Have you ever had a seed paper in your hands that you can replant after you use it to make it reusable? That's what Sheedo has to offer. Founded in 2015, Sheedo manufactures sustainable products such as paper, and its customers include Coca Cola, Sony, Telefónica and Inditex. In this interview, Gala Freixa, its founder, talks about this company that is a model of sustainability.

What is Sheedo?
Sheedo is a small revolution that begins to plant a seed, the seed of change. We decided to create paper with seeds in order to provide a communication tool that was different from large companies.
This unique paper is made of cotton and has seeds in its composition. That way, once used, it is not thrown away ... it is planted!

We combine Sheedon design, craftsmanship and innovation to create sustainable marketing solutions. Apart from paper, we also offer a wide range of environmentally friendly products that are responsibly manufactured.

How did you come up with the idea?
The idea was born in college: my partner Gonzalo and I had the same passion for entrepreneurship and we also loved nature very much; we were also very clear that we wanted to create a company with our values. The initial idea was to create a brand of packaging and, while looking for a different and reusable ‘packaging’, we came across the concept of seed paper.

At that time it was just a method of sowing, it could neither be printed nor treated. The first challenge was to find an impression method for this confusing paper and then commercialize this product that is so innovative that it has never been tested in the market. From there we grew, as well as overcoming obstacles day by day. Lack of experience and lack of specialists in paper and printing led us to surround ourselves with specialists and fall in love with our passion.

How does your paper differ from conventional paper?
Our paper is made from recycled cotton in the textile industry. That is, we do not cut down trees for its manufacture, but give a second life to a waste. It also has this magical touch of seeds: once used it is not thrown away, it is planted.

Were you responsible before you set up a company on the issue of sustainability?
Actually, yes, especially when we started college and became aware of the environmental catastrophe that humans are creating.

What contribution does the use of your products have to the environment?
Sheedo is much more than a paper, it is the seed of change that leads to more responsible consumption. We want to convey with Sheedo that “even the tallest tree has been a seed”, which means that every big project starts with a small action, such as planting a seed or starting to be conscious when it comes to consuming plastic. that the little ones make a difference ...

What kind of products do you manufacture?
We make Sheedon sustainable marketing products; if a company is thinking of doing a campaign based on respect for the environment and people, we make that a reality.

Right now we have a variety of sustainable papers that have been produced without cutting down trees and without toxic chemicals. Our star product is seed paper. With this paper any medium can be made: ‘flyers’, invitations, business cards, labels, etc., and once they have fulfilled their use, they can be cultivated, creating a life and lending resources back to nature.

We have other products, such as plantable chocolates, that serve to “soften the soil”. They are cotton and seed balls and begin to germinate with a little water and begin to decorate the garden with flowers.
Other special products that we have recently released are Earth Pills: they are biodegradable pills that contain seeds in their composition that represent healing for the environment. It’s just a pill you need to get into the ground to “plant the seed of change” and make them aware of the importance of caring for our planet.

How are your products available?
We offer a personalized service by post, telephone or in person, as well as through an ‘e-commerce’.
 

What kind of customers do you have?
On the one hand we have big companies, such as Coca Cola, Sony, Telefónica or Inditex, that need original ways to surprise and communicate to show their corporate social responsibility, but we also work with councils, foundations or small businesses that are committed to the environment. Most of them buy from us on special days, such as Women’s Day or Christmas, to give a different touch to their products.

Being a young and new company, have you encountered many obstacles to consolidating this?
In the beginning there are always obstacles and difficulties, but mainly due to lack of experience. The best thing we can do is surround ourselves with expert people, ask for help and stop helping. Looking at customers was also supposed to be a barrier at first, but if you show professionalism and commitment, those obstacles disappear. We have noticed that there is a lot of consideration for the flexibility that a young company can have, and that is a point that favors us.

In your opinion, what is the best and worst thing about being an entrepreneur?
In my opinion, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is the feeling of emotion in building your own path surrounded by the professional people you choose, with whom you share a passion for pursuing that. After all, it is a personal project, with your worries, values ​​and desires.

Perhaps the worst thing about being an entrepreneur is the amount of energy and effort you put into the project, seeing it go very slowly (or sometimes even backwards), and especially in the beginning. We have to fight with a lot of frustration and a lot of ups and downs, and yet not give up and move on.
 

As with Sheedo’s founding partners and sales, what do you think about the status of women in the job market?
It is clear that the difference is at work and it is a real and worrying fact. However, personally, the only work experience I have had has been in my company and it has been very optimistic.
Many initiatives and competitions have been launched in Spain to promote women's entrepreneurship; so on that side, I can only thank you. On the other hand, it is true that there are far fewer women entrepreneurs, but that is why it is important for us to immerse ourselves in this and create more benchmarks to encourage future generations to take action.

How would you encourage young people to continue with their dreams of starting a business?
The biggest tree was also a seed! Any change or project begins with a tiny movement, like planting a seed; the account is to begin. And if you water and care for it day by day, it will gradually grow. There will be days of bad weather, others with bright sunshine, but if you never set aside your goal, you will eventually achieve your challenge.
That’s what I like most about entrepreneurship: it’s a canvas in white and it can be whatever you want.

What are your goals for the future of Sheedon?
Our task is to make people aware of the need to be on the side of nature, to empower them, through sustainable consumption alternatives in the world of advertising and 'packaging'. We want to be a benchmark company in sustainable 'merchandising', not only in Spain, but also in Europe, where we are already closing our first alliances.

www.sheedo.es