Episode description

From trading rubber gloves to manufacturing eco-friendly cleaning products, Yeo Eng Foo, Founder of ReadyCare Signature, shares how his Malaysian brand has grown to offer USDA-certified, halal, and vegan bio-based cleaning solutions across multiple ASEAN markets. In this episode of Open for Business, we explore ReadyCare’s origins, its innovative R&D process, and plans for expansion—all while staying committed to sustainability.

Here are some key highlights from the conversation:

- Yeo Eng Foo started his career trading rubber gloves and personal care products, supplying to major clients like Walmart. This experience highlighted global demand for sustainable products and inspired him to transition into bio-based cleaning solutions.

- The idea for ReadyCare emerged in 2016 when Walmart requested recyclable packaging for gloves. Unable to find local suppliers, Yeo identified a gap in the market for eco-friendly products and started researching bio-based cleaning solutions.

- With no chemistry or manufacturing background, Yeo took a leap of faith, investing over RM1 million in machinery before even finalising product formulas. He built an in-house R&D team to develop stable, plant-based cleaning solutions tailored to market needs.

- ReadyCare offers USDA bio-based, halal-certified, vegan-friendly, and MyHijau-certified products. Its lineup includes star items like bio-based dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, and the region’s first USDA-certified toilet bowl cleaner.

- ReadyCare designs products specifically for regional needs, such as dishwashing liquids effective against greasy Asian cuisine. Their R&D ensures products are eco-friendly without compromising cleaning performance or safety.

- Initially faced with scepticism about product effectiveness, ReadyCare built trust by offering free samples and demonstrating tangible benefits like gentler effects on skin and effective grease removal.

- In just three years, ReadyCare Signature achieved seven-figure annual revenues. The brand also exports to Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines, with Singapore and Indonesia launches in progress.

- Yeo’s plans include scaling up through refillable vending machines to reduce plastic waste and expanding into untapped markets. He envisions ReadyCare becoming a global leader in bio-based cleaning solutions with eventual plans for an IPO to fuel growth.

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