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Interview with Bio‑D

Managing Director, Lloyd Atkin, tells us about Bio-D and why being an ethically-conscious cleaning products brand is so important.

Tell us a bit about your business

Bio-D is the UK’s leading producer of eco-friendly household cleaning products. We make more than 20 different products, from washing up liquid to fabric softener. All Bio-D products are from sustainable, naturally-derived raw materials and are free from synthetic chemicals, preservatives, enzymes and synthetic perfumes; the range is approved by Cruelty Free International and the Vegan Society too.

Image: Bio-D
Bio-D Managing Director, Lloyd Atkin with Bio-D employee Nikita.

Our founder’s previous job was as a ship cleaner. He realised that the industrial cleaners he used (which require the use of health and safety equipment, such as respirators) shared many of the same ingredients as household cleaning products sold on supermarket shelves. He was worried about the potential impact of these household cleaning products on his family and the planet, and resolved to create safer versions, hence Bio-D was born more than 20 years ago.

Why do you think you received our Best Buy Label?

We were thrilled to receive the Best Buy Label in four categories: washing up liquidsdishwasher detergentslaundry detergents and surface cleaners. I think our innovation across a broad product range was recognised, as was our hard work in putting ethical policies in place throughout the production process, and in gaining approval from Cruelty Free International and the Vegan Society. 

How do you differ from other competitors?

Ours is the only range of home cleaning products which is 100% hypoallergenic. And it’s the biggest range which is made solely in the UK too. All of our products are made in our factory in Hull, East Yorkshire, by us and no-one else! We’re also the only UK manufacturer to conform to BSEN1276 food grade specification, offering peace of mind to those using our products where food is prepared.

Image: Bio-D

What do you think is the most important aspect of Bio-D?

I’d say that the most important thing is our commitment to offering safer alternatives to standard cleaning products that don’t cost considerably more. We would never ‘price out’ potential customers who want or need our products, whether it’s someone who wants our furniture polish because it adheres to strict vegan guidelines or a parent who needs our laundry liquid because it’s the only thing that doesn’t exacerbate their child’s eczema. We always check our prices against our competition, ensuring our products are affordable while still delivering on quality.

If you had to sum up the ethos of Bio-D in two sentences, what would it be?

Bio-D is committed to creating products that are effective, natural and safe, and which don’t cost the earth. We’re environmentally responsible and ethically conscientious and make all our products in the UK. 

Have you ever had to make a business decision that challenged your ethical standpoint?

No. Our whole reason for operating is to provide an alternative solution, and so from the start we sought to work only with like-minded companies that share our ethics. Having this clear vision means we’ve never been in a situation where our values could have been compromised.  

Where can consumers find your products?

On our website, through other online sites and in selected Oxfam stores and independent stores on the High Street.