Freshcia at The University of Hong Kong

Have you ever thought about the sheer amount of plastic we use every day? Even with recycling efforts, wouldn’t it be better to minimize plastic use from the start?

That’s the mission of Freshcia, a start-up co-founded by Nico Cheung from HKU, alongside Chadwick Or, Megan Chan, and Marsha Chan, who studied in the UK. Freshcia is revolutionizing hand hygiene with tablet-based hand washes—a sustainable alternative to traditional liquid soaps—designed to combat plastic waste and promote eco-friendly living.

The Journey to Freshcia

Building Freshcia came with its challenges. The team tackled tasks like market research, forging strategic partnerships, and overcoming the complexities of managing a business across multiple locations. However, their determination paid off.

They received invaluable support from the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) and CEDARS. TEC helped connect them with industry professionals, while student halls at HKU played a significant role by integrating Freshcia’s products into shared spaces and providing feedback. This support helped maximize the initiative's visibility and impact among college students.

Eco-Friendly Innovations

Freshcia’s 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) bottles and water-saving tablets directly address pressing environmental concerns. According to Nico, each water-efficient tablet can save 42,336 gallons of water, while adopting Freshcia products could prevent over 28 million plastic bottles from polluting landfills and oceans annually.

A Vision for the Future

Freshcia isn’t just about selling sustainable products—it’s about inspiring change. By raising awareness about environmental protection, the team hopes to empower consumers to make small, impactful changes that contribute to a greener planet.

Every action counts, and together, we can create a sustainable future. 🌏