Project Background

Silverback Gorilla Kitchen Sponge Limited was founded by Kevin Gabriel on 16 October 2024 with a mission to create an eco-conscious, meaningful kitchen sponge. The idea emerged after Kevin listened to a podcast about Silverback Gorillas and noticed the connection between the gorilla’s strength and the common silver steel scourer used in everyday cleaning. 

This sparked the vision for a green sponge paired with a silver scourer, a functional product carrying a conservation message.

As Kevin refined the early sketches with graphic designer Jeremy Jones, the concept became even more purposeful. He made a commitment to donate a portion of every sale to a gorilla conservation organisation, ensuring the product would make a positive impact beyond the kitchen.

When Kevin presented the concept to Active Components, the project stood out immediately. While sponge products are outside our standard portfolio, the sustainability focus and community benefit strongly align with our commitment to supporting purposeful product development.

From selecting the right materials to coordinating reliable manufacturing, Active Components played a key role in ensuring the Silverback Gorilla Sponge could be produced efficiently, consistently, and to high-quality standards.

“Although this project falls outside our usual scope of electronic components, we were proud to support a mission-led product that aligns with our values in sustainability and innovation.”

— Noor Al-Kattan, Director of Sales & Marketing at Active Components

Turning Challenges into Solutions

Design and Functionality

The sponge needed to be practical, comfortable to hold, and suitable for a wide range of users — all while fitting well in packaging and standing out on the shelf.

Active Components supported the product development through multiple design iterations of both the sponge and its packaging, helping refine the shape and size to strike the right balance between usability and shelf appeal. Continuous feedback and hands-on prototyping played a key role in shaping the final packaging.

Material Sourcing

Sustainability was central to the product vision. The goal was to use biodegradable materials without compromising durability or cleaning performance.

Active Components assisted in sourcing and evaluating a range of eco-friendly material options. Each was reviewed for strength, texture, and alignment with the product’s environmental goals.

Cost Management

One of the main challenges during development was balancing design quality, sustainability, and production costs.

The Active team explored cost-effective manufacturing options and suggested practical adjustments to materials and processes. This helped ensure the final product stayed within budget without sacrificing core values.

Growth with Impact: Quality, Sustainability, and Affordability

Silverback Gorilla Kitchen Sponge has a clear mission: to make a positive environmental impact through everyday products. The short-term goal is to establish recurring retail orders and expand awareness through trusted sales channels.

With Active Components supporting stock management and logistics, Kevin is confident that the sponge can scale while staying true to its roots.

Product Features

• A 10.5cm contoured sponge designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
• Double-sided: a soft cellulose sponge on one side, a silver scourer on the other.
• Biodegradable material (cellulose).
• Designed in Aotearoa—New Zealand.
• Branded and marketed specifically for kitchen use.
• A portion of each sale is donated to The Gorilla Organisation.

Interested in this product or want to learn about wholesale options? Get in touch with Kevin at kevingabriel@mac.com

“I hope customers enjoy using the Silverback Gorilla Kitchen Sponge — and feel good knowing their purchase also supports gorilla conservation.”

— Kevin Gabriel

Supporting Purposeful Product Development with Long-Term Value

This collaboration reflects the power of shared values in business. With one side focused on creativity and cause, and the other bringing expertise in supply chain and custom development, the result is a product that not only serves a practical need but also contributes to global conservation efforts.

When asked what matters most in choosing a long-term supply partner, Kevin highlighted three key qualities: a proven track record with long-standing customers, prompt communication, and reliability.

“Carl and Katrina from Active Components have been fantastic. Always prompt, reliable, and courteous in their communication,” Kevin shared when reflecting on what makes the team stand out.

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