Earthy Tabs

Wins & Losses

Progress worth sharing — even when it's not perfect.

At Earthy Tabs, we don't just celebrate the wins — we talk about what still needs work. Because sustainability isn't a marketing word for us. It's an ongoing R&D challenge, with real science, real setbacks, and real progress.

Our Wins (So far)

We're proud of how far we've come. Every tab represents hundreds of hours of testing, design, and feedback from real cleaning teams across Australia.

Performance

92% performance parity with liquid chemicals. Independent and in-field tests show our tablets perform at 92% of the cleaning efficacy of their equivalent liquid concentrates — with stable hygiene and surface results across glass, floor, and general-purpose applications.

We're continually refining active ingredient ratios to reach 100% equivalency without compromising safety or environmental integrity.

"The biggest win? Cleaning teams can finally switch without changing standards."

Impact Reduction

Zero 5–20L plastic chemical cans in our supply chain. Each carton of Earthy Tabs replaces up to 80L of traditional liquid chemical, preventing large amounts of containers from entering landfills every year.

Our impact calculator transparently tracks plastic saved, CO₂e avoided, storage freed, and water not shipped — proof, not promises.

Logistics & Storage

Compact. Lightweight. Safer to move. Switching to tablets means fewer deliveries, smaller storerooms, and lower transport emissions.

Multi-site customers report up to 30% fewer re-supply trips and 40% storage reduction in back-of-house spaces.

Collaboration with Real Cleaning Companies

We co-develop every formula with on-ground professionals — from hospitality to commercial contractors. Early pilots with CleanKings, Seynar, and City max shaped dilution ratios, tablet density, and training packs. Their insights continue to guide our R&D roadmap.

Transparency

We measure, publish, and own our results — the good and the not-so-good. Every claim links back to a dataset, SDS, or verified methodology. We call this Proof-Powered Cleaning — sustainability you can actually calculate.

Our Losses (and Learnings)

Honest lessons from the lab.

No innovation is perfect. Some of our biggest lessons came from our early mistakes.

Tablet Stability Challenges

Harsh chemical integration — especially degreasers and high-alkaline actives — can cause tablet dampness and soft-crushing during production and transport. Humidity and ingredient interactions are still our biggest R&D barriers.

We're currently working with our manufacturing partners to:

  • Improve desiccant systems and moisture barriers.
  • Refine pressing pressures for chemical-heavy formulations.
  • Explore dual-layer tablet tech for improved structural integrity.

Goal: Achieve full durability without compromising dissolution speed by mid-2026.

Packaging Limitations

Our current cardboard cartons are recyclable — but not yet moisture-proof enough for all climates.

We're developing a biodegradable, air-sealed sachet system (made from plant cellulose and recycled paper pulp) to protect against humidity while staying fully compostable. This transition must remain cost-neutral for customers, which is the toughest part of the redesign.

Goal: Pilot new 100% biodegradable packaging by early 2026, full rollout end of 2026.

Cost Balancing

Raw material volatility and small-batch R&D make cost control difficult. We could produce cheaper — but not responsibly. Instead, we prioritise scaling production to drive economies of scale, ensuring the cost savings from logistics and waste reduction are passed directly to customers.

Product Range Gaps

We're proud of our 8 flagship SKUs — but we know real facilities need more. Ongoing R&D is underway for:

  • Oven & Grill Cleaner Tablets (high-alkaline, grease removal)
  • Carpet Shampoo Tablets (low-foam, machine-compatible)
  • Hand Sanitizer Tablets (alcohol base, fast-dissolve)
  • Air Freshener Tablets (fragrance-emitting effervescent type)

These are complex formulations, but we're testing aggressively to expand the range by mid 2026.

Operational Scaling

Growth brings logistical strain. We're actively improving batch traceability and inventory management, plus partner integrations for 3PL fulfillment.

Our Philosophy

Why We Share This

Because progress doesn't come from pretending everything's perfect. It comes from facing the friction, sharing what's hard, and inviting others to help solve it.

"
Real impact isn't about looking green. It's about building systems that stay transparent while they evolve.
"
— Don Hett, Co-Founder
Next Steps
  • Publish third-party test reports and HACCP audit summaries.
  • Roll out biodegradable sachet prototypes to pilot customers.
  • Release next-gen formulas for high-alkaline use cases.
  • Expand the Impact Dashboard with live telemetry.

Ready to measure your impact?

Calculate savings, request a pilot, or explore the range — pick what fits your operation.