CEO eyes eco-friendly products
Japanese detergent maker Nachihama is gaining attention for its differentiated technologies in eco-friendly detergent and dish-washing products.
Selling about 100 different kitchen and bath products in Japan, Nachihama is tops in sales for related products at Japan’s largest internet shopping mall Rakuten. Its annual sales stand at about 2 billion won ($1.8 million).
“In a bid to introduce eco-friendly detergent and cleanser products that do not harm the human body, Nachihama has put its utmost efforts in R&D since my father served as the CEO,” Nachihama CEO Ko Yong-soo said.
“Thanks to its long-term efforts, Nachihama holds a number of patents in related products not only in Japan but also in other countries such as the U.S., Germany and the U.K. Our core technology applies natural rubber ingredients on the surface to remove slime and pollutants. I understand many conglomerates attempted to develop similar products only to fail.”
Founded by Ko’s father, Nachihama first gained attention in the late 1980s with its eco-friendly detergent and cleanser products that caused no harm to the human body, but the business didn’t perform as good as expected due to the lack of awareness for the environment.
When Ko succeeded his father as CEO in 2002, Nachihama was cornered by debt and prolonged poor sales performance.
“The company was built by my father. And I had seen how my father devoted his life to the company. I couldn’t just walk away,” he said.
“So I decided to develop even better products while starting to raise the awareness for the environment and enhance our promotional operations. Nachihama then rebounded from the bottom.”
With more people concerned about the environment, Nachihama products started enjoying popularity and surging sales; and the company was able to pay off its existing debt.
A couple of Chinese companies offered a supply deal, but Ko had to turn down the offers because of their low supply price.
Nachihama was also introduced on the Japanese TV Channel, TBC, for its potential, and NHK also reported the company as a promising small business with technology.
Ko is also serving with the World Okta, a business organization for overseas Koreans, as the Osaka Chapter Chairman.
He said the company plans to advance into overseas markets through the World Okta network.