Putting the Sustainability Revolution in Your Hands

Sometimes, inspiration can come from simply taking a close look at what’s around you, according to Nico Cheung, an HKU Business School final year student majoring in Accounting and Finance. As a sports enthusiast, Nico often saw a lot of plastic bottles lying around sports arenas he visited. Upon reflection, he noticed that many of the energy and vitamin drinks he consumed were in tablet form. This realisation sparked a thought: if beverages can be transformed into tablets, why can’t we do that with personal care products?

So together with three other university students studying in the UK, Freshcia was created – a start-up company that makes sustainable personal care products, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid hand soaps to tackle the issue of plastic waste. “The premise is simple. We’re starting at the source, with the basic fact that we all wash our hands,” says Nico. “Even if we gather up the plastic containers we use everyday for recycling, wouldn’t it be better to reduce our own plastic consumption to start with?”

Starting Freshcia involved significant challenges, including conducting market research and negotiating strategic partnerships. Managing a business with partners overseas also posed hurdles, with Nico checking in with them every morning before heading off to campus or completing his academic assignments. “As a start-up co-founder, I’ve learnt to expect the unexpected,” Nico says. “You never know when you will receive an email or call from potential collaborators requesting for a meeting. One moment you might be in class, and the next thing you know, you’re on a call or in an office pitching your business ideas to potential business partners for collaboration opportunities.”

But their perseverance paid off. Freshcia received support from the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) and Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS), with TEC providing industry connections. The university’s student halls of residence enthusiastically supported Freshcia’s initiative, assisting with the implementation of their products in bathrooms and common areas. They also provided valuable feedback on maximising exposure and educational impact for university students.

While acknowledging the inevitable hurdles that come with running a business, Nico puts a positive spin on the idea of failure. “I would never call any process of starting a business failure. However, there were times when our team contemplated if starting this business was the right decision.”

Dealing with external parties was the most difficult part of retail. The team experienced constant uncertainties and delays in manufacturing, as well as countless rejections from potential business partners due to the novelty and innovative concept of their product.

Nico feels that the shared belief within the team that their brand would be transformative and beneficial for society has been instrumental in helping them weather these storms and reinforced their determination to succeed. “In business, I believe that the driving forces for persistence are your true values and interests. We shared a collective vision of creating a sustainable brand in the personal care industry, and that has been the key to overcoming tough times,” he says.

With a passion for business that can be traced back to his studies in secondary school and the various courses he took in business management and strategic investments, Nico has always looked forward to the prospect of starting a business himself. “But I’ve always wanted to have a meaningful business that has an impact on society and an innovative edge,” he adds.

It is not a case of “all work and no play”, however. Nico finds time to relax by spending time with his friends or through sports. “I used to play volleyball and basketball competitively for my high school, and that still helps me escape from reality. Locking in and competing in sports is a great way to de-stress and clear my mind.”

But he and the team know that they must continue to be patient and resilient. “Starting a business is an extremely challenging and long process, and it is imperative to ensure every single step is done well and thoroughly,” he says, adding, “With Freshcia, we aim to become a recognised leader in the personal care industry, providing a seamless transition from personal care in single-use plastics to innovative tablet-based products. We aspire to create a lasting legacy that empowers consumers and contributes to a more sustainable world, proving that responsible choices can lead to significant positive change.”