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Toothbrush tablet pioneer Denttabs files for bankruptcy – future in danger!
The Berlin company Denttabs has filed for bankruptcy. Despite sustainable toothbrush tablets and contracts with dm and Rossmann, sales fell short of expectations.
Toothbrush tablet pioneer Denttabs files for bankruptcy – future in danger!
The news from the Berlin startup scene is often full of hope and innovation. But the Denttabs company is currently making a name for itself – and not for the best reasons. How chip reported that the company has filed for bankruptcy. Particularly bitter: The innovative approach of offering toothbrush tablets was not able to convince enough customers.
Denttabs, once celebrated for its sustainable approach, is launching toothpaste tablets that foam when chewed, eliminating the need to use toothpaste tubes. This environmentally friendly idea earned the company the German Sustainability Prize four years ago. Nevertheless, sales fell short of expectations. With a decline from 3 million euros in 2019 to just 1.1 million euros in the last balance sheet, the company's difficult situation is evident.
The challenges of the company
Founder Axel Kaiser expressed his dejection about the lack of market acceptance. Despite being listed on large drugstore chains such as dm, Rossmann and even Alnatura, Denttabs was unable to gain enough of a foothold. “There is simply not enough reach,” complains Kaiser, who at the same time is also receiving positive feedback from the retail chains and hopes that the company could get back on its feet soon.
The business is currently continuing to operate as normal because an insolvency lawyer is looking for solutions to stabilize or even restructure the business. Kaiser has already held discussions with potential suitors and may see new opportunities with Eco Group taking over sales in Germany and Asia last February, which could enable a change for the better.
Consequences of bankruptcy
The effects of bankruptcy are diverse. An insolvency administrator will take control and examine the best restructuring options. The aim is to achieve the highest possible satisfaction for creditors and, if necessary, to preserve jobs. Affected employees can prepare for insolvency money. The causes of the bankruptcy are clear: a drastic decline in sales, high debts and external market developments have taken a toll on the company.
The problem is not just an issue for Denttabs. Other companies are also currently in a quandary. The competition center recently filed a lawsuit against dm regarding the admissibility of an eye screening offered under competition law. It turns out that the challenges in the industry are great and that innovative concepts like Denttabs' are forward-looking, but are also subject to considerable pressure.
Denttabs' story is an example of how even the best ideas sometimes don't bring the expected success. It remains to be seen whether the insolvency lawyer can find solutions. For the future, it could still be important not to lose sight of projects with a sustainable orientation, because the potential for this is undoubtedly there.