Ecoleo promotes natural cosmetics using used vegetable oils and agricultural waste
This cosmetics and personal care company, "made in Chile," has managed to scale its production capacity and improve its product presentation, opening up new niches.
In the midst of a global scenario marked by climate urgency and pressure on industries to reduce their environmental impacts, the startup Ecoleo, which has its laboratory and sales point in Rancagua, has managed to position itself as a local benchmark in sustainable innovation and recycling, creating solid cosmetic products such as soaps and shampoos, made without plastic packaging and with natural raw materials, such as used vegetable oils and agricultural waste.
Thanks to the Chilean program "PAR O'Higgins Recycles", funded by Corfo, through the O'Higgins Regional Government and its Council, which was implemented by Gedes, with funds from the initiative, it received a co-financing of $6,250,000 (CLP) during the year 2024 to advance in waste revaluation through investment in specialized machinery.
Environmental challenges with concrete solutions
The project, framed within the Extended Producer Responsibility Law (REP), which establishes waste management obligations for different productive sectors, aims to respond to environmental challenges with concrete solutions from the entrepreneurial sphere.
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The startup Ecoleo fits into this context as a proposal that transforms used vegetable oils and agricultural waste into solid cosmetic products such as soaps and shampoos, made without plastic packaging and with natural raw materials.
With the investment, a hydraulic press was acquired for solid shampoo, mixers for solid shampoo, cutters and molds for bar soap. With this, Ecóleo managed to scale its production capacity and improve the presentation of its products, opening new market niches that value sustainability and traceability.
Among these are boutique hotels, sustainable hostels, natural product stores, and vineyards that incorporate responsible wine tourism practices in the O'Higgins Region.
The impact of the project is not only reflected in the increase in production, but also in the generation of local employment and in the strengthening of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem with a circular focus.
In addition, Ecoleo is making progress in consolidating a business model that aligns with international sustainable development standards, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
Impact of the PAR O'Higgins Recycles Program
"At Corfo, the vast majority of our calls for proposals have a sustainable focus, because we believe that the growth of companies should go hand in hand with sustainability, as it encompasses environmental, social and economic aspects, which are fundamental for the long-term success of any company. A clear example of this is Ecoleo, who were awarded the Support Program for Reactivation, PAR Recicla. And, through their eco-friendly cosmetics small business, they aim to innovate in personal care. Sustainable innovation is the key engine to advance the transformation towards a new development model," said Óscar Ávila, regional director of Corfo O'Higgins.
The Manager of Gedes O'Higgins, Lorena Ortiz, highlighted the positive impact of the PAR O'Higgins Recycles program in strengthening sustainable enterprises like Ecoleo: "This type of initiative shows that it is possible to combine innovation, circular economy, and local development. The technical support and co-financing provided have been key for Ecoleo to scale up its production and access new markets, aligning with the sustainability goals we promote from Gedes", she said.
For his part, the founding partner and legal representative of Ecoleo, Manuel Fernández, noted that: "As an entrepreneur and within the PAR O'Higgins Recicla program, Corfo and Gedes have made a fundamental contribution to the development and growth of Ecoleo. This financial support has allowed us to undertake the necessary investment in machinery to be able to increase our production and have greater efficiency in our processes."
Ecoleo stands as an example of how sustainable entrepreneurship can generate positive local impact, combining innovation, economic development, and environmental awareness. Its experience demonstrates the value of supporting initiatives that promote circular economy and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable production model.