Despite a long and successful 30 plus years in business, even an established company like Tri-Nature needs to constantly be on the lookout for new opportunities. The family-run business, which produces sustainable eco cleaning products, attended Naturally Good for the first time in 2021 and again in 2022.

“We realised the need to broaden our contacts with retail stockists and thought an industry event like Naturally Good would be a great way to go about it,” said Amy Fernance, National Sales and Operations Manager. “We developed some good leads and contacts with distributors and had an extremely successful show last year. We have just rebooked for 2023, which will be an exciting year for us given all our plans.”

Staying ahead of the pack

Having picked up many awards over the years, the company prides itself on doing continuous research and development within their range to ensure all products continue to deliver superior performance whilst staying non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

“Consumers are becoming very aware of the nasty ingredients found in the products they are using,” says Amy. “They are more educated than ever on nasty ingredients such as phosphate, nitrates, petrochemicals, extenders and fillers. Nowadays people really care about the environment and the effects chemicals and waste are having on the planet and our bodies. They are seeking out products that resonate with them.”

Staying ahead of the competition in such a competitive environment says Amy, is essential. “We have rebranded the Tri Nature range several times and are currently going through another rebrand to ensure the Tri Nature range looks appealing to consumers.

“We have also just released a new Tea Tree and Rosemary Mould Cleaner and are excited to launch a new gentle eco-friendly pet range by the end of 2023.”

An alpha product

If there is one Tri Nature product which has truly stood the test of time, it’s the Alpha Plus laundry powder which is still a best seller. “It was the first phosphate-free laundry powder available on the market back in 1989 before consumers were aware of what was lurking in regular laundry powder,” says Amy. “It continues to sell strongly as it’s extremely gentle so it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin and it really does work.”

Other signature products that have done well in the market include the Chamomile Dishwashing Liquid which is extremely gentle on sensitive skin and doubles as a fruit and vegetable wash. The Sphagnum Moss Disinfectant is also very popular due to its unique smell and superior performance.

A family affair

The Tri Nature story began back in 1979 and has since become a truly family affair. Amy’s father-in-law Robert Fernance and his friend Brian McLean first came up with the idea for eco-friendly products whilst working in the chemical industry together. At the time, regular cleaners contained various toxic ingredients that were detrimental to consumers and the planet.

The pair devoted the next 10 years to developing a range of products they could bring home to their families and share with all Australian families to use with peace of mind. Tri-Nature launched in 1989 and became renowned for their gentle compositions, and for being grey water and septic tank safe.

Whilst Robert is still involved in the company as Business Director, his son John – Amy’s husband – is General Manager, whilst Robert’s daughter Leah is Marketing Manager.

Given John was just nine years old, and Leah was aged six when the company launched, Tri Nature has literally been their whole life. “They both always had a keen interest in the business and have always been extremely proud of the products and Robert’s achievements,” says Amy. “We all have our own kids now – mine are 14, 12 and 7, and Leah’s are 12, 10 and 7.

“The grandchildren are very much involved and exposed to our family business. They understand how Tri Nature is different from other brands and may go onto to work with the family business one day.

“We are extremely proud to offer Australian consumers non-toxic, environmentally friendly, family and pet safe products that are superior in performance and provide value for money. We are looking forward to what the future holds for Tri Nature.”

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