In 2016, Chris Forbes and Julie Chen set out to change the way people think about household essentials. They wanted to create a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to products like toilet tissue, kitchen roll and baby wipes, using one of the world’s most renewable resources, bamboo.
What started as an idea between husband and wife has now grown into The Cheeky Panda, a B-Corp certified brand stocked in Boots, Waitrose, Whole Foods and Amazon. The company has expanded beyond the UK into Europe and the US, proving that sustainability is not just good for the planet but also a strong business model.
From Great British Entrepreneur Awards Winners to Global Sustainability Leaders
Chris and Julie were recognised at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, joining an alumni network of founders who are shaping the future of business in the UK and beyond. Their success demonstrates how entrepreneurs with a strong vision and a commitment to innovation can build brands that challenge industry giants.
The Cheeky Panda has become a globally recognised name in sustainable products, growing into a trusted brand for households looking for greener alternatives.
Taking on an Industry Dominated by Giants Household paper products are a multi-billion-pound industry, but Chris and Julie saw a gap in the market for a greener, chemical-free alternative.
The Cheeky Panda disrupted the space by focusing on:
🌿 A renewable resource. Bamboo is the world’s fastest-growing plant and provides a natural, chemical-free alternative to traditional paper products.
📦 Subscriptions and direct-to-consumer growth. A high repeat-purchase rate made The Cheeky Panda a perfect fit for a direct-to-consumer model, expanding beyond Amazon into its own thriving e-commerce platform.
🛒 Retail expansion. Stocking in major retailers helped the brand reach customers wherever they choose to shop.
🏆 Building customer trust. A 4.6 Trustpilot rating and a 4.8 rating on Yotpo show that customers return not only for the product but also for the experience.
Scaling a Brand in a Changing Market
Building an ethical, high-quality brand is one challenge, but scaling it in a sustainable way is another. Chris and Julie saw that traditional digital advertising was becoming more expensive and less effective, so they focused on brand trust and customer retention instead. Rather than chasing quick wins, they created a brand that customers believe in, with quality at its core.
Their goal is to make every Cheeky Panda product instantly recognisable for its reliability, much like Apple has done in the tech world.
What’s Next for The Cheeky Panda?
After eight years of growth, The Cheeky Panda has perfected its UK strategy and is now focusing on global expansion. With a scalable business model, strong brand loyalty and a commitment to sustainability, the company is set to bring its eco-friendly mission to more households around the world.
🚀 From Great British Entrepreneur Awards winners to global sustainability pioneers, The Cheeky Panda is proving that business can be both profitable and planet-friendly.
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Every year, we celebrate the UK’s most ambitious and inspiring businesses through our award programmes:
🏆 The Great British Entrepreneur Awards – Recognising the game-changing entrepreneurs shaping the future.
🚀 The UK StartUp Awards – Celebrating the UK’s most exciting early-stage businesses.
📈 The UK Fast Growth Index – Showcasing the fastest-growing businesses across the country.
🏭 The Great British Industry Awards – Honouring the UK’s most innovative and high-performing industry leaders.