Meet the Man Who Put the 'Caplin' in CaplinTec

Meet Kev - CaplinTec’s founder, resident science whizz, and passionate eco problem-solver. With over 20 years of experience as an industrial chemist (yes, he's worked with the likes of Nestlé, Coors, and Procter & Gamble), Kev’s got a serious knack for creating clever, effective formulas. But these days, instead of donning a lab coat for the corporate giants, he’s swapped city life for the peace of the North Wales countryside, developing natural, sustainable products from his family farm that are kind to the planet and actually do what they say on the tin. Join us for a chat about all things CaplinTec, why ingredients matter, and what exciting things are coming next. Let’s dive in…

What were your first jobs, and did any of them shape your mindset about business or sustainability?

My early work experience included summer jobs and agency work across various manufacturing environments. These roles sparked my curiosity about how things were made and deepened my passion for understanding production processes. They also gave me first-hand insight into the importance of efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing.

When did you first become interested in the environment? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked this interest, or was it always present?

I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and a strong desire to improve the environment around me. However, my awareness grew significantly when I saw the sheer volume of harmful materials used in the chemical industry. Witnessing their impact on both the environment and my own health made sustainability a personal and urgent concern.

Have you always been passionate about creating things, or did that develop over time?

Since childhood, I have loved making things, though I often enjoyed taking them apart even more! Reassembling them was sometimes a challenge, but the process fuelled my creativity and problem-solving skills, which later became essential in my work.

What inspired you to start CaplinTec? Was there a particular problem you wanted to solve?

A friend challenged me to create an anti-corrosive coating using natural ingredients. With some time on my hands, I took on the challenge and, surprisingly, solved the problem within two weeks. That success led me to wonder: why not develop more innovative, eco-friendly solutions? And so, CaplinTec was born.

What was the first product you created under the CaplinTec name?

Our first product was EWE STOP RUST. While the initial formulation came together quickly, it took over a year of rigorous trials and testing to perfect. Today, it remains one of our flagship products, distributed in the UK by Andermatt.

How did you develop that first product? Was it trial and error, or did you have a clear vision from the start?

Around 25 years ago, I had worked with some natural materials for a completely unrelated project. Their unique functionality stuck in my mind, and I suspected they might be suitable for this new challenge. The process involved a great deal of trial and error, along with a messy kitchen, as I experimented on the stove! Thankfully, my wife was incredibly patient throughout it all.

What was the initial reaction when you launched? Did you experience any major successes or setbacks?

We introduced our product at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, and the response was incredible, people were genuinely excited about what we were doing. Of course, we faced challenges too. One major setback occurred when half of our stock for the event was packed in faulty tins from a supplier. The tins leaked everywhere, creating a logistical nightmare just before the show. Despite the stress, we managed to pull through and get our product into customers’ hands.

CaplinTec has a strong eco-friendly ethos. Was sustainability always the plan, or did that develop over time?

Sustainability was always the plan. After years of working with harmful chemicals, I had more than enough of it. It was time to make a change and create something better for both people and the planet.

First testing trials of worktop oils on wooden crates in the driveway.

How has the business evolved since its early days?

We expanded rapidly, growing from just a few product lines to over 100 in only two years. Initially, we focused on B2B sales, but over time, B2C became our primary market. Building a strong online presence, particularly on Amazon, has been a key part of our growth strategy.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in running CaplinTec?

Cash flow. We are completely self-funded. Initially, we explored grants and external funding, but the process was time-consuming and came with too many restrictions. Instead, we opted to develop, test, and promote products based on market feedback. However, launching too many products at once puts a huge strain on financial resources, which has been a tough but valuable lesson.

What’s been the most rewarding moment so far?

Making technological breakthroughs. One of the biggest milestones was successfully creating stable emulsions using wool and seaweed. This opened up so many possibilities for product development and innovation.

Have there been any products you tried to create that didn’t work out?

Plenty. One of the biggest challenges we’ve been tackling is developing a fast-drying, oil-based liquid that doesn’t rely on solvents or heavy metals - common ingredients in the industry. We’ve spent two years working on this, making progress, but we’re still not quite there yet.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned about running an eco-friendly business that you wish you knew earlier?

That sometimes compromises are necessary to move forward. For example, we’d love to be completely plastic-free, but in some cases, that’s just not possible right now. Instead, we use recycled plastics as a more sustainable alternative.

Do you have a favourite product to make? If so, why?

I love making our screen-printing inks because they bring so many of our technologies together. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking raw materials like wool and seaweed and transforming them into a high-quality ink or paint.

Are there any ingredients you particularly enjoy working with?

We use natural rheology modifiers that behave in fascinating and unpredictable ways. While they can be frustrating to work with at times, I love the challenge of observing and adapting to their behaviour to achieve the desired results.

What’s your process for developing new products? Do you experiment a lot, or do you start with a clear idea?

It depends on the product. Sometimes, we identify a clear problem and work directly toward a solution. Other times, an attempt to solve one issue leads to an unexpected discovery, and we realize the material can be used for something entirely different.

If you could see CaplinTec achieve one big thing in the next five years, what would it be?

Simply staying in business. Given the current economic climate, that alone would be a huge success.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone wanting to create a business that’s both sustainable and successful?

Don’t make the same mistakes I did. Focus on developing one strong product or service first, establish a reliable revenue stream, and use that to fund your next innovation. Trying to do everything at once can work, but it will cost you - both financially and in terms of time.

And there we have it! Thanks for reading, we hope you enjoyed getting to know the man behind the formulas a little better! His passion for creating products that are kind to the planet is what drives everything we do here at CaplinTec.

If you’re curious to see Kev’s creations in action, why not take a wander over to the Products page? Whether you're dealing with pests, nourishing your plants, or just trying to garden a little greener, there’s something waiting for you. All-natural, no harsh chemicals, and packed with clever eco-science.

Let us know what you think, and if you’ve got a burning question for Kev, we might just have to do another one of these soon!