A Perth businessman who co-founded a company that produces toilet tissue made from bamboo is to launch a £1.5 million crowdfunding campaign.
Chris Forbes formed The Cheeky Panda with his wife Julie Chen in 2016 after watching people harvest bamboo on a visit to see her parents in China.
Three years later and their company is turning over £250,000 a month.
Mr Forbes said their products will shortly be stocked in 1,500 outlets of health and beauty retailer Boots. It will also be carried by the French retail chain Monoprix from next month.
The major orders mean The Cheeky Panda is now targeting sales of £10m this year as it is sold in 15 countries in Europe and the Middle East.
The crowdfunding exercise, which values the firm at £25m, will be conducted on the Seedrs platform.
The investment will help fund more stock and support a marketing push that highlights the company’s green credentials.
Mr Forbes, who was born in Perth but now lives in London, said: “We are confident that with the support of investors, customers and retailers we can become the next big thing.
“I’m a firm believer in a world of stretched resources we should be looking at more eco-friendly alternatives. It is wonderful to see so many retailers now buying into that green vision too.
“The worldwide tissue market is worth £50 billion a year if we got just 0.1% of that we would have a £50m turnover.”
The company’s range, made from 100% sustainable virgin bamboo, includes toilet and kitchen roll, pocket tissues, baby wipes and napkins.
The rapid speed at which bamboo grows means the firm’s environmental impact is minimal.
The company has also opened a base in France to ensure access to EU after Brexit.
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk