March 31-April 6, 2005

fine print

Green Sweep

MOVE OVER WINDEX: Glass cleaner is the tip of Organica's offerings. Photo By: Michael T. Regan

by Brian Howard

"I'm not one of those tree-hugging nuts," says Bob Knaub, general manager of Organica Biotech, a Norristown-based company that merges science with earth consciousness. "I don't wear biodegradable clothes, but if there's an environmentally friendly alternative to a chemical, I use it."

For the Organica Biotech scientists who produce cleaning and gardening products that are specifically designed to not be harsh on Mother Earth, this is a way of life. "Most everybody in the company doesn't just think green, they live that kind of life," says Knaub, who graduated with a pre-med major and parlayed his science skills (and an aversion to laboratory work) into an organic landscaping business before joining Organica. "It's been a nice fit to see people come in and not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. There's a need. And the organic market is growing every year."

The 12-year-old company, which recently was a sponsor of the Philadelphia Flower Show's lecture and demonstration series (and ran the show's organic gardening day), is looking to take a bigger chunk of that market. It has recently become an allied member of Green Hotels, a Houston-based lodging association that endorses products that meet or exceed its strict standards for environmental safety. Organica's glass cleaners, microbial soil conditioners, pond clarifiers, drain openers, et al, will be listed on www.greenhotels.com and put in front of some serious buying power.

"The potential is limitless if you think about the number of hotels and motels through the country," figures Knaub.

For Knaub and Organica, the opportunity to grow the business is nice. But the inspiration is closer to home.

"There are many people who have allergies," he explains. And that includes his wife. When they stay in hotels where chemical-based cleaners with perfumes are used, he says, "she's miserable."