Rise Above

Angela Sim, co-founder and CEO of Cloversoft, shares how she is building a sustainable business, from lessons learnt from her grandfather to prioritising profit over rapid growth

- Karishma Tulsidas

The idea for Cloversoft was sparked when co-founder and CEO Angela Sim met a scientist who was developing bamboo tissues in China. Upon learning about the harsh chemicals used in bleaching traditional tissues and the environmental strain of conventional materials, Sim was inspired to start her own brand of toxin-free and eco-friendly products. She and her co-founder and chief marketing officer Lynn Yeo, both quit their jobs in investment banking to start Cloversoft in 2014.

The journey was far from easy, however. A decade ago, the conversation around the environment was still limited. They had to convince skeptical supermarkets that “browncoloured” tissue paper was better for the environment and the skin.

During the pandemic, Cloversoft expanded its offerings beyond tissues and wet wipes to hand sanitisers. With research labs in both Europe and Singapore, the brand focused on finding a skin- and eco-friendly solution. All of their products, including sanitisers, dishwashers, toilet cleaners and body washes, are plant-based and do not contain parabens, sulphates, dyes, phthalates or artificial fragrances.