Story – How a Galician Company Is Revolutionizing Natural Luffa Sponges
Share
100% natural sponges, cultivated in Galicia using fully ecological methods. This isn’t just a slogan — it’s the daily reality of an innovative company based in Caldas de Reis (Pontevedra). In just a few years, it has sold thousands of units and launched a variety of products, including makeup remover pads, bottle brushes, and much more.
From Vine to Sponge – Nature Meets Craftsmanship
What looks like a giant cucumber or zucchini is actually the fruit of the luffa plant, the basis for these 100% plant-based sponges. Juan Carlos, the founder, began cultivating them on a former family vineyard in Caldas de Reis.
The result: luffas up to 1.3 meters long, producing a fully biodegradable natural fiber with remarkable benefits for skin and sustainability.
Genetics, Know-how, and a Commitment to Quality
Every three years, the company develops new plant varieties through carefully selected crossbreeding. This ongoing innovation ensures improved fiber quality, always grounded in deep knowledge of the plant and its optimal growing conditions.
Thanks to favorable climate, this year’s harvest was especially productive. Each fruit yields between 500 and 1,000 seeds, which are hand-selected for future crops.
Thermal Water – The Secret Ingredient
A standout feature of their process is the use of thermal spring water from Caldas de Reis, heated to about 43 °C. This water helps remove the outer peel of the luffa and enhances the formation of a soothing, regenerating fiber — ideal for direct contact with the skin.
From Personal Care to Eco-Design
After the thermal bath, the luffas are air-dried for 4–5 days, producing fibers of varying densities suitable for:
-
Bath sponges
-
Exfoliating mitts
-
Bottle brushes
-
Dish scrubbers
-
And much more
When dry, the luffa exfoliates gently. When wet, it hydrates and revitalizes the skin — offering benefits far beyond those of plastic sponges.
The Future: Advanced Eco Applications
The company is now working on more complex applications, such as computer cases made from luffa fiber — a powerful example of how knowledge, research, and local commitment can lead to sustainable innovation in rural Galicia.
📝 Note: This article is based on the video “Esponjas 100% naturales cultivadas en Galicia,” published by TVG / G24 / CRTVG on YouTube. All rights to the video belong to the original creator.
This article was written by our team.