Introducing Our New Member: The Cheeky Panda

What does your business do?
 

CP: The Cheeky Panda offers an alternative to traditional, paper-based, everyday essentials, made from sustainable bamboo. Its award-winning range of products spans hygiene, catering, personal care, baby, and beauty.

When and how was your business established?
 

CP: The Cheeky Panda is the UK’s first sustainable bamboo tissue brand that is doing so much good for our planet, in a world of stretched resources. Julie Chen launched the business in 2016 from her bedroom, alongside her husband and co-founder Chris Forbes, and together they have provided a solution to a huge problem. They have disrupted the market that has been using the same type of products that aren’t plastic-free, chemical-free, or decomposable for decades and shifted mindsets.

 

How has your business developed since its inception?
 

CP: Since launch, The Cheeky Panda has grown to become a household name, with products now distributed in 30 countries, selling 4.8 million products in 2023, with one toilet roll sold every seven seconds.

What achievements or specialisms is your company particularly proud of?
 

CP: The Cheeky Panda is one of the first 100 companies in the UK to become a B Corp in 2019 and we proudly recertified last year. We now rank as the number one most sustainable brand by Which?, in an independent survey of over 4,000 Which? readers. Our CEO Julie Chen has won many awards in the industry including: MSDUK Businesswoman of The Year 2021, Raconteur 50, Financial Times 30 UK Female Entrepreneurs to watch 2022, 10 most powerful women in food, drink, and grocery - The Grocer 2022, Sunday Times’ Fast Track 100 Top 10 Businesses to watch. We are committed to embracing continual innovation to ensure we offer great quality sustainable products with no compromise - this year we launched our new Balsam Bamboo Tissues, which are infused with soothing aloe vera and have plastic-free packaging. Many consumers say they are the softest tissue on the market.

Why has your company decided to join BOSS?
 

CP: We are delighted to join BOSS and it is the perfect alignment for our business. We truly believe that every pawprint matters and our FSC certified bamboo products are designed to help people make small, simple choices that we believe make a big difference. Through switching to our bamboo products like tissue, straws, toilet rolls, and wipes, we are delighted to be supporting BOSS members to reduce deforestation and the use of plastic.

What aspects of BOSS’s offerings is your company most looking forward to utilising, and why?
 

CP: The Cheeky Panda is looking forward to making the most out of the numerous benefits BOSS has to offer, including the fantastic networking events, conferences, and training available. One of the biggest benefits will be with The Leaders of the Future community, particularly for some of our younger members of the team, as this will help grow their own network, encourage personal development, and gain valuable insights.

About The Cheeky Panda:

The Cheeky Panda is a pioneering company that provides sustainable bamboo-based alternatives to traditional paper products. Founded in 2016 by Julie Chen and Chris Forbes, the company has rapidly grown into a globally recognized brand, with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. The Cheeky Panda's product range includes hygiene, catering, personal care, baby, and beauty items, all made from eco-friendly bamboo. Recognized as a B Corp and celebrated for its contributions to sustainability, The Cheeky Panda continues to lead the way in offering high-quality, sustainable products that make a positive impact on the planet.