and international distributors. Banbu's product line includes approximately 80 references, featuring solid cosmetics like shampoos and deodorants, as well as facial serums, moisturizers, and even a 100% organic solid dog shampoo. A key differentiator is the development of waterless liquid cosmetics, which substitute water with hydrolats and active ingredients. All products are manufactured in-house in Torrelavega, Spain, are vegan, and utilize natural components. They are certified under the COSMOS standard for organic and natural cosmetics and are also certified as free of Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR) substances. The brand emphasizes reducing environmental impact through biodegradable and recyclable packaging, having reportedly saved hundreds of thousands of plastic containers and significantly reduced water usage and CO2 emissions.

Financially, Banbu has demonstrated significant growth, with a cumulative increase of over 400% since its inception. The company has successfully raised capital through various means, including product crowdfunding, grants, and equity crowdfunding campaigns. Notably, an equity crowdfunding round on the Bolsa Social platform surpassed its initial target by 155%, backed by investors like Impact Angels. Future funding rounds aim to secure capital to strengthen the team, accelerate product development, and support international expansion. The company's achievements have been recognized with awards such as the most innovative startup in Cantabria at the EmprendeXXI Awards, promoted by CaixaBank.

Keywords: sustainable cosmetics, zero-waste beauty, solid cosmetics, vegan personal care, natural ingredients, plastic-free packaging, endocrine disruptor-free, waterless cosmetics, organic certified cosmetics, Spanish beauty brand, eco-friendly products, ethical cosmetics, cruelty-free, COSMOS certified, clean beauty, sustainable lifestyle, B2C e-commerce, environmental impact reduction, innovative beauty, natural skincare