RED Grant – Focus
From seeds planted more than 30 years ago, Walpole business Thurlby Herb Farm has continued to grow as an international supplier of botanically-based household solutions with a diverse range of products sold in more than 1400 retail outlets throughout Australia, Europe and Asia. Fragranced sachets that naturally repel insects are among its most popular products.
We’re pleased to have supported Thurlby to take an exciting step in its journey through the provision of a Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant. The RED Grants program is a State Government initiative that is investing $60.85 million over eleven years in locally-driven projects to stimulate economic growth and development in regional Western Australia. In the South West, the RED Grants program is delivered by the South West Development Commission with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Walpole business enjoys sweet smell of success as new equipment opens up fresh market opportunities
A South West business that manufactures unique botanically-based products used in bathrooms, wardrobes and pantries around the world is set to further diversify when it launches a new soap product next year.
Thurlby Herb Farm is gearing up to introduce a new size product, thanks to the capabilities of a soap line recently purchased with the assistance of a Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant.
“Given the more precise cutting available to us, we are working on a new size of product which we hope to take to customers in 2026,” Thurlby’s Sarah Butlin said.
In a further market opportunity, an East Coast business has approached Thurlby to create a custom sized soap, which is now possible thanks to the modifications and modernisation achieved in the making and cutting process with the new equipment.
Thurlby will look to explore different sizes for some of customers who request bespoke products, including those who may want to customise for their own brand purposes or smaller soap bars for the travel market.
Other benefits experienced through the project include cost and time efficiencies created through streamlining, reduced waste, and a better, safer working environment.
The Walpole business has expanded since the first herb garden was planted more than 30 years ago. Helmed by Sarah and Phil Butlin who purchased the business in 2018, Thurlby has grown from initially offering potpourri and a range of herbal blends and handmade soaps developed using traditional botanical knowledge.
It now sells a diverse range that is sold online as well as in more than 1400 retail outlets throughout Australia, Europe and Asia, and employing more than 20 local people.
From soap infused with the fragrance of fruit, to attractively packaged “bug busters” that hang in wardrobes to naturally deter insects while keeping clothes smelling fresh, Thurlby offers a diverse product range based around botanical ingredients such as flowers, fruits and herbs.
Clothing protectors are now the best-selling product. These soap-based products incorporate a combination of ingredients to help repel moths, silverfish and other insects which are attracted to clothing. For example, the Laura Ashley by Thurlby herbal bug busters in recycled cotton packaging emit a fragrance that assists in naturally deterring insects whilst keeping clothing smelling fresh.
Lemon verbena, wormwood and lavender grown on the farm are among the ingredients used in Thurlby’s fabric products, some of which incorporate soap noodles.
The Thurlby Bug Buster is also in demand, highlighted by a contract to supply bespoke packaging for a leading national men’s clothing brand. Licensing agreements and collaborations with Australian designers and artists enhance the appeal of the range.
“There are many other sachets that are made in Australia and overseas that have fragrance, but none have the benefit of helping to repel insects. We also pride ourselves on our products being packaged by hand,” Sarah said.
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in the RED Grant program – it has made a significant difference to our business.” – Thurlby Herb Farm
