Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
spar pilot programme
Spar has placed an order for 6000 bags (3000 each of large and small) These are to be priced at 30 and 35 rs each. Production of the bags has been completed and we are currently waiting for the graphics that are to be printed on these bags.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The self help group
Interview with the manager of the Self Help Group, Mr. Murgan K:
1. How many tailors work at the self-help group?
16 tailors and 2 helpers work at the self-help group currently, and the group is set to expand soon.
2.How many hours a day do they work?
6 - 8 hours a day for 6 days a week
3.How much do they earn?
Males earn 80 to 250rs per a day, whereas women earn 80 to 150rs on piecework basis to support their families.
4.Do men and women both work?
Yes.
5.Does the income they get help support their families?
The continuous work and the steady income they receive from the centre will definitely help support their families.
6.Do they enjoy working here?
Yes they enjoy working. Aside from providing them with an income, the work here enables them to utilise their craftsmanship and skills and provides them with a feeling of satisfaction on a job well done.
7.For how many years / generations have they been tailors?
60 % of the tailors here have been working as tailors for generations. The others have been working as tailors for the past 8 to 10 years
8.What work did they do before they joined the shg?
They worked for salaries and the income was very low, at around 1500 to 2500 per month.
Earlier women had to travel a great distance to reach the factories they worked in, but since the Self Help Group is located right next to their villages, it has decreased their commuting time a great deal, allowing them to spend more time at home with their families.
9.Do they think the shg will help them economically?
They hope the support system and group savings will help to fulfil all their financial needs and up till now it has managed to do just that.
10.How much work are they doing now?
Average of 6 hours per day
11. Is it often that they do not have work?
Normally around the 2nd Quarter of the year there is absolutely no work for them and they don’t have work for an average of 5 days a week during this low season.
12. Where do they get the bulk of their other orders?
Industree crafts pvt limited
13. What are the major problems that they are facing?
The major financial problems are with overhead expenses and if they invest on materials they loose interest from the bank. For working capital they had to take loans from local pawn brokers who charged huge rates of interest {4 - 6% per month}, but now with the micro-finance group collateral system employed at the SHG they collect money amongst themselves and use this to buy materials or take a bigger loan from a professional and official banking system with lower rates of interest.
14.How will this money help them?
It will help to pay the loans to free themselves, and provide capital with which they can expand the self-help group and generate more revenue.
More information:
Producer group:
The Krishnagiri Self-Help Producer Group is run by a Mr Murgan. K and was registered 6 months ago. This is a self sustaining self help group in a rural area. Some of the group's earlier projects have included work with the indigenous Kalamkaari artform.
1. The whole process has been organized by a producer self help group
{a group of 20 tailors}
2. who collect money from all the members and use that sum as greater
collateral when dealing with banks for loans.
3. This system is based on a group collateral, micro finance system
developed by Mr. Mohammed Younis of Bangladesh who has recently won
the noble peace price for his work.
4. For poor rural people to raise themselves from poverty they need
access to small loans, for this banks have usually demanded collateral
/ security, which the poor people have not been able to collect.
5. In the absence of banks lending them money they have been forced to
go to moneylenders who have charged crippling rates of interest thus
not allowing the poor to raise themselves from their extreme poverty.
6. In this new micro finance system a group of 10 – 15 artisans come
together and form a group collateral system. they are each a security
for the other, the group ensures that the money is paid back to the
banks. Each member saves, and their savings are added up and the bank
provides two or three times the saved amount as a loan to them.
7. This enables them to invest in small businesses and also to take
care of emergency expenditures such as illness, marriages and so on.
Krishnagiri: is a municipal city and the headquarters of Krishnagiri District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
It is a part of Kongu Nadu region of Tamilnadu ruled by the ancient Western Ganga Dynasty.
Mango is cultivated as the main crop and its considered as the birth place for Mangoes.
1. How many tailors work at the self-help group?
16 tailors and 2 helpers work at the self-help group currently, and the group is set to expand soon.
2.How many hours a day do they work?
6 - 8 hours a day for 6 days a week
3.How much do they earn?
Males earn 80 to 250rs per a day, whereas women earn 80 to 150rs on piecework basis to support their families.
4.Do men and women both work?
Yes.
5.Does the income they get help support their families?
The continuous work and the steady income they receive from the centre will definitely help support their families.
6.Do they enjoy working here?
Yes they enjoy working. Aside from providing them with an income, the work here enables them to utilise their craftsmanship and skills and provides them with a feeling of satisfaction on a job well done.
7.For how many years / generations have they been tailors?
60 % of the tailors here have been working as tailors for generations. The others have been working as tailors for the past 8 to 10 years
8.What work did they do before they joined the shg?
They worked for salaries and the income was very low, at around 1500 to 2500 per month.
Earlier women had to travel a great distance to reach the factories they worked in, but since the Self Help Group is located right next to their villages, it has decreased their commuting time a great deal, allowing them to spend more time at home with their families.
9.Do they think the shg will help them economically?
They hope the support system and group savings will help to fulfil all their financial needs and up till now it has managed to do just that.
10.How much work are they doing now?
Average of 6 hours per day
11. Is it often that they do not have work?
Normally around the 2nd Quarter of the year there is absolutely no work for them and they don’t have work for an average of 5 days a week during this low season.
12. Where do they get the bulk of their other orders?
Industree crafts pvt limited
13. What are the major problems that they are facing?
The major financial problems are with overhead expenses and if they invest on materials they loose interest from the bank. For working capital they had to take loans from local pawn brokers who charged huge rates of interest {4 - 6% per month}, but now with the micro-finance group collateral system employed at the SHG they collect money amongst themselves and use this to buy materials or take a bigger loan from a professional and official banking system with lower rates of interest.
14.How will this money help them?
It will help to pay the loans to free themselves, and provide capital with which they can expand the self-help group and generate more revenue.
More information:
Producer group:
The Krishnagiri Self-Help Producer Group is run by a Mr Murgan. K and was registered 6 months ago. This is a self sustaining self help group in a rural area. Some of the group's earlier projects have included work with the indigenous Kalamkaari artform.
1. The whole process has been organized by a producer self help group
{a group of 20 tailors}
2. who collect money from all the members and use that sum as greater
collateral when dealing with banks for loans.
3. This system is based on a group collateral, micro finance system
developed by Mr. Mohammed Younis of Bangladesh who has recently won
the noble peace price for his work.
4. For poor rural people to raise themselves from poverty they need
access to small loans, for this banks have usually demanded collateral
/ security, which the poor people have not been able to collect.
5. In the absence of banks lending them money they have been forced to
go to moneylenders who have charged crippling rates of interest thus
not allowing the poor to raise themselves from their extreme poverty.
6. In this new micro finance system a group of 10 – 15 artisans come
together and form a group collateral system. they are each a security
for the other, the group ensures that the money is paid back to the
banks. Each member saves, and their savings are added up and the bank
provides two or three times the saved amount as a loan to them.
7. This enables them to invest in small businesses and also to take
care of emergency expenditures such as illness, marriages and so on.
Krishnagiri: is a municipal city and the headquarters of Krishnagiri District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
It is a part of Kongu Nadu region of Tamilnadu ruled by the ancient Western Ganga Dynasty.
Mango is cultivated as the main crop and its considered as the birth place for Mangoes.
second delivery of the eco bag
Two weeks after the successful first delivery of the eco bag to the amaising store, another 200 bag order was placed, this time for white eco bags. The order was delivered successfully and on schedule.
This marked the end of the eco bag market in this section of consumers and confluence turned its sights to new markets, namely spar.
This marked the end of the eco bag market in this section of consumers and confluence turned its sights to new markets, namely spar.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
First delivery of ecobags
We have just completed a 250 bag order for "the amaising store" based out of Mallya Aditi International School. The order consisted of smaller black bags without pouches. The bags were made from recycled cloth from surplus markets.
This order has tested our production system since they had only two working days in which to deliver the entire order. This dry run has proven the integrity of our supply chain and we are now ready to take on much larger orders. We are hoping to sign a 10,000 bag order with Spar by the end of this month.
This order has tested our production system since they had only two working days in which to deliver the entire order. This dry run has proven the integrity of our supply chain and we are now ready to take on much larger orders. We are hoping to sign a 10,000 bag order with Spar by the end of this month.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Nakko plastic
hyderabadh is planning to implement a nakko plastic movement to get rid of plastic bags in the city.
the Citizens for Better Hyderabad organisation requires a 100,000 jute bags for the city. in a year this is to be scaled up to a million.
the ecobag can help supply some of these bags especially to companies in hyderabad such as microsoft who want 3000 bags for their employees. we can supply these smaller orders and our bags are definitely more innovative and user friendy then the jute bags with bamboo stick handles that are being demanded by the CBH.
the Citizens for Better Hyderabad organisation requires a 100,000 jute bags for the city. in a year this is to be scaled up to a million.
the ecobag can help supply some of these bags especially to companies in hyderabad such as microsoft who want 3000 bags for their employees. we can supply these smaller orders and our bags are definitely more innovative and user friendy then the jute bags with bamboo stick handles that are being demanded by the CBH.
next step
MAIS need to place an advanced order , with a monetary advance as well.
the bags will be printed and prototyped for their requirements.
as far as production goes, the krishnagiri self helf group is still settting up shop , currently they are in the midst of negotiations for renting a shed. they have bought all the necessary machinery, 15 machines in all and are receiving a loan from industree crafts private limited in order to iniate their cash flow and take care of capital expenditures.
the meeting with spar will proceed as soon as we are absolutely sure that the production side of the project is in place.
the bags will be printed and prototyped for their requirements.
as far as production goes, the krishnagiri self helf group is still settting up shop , currently they are in the midst of negotiations for renting a shed. they have bought all the necessary machinery, 15 machines in all and are receiving a loan from industree crafts private limited in order to iniate their cash flow and take care of capital expenditures.
the meeting with spar will proceed as soon as we are absolutely sure that the production side of the project is in place.
the delay
the eco bag was held up for a week and a half due to some issues with printing. we have ironed out those problems and are now ready to continue with the project.
our spar bags are fully developed and now negotiations are under way for mass production.
in the meanwhile we have recieved an order from mally aditi international school to the sell the bags at the young enterprise business initative.
our spar bags are fully developed and now negotiations are under way for mass production.
in the meanwhile we have recieved an order from mally aditi international school to the sell the bags at the young enterprise business initative.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Implementation of our plan of action
After much product development, trial an error, testing and retesting, market research and some hardcore head-scratching the final plan of action for the implementation of the pilot program seems foolproof and ready to go.
Since the suppliers for the unwoven polyester could not be reliably traced we seem poised to scrap that variation of the material over concerns that it might not be of food grade material quality. We also believe that while the bag shall be re-used replacing plastic with plastic is not necessarily a good thing. We are set to go all out natural fiber which is an excellent option since such material is biodegradable, resource efficient and ecologically sound. The kora cloth we are using for the bags is lightweight , durable, soft, easily compressed, unbleached and completely food grade. It also provides that indispensable natural touch which resonates well with the environmental purpose the bags serve.
After troubleshooting and testing numerous designs ranging from square puches to pencil pouches to box bags to bags big enough to carry home your Toyota Innova in, we have arrived upon a final standardized design which will combine strength, durability, cost efficiency and aesthetics.
POA
1. Material testing: to certify that all materials we use are absolutely food grade, non toxic and safe. [samples have been sent to the lab for testing]
2. Final product bulk pricing
3. Final product design [ kora cloth bags in medium and small. with Velcro rounded pouches and wrap around straps for additional strength]
4. Field Research into the Krishnagiri Self Help Group (including pictures which we shall put up)
5. Final printing specifications - bulk pricing
6. Report to spar
7. Investment from spar to spearhead the production initiative
8. start product delivery - strict quality control.
9. store graphics to display and advertise the product
10. publicity campaign; radio, newspaper etc.
Since the suppliers for the unwoven polyester could not be reliably traced we seem poised to scrap that variation of the material over concerns that it might not be of food grade material quality. We also believe that while the bag shall be re-used replacing plastic with plastic is not necessarily a good thing. We are set to go all out natural fiber which is an excellent option since such material is biodegradable, resource efficient and ecologically sound. The kora cloth we are using for the bags is lightweight , durable, soft, easily compressed, unbleached and completely food grade. It also provides that indispensable natural touch which resonates well with the environmental purpose the bags serve.
After troubleshooting and testing numerous designs ranging from square puches to pencil pouches to box bags to bags big enough to carry home your Toyota Innova in, we have arrived upon a final standardized design which will combine strength, durability, cost efficiency and aesthetics.
POA
1. Material testing: to certify that all materials we use are absolutely food grade, non toxic and safe. [samples have been sent to the lab for testing]
2. Final product bulk pricing
3. Final product design [ kora cloth bags in medium and small. with Velcro rounded pouches and wrap around straps for additional strength]
4. Field Research into the Krishnagiri Self Help Group (including pictures which we shall put up)
5. Final printing specifications - bulk pricing
6. Report to spar
7. Investment from spar to spearhead the production initiative
8. start product delivery - strict quality control.
9. store graphics to display and advertise the product
10. publicity campaign; radio, newspaper etc.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Spar Market Research Report
Overview: The customer feedback was carried out from 3 – 5 in the afternoon. 50 people were approached, while 42 desired to respond. The survey included a random sample of people waiting at the cash tills. Customers were questioned on three major areas:
Would they use an eco-bag instead of plastic bags – would they remember to bring one?
What was the maximum amount that they would be willing to pay for an eco bag?
What material and size would they prefer?
Data:
(all percentages are rounded to the nearest 5%)
85% of the random sample said that they would use the eco bag and thought it was a good idea.
Only 20 % said they would remember to bring one to the shop, but after they were introduced to the pouch idea {the fact that the bag could be folded into a pouch and then left in a handbag or trouser pocket} this figure rose to 70%, as customers believed pouches which could be carried around conveniently increased the likelihood of them remembering to bring a bag.
Material type was split 50 – 50. Individuals who wanted cheap, durable bags that reduced plastic waste, immediately wanted the unwoven polyester material and individuals who wanted a natural touch immediately opted for the kora cloth version since it was a lightweight, durable and easy to fold.
60% of the customer sample opted for a dual size option. Demanding that the bags be available in two sizes. 20 – 10 and 20 –20 cm
As far as price range was concerned; customers interested in the unwoven polyester material were willing to pat 20 – 25rs at the maximum, whereas customers interested in the kora cloth version were willing to pay upto 50 – 100rs on average.
Customer input / ideas:
The bags must be durable and should all fit into a pouch to increase convenience.
Based on your purchase amount spar should subsidise the amount.
The bag shouldn’t hurt your pocket, should be available at the lowest possible price.
One shouldn’t replace plastic with plastic.
Should be functional, have a good folding ability, not bulky but light.
Should have a large enough holding capacity.
Using recycled plastic is amazing as it would reduce plastic already in circulation.
Natural fibres are more environmentally friendly and are bio degradable.
Unwoven polyester is good because its much cheaper.
I would be willing to pay 200rs for a kora cloth eco bag.
Conclusions:
Two versions of the eco bag must be available; one a natural fibre Kora cloth version and one a cheap, recycled non-woven polyester version.
The bag should be available in two sizes 20 – 10 and 20 –20.
The bags must all fold into a pouch.
Customers are definitely willing to use these bags especially since they fit into a pouch.
Most customers seem willing to pay for these bags.
Customers believe this is an excellent initiative.
Would they use an eco-bag instead of plastic bags – would they remember to bring one?
What was the maximum amount that they would be willing to pay for an eco bag?
What material and size would they prefer?
Data:
(all percentages are rounded to the nearest 5%)
85% of the random sample said that they would use the eco bag and thought it was a good idea.
Only 20 % said they would remember to bring one to the shop, but after they were introduced to the pouch idea {the fact that the bag could be folded into a pouch and then left in a handbag or trouser pocket} this figure rose to 70%, as customers believed pouches which could be carried around conveniently increased the likelihood of them remembering to bring a bag.
Material type was split 50 – 50. Individuals who wanted cheap, durable bags that reduced plastic waste, immediately wanted the unwoven polyester material and individuals who wanted a natural touch immediately opted for the kora cloth version since it was a lightweight, durable and easy to fold.
60% of the customer sample opted for a dual size option. Demanding that the bags be available in two sizes. 20 – 10 and 20 –20 cm
As far as price range was concerned; customers interested in the unwoven polyester material were willing to pat 20 – 25rs at the maximum, whereas customers interested in the kora cloth version were willing to pay upto 50 – 100rs on average.
Customer input / ideas:
The bags must be durable and should all fit into a pouch to increase convenience.
Based on your purchase amount spar should subsidise the amount.
The bag shouldn’t hurt your pocket, should be available at the lowest possible price.
One shouldn’t replace plastic with plastic.
Should be functional, have a good folding ability, not bulky but light.
Should have a large enough holding capacity.
Using recycled plastic is amazing as it would reduce plastic already in circulation.
Natural fibres are more environmentally friendly and are bio degradable.
Unwoven polyester is good because its much cheaper.
I would be willing to pay 200rs for a kora cloth eco bag.
Conclusions:
Two versions of the eco bag must be available; one a natural fibre Kora cloth version and one a cheap, recycled non-woven polyester version.
The bag should be available in two sizes 20 – 10 and 20 –20.
The bags must all fold into a pouch.
Customers are definitely willing to use these bags especially since they fit into a pouch.
Most customers seem willing to pay for these bags.
Customers believe this is an excellent initiative.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Our Market Research Stage
Since we have completed the initial stages of our project and have secured a solid, dependable chain of supply, we took the next step and contacted our first source of demand - Mr. Viney singh of Spar (Max Hypermarkets).
Mr. Singh was enthused by our idea and and gave us some very valuable inputs.
We learnt that natural fibre bags like jute and kora cloth, might be in higher demand than our standard recycled non-woven polyester. Our first ever sample is made of kora cloth and a jute bag is in the production stage as of now.
following Mr. Singh's advice we have devloped a questionnaire with which we hope to get a solid understanding of what exactly Spar customers want. we shall be gathering data today and tomorow from as many people as possible.
Our questionairre:
We would like to ask you a few quick questions regarding an eco-bag project we intend to implement in Spar. These bags are socially and environmentally sustainable and are a trendy replacement for plastic bags.
1.Which fabric would you most prefer the bag to be made of? {show them a sample}
a) Non-woven polyester – 15 rs
b) Jute – 30 rs
c) Kora cloth – 30 rs
d) Upholstery silk – 40 rs
e) Others
2. How large should the bag be ? {show them samples}
a) 20 -20
b) 20 – 10
c) 10 – 10
d) Others
3. What colour would you prefer the bags to be made out of?
a) black
b) green
c) two tone
d) purple
e) pink
f) other
4. Do you want a bag you can carry on your shoulder or a hand carry bag?
5.what is the most you would be willing to pay for them?
a) 20
b)25
c)30
d)35
e)40
f) 40 +
6. Would you prefer a bag that folds into a pouch or holds its box like shape?
7. Do you think customers would take the time, trouble and cost to purchase these bags AND remember to use them instead of plastic bags, would you?
8. Do you have any suggestions about the design of the bag, the pricing or the material?
9. Would you support such an initiative and do you think it could make a practical large -scale impact?
10. Why would you purchase and eco bag?
a) to be trendy
b) because you are environmentally conscious
c) because it is more convenient then plastic bags
d) other
Mr. Singh was enthused by our idea and and gave us some very valuable inputs.
We learnt that natural fibre bags like jute and kora cloth, might be in higher demand than our standard recycled non-woven polyester. Our first ever sample is made of kora cloth and a jute bag is in the production stage as of now.
following Mr. Singh's advice we have devloped a questionnaire with which we hope to get a solid understanding of what exactly Spar customers want. we shall be gathering data today and tomorow from as many people as possible.
Our questionairre:
We would like to ask you a few quick questions regarding an eco-bag project we intend to implement in Spar. These bags are socially and environmentally sustainable and are a trendy replacement for plastic bags.
1.Which fabric would you most prefer the bag to be made of? {show them a sample}
a) Non-woven polyester – 15 rs
b) Jute – 30 rs
c) Kora cloth – 30 rs
d) Upholstery silk – 40 rs
e) Others
2. How large should the bag be ? {show them samples}
a) 20 -20
b) 20 – 10
c) 10 – 10
d) Others
3. What colour would you prefer the bags to be made out of?
a) black
b) green
c) two tone
d) purple
e) pink
f) other
4. Do you want a bag you can carry on your shoulder or a hand carry bag?
5.what is the most you would be willing to pay for them?
a) 20
b)25
c)30
d)35
e)40
f) 40 +
6. Would you prefer a bag that folds into a pouch or holds its box like shape?
7. Do you think customers would take the time, trouble and cost to purchase these bags AND remember to use them instead of plastic bags, would you?
8. Do you have any suggestions about the design of the bag, the pricing or the material?
9. Would you support such an initiative and do you think it could make a practical large -scale impact?
10. Why would you purchase and eco bag?
a) to be trendy
b) because you are environmentally conscious
c) because it is more convenient then plastic bags
d) other
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Design
The design of the eco - bag is slowly evolving.
It started off as an extremely cheap cost effective product which could be manufactured in bulk and very cheaply. There wasn't much innovation and variation as far as design went. After the strategic shift in the project; from almost giving away the bags to the customers to selling the bag as a product in itself the designs and quality of the bags have gotten more elaborate and chic.
The bags have lost their metal zippers which are not as reliable as say velcro or a simple fold in flap. The bags are now available in a variety of colours; green , pitch black , pink , purple and orange. The bags have varied designs and sizes, some that optimise on strength others which excel at aesthetic appeal. One range is being developed specifically for women, with envelopingly sexy new designs and a touch of the hottest fashion. A range of new enticing materials have been developed; from fabrics that encompass the tactile experience of leather, to the engrossing flash of a silk like material. These exciting new materials and designs promise to deliver bags dripping in a exorbitant delight for all the senses, a sensual extravaganza. If you want to shop well than shop HOT!
It started off as an extremely cheap cost effective product which could be manufactured in bulk and very cheaply. There wasn't much innovation and variation as far as design went. After the strategic shift in the project; from almost giving away the bags to the customers to selling the bag as a product in itself the designs and quality of the bags have gotten more elaborate and chic.
The bags have lost their metal zippers which are not as reliable as say velcro or a simple fold in flap. The bags are now available in a variety of colours; green , pitch black , pink , purple and orange. The bags have varied designs and sizes, some that optimise on strength others which excel at aesthetic appeal. One range is being developed specifically for women, with envelopingly sexy new designs and a touch of the hottest fashion. A range of new enticing materials have been developed; from fabrics that encompass the tactile experience of leather, to the engrossing flash of a silk like material. These exciting new materials and designs promise to deliver bags dripping in a exorbitant delight for all the senses, a sensual extravaganza. If you want to shop well than shop HOT!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Information from our meeting with Idiom strategist
this is a product in itself
advertisers – youth centric companies – nike – adidas
sell it outlets , retailers take a margin – approx 30 %
advertisement revenue should at least make up for margin
need some form of margin for cash flow
need one price
need samples with print to show retailers
different colours designs
immediate samples, price, diff colours (green black)
need contacts high up.
need bulk
our brand – ecoconfluence – every single bag
our brand colour green
black bag with green ecoconfluence
green bag with white ecoconfluence
immediate effect:
get 10 solid samples with print
proper price
advertisers – youth centric companies – nike – adidas
sell it outlets , retailers take a margin – approx 30 %
advertisement revenue should at least make up for margin
need some form of margin for cash flow
need one price
need samples with print to show retailers
different colours designs
immediate samples, price, diff colours (green black)
need contacts high up.
need bulk
our brand – ecoconfluence – every single bag
our brand colour green
black bag with green ecoconfluence
green bag with white ecoconfluence
immediate effect:
get 10 solid samples with print
proper price
Spar proposal ideas
Our group “Econfluence” was founded in 2005 in MAIS by Agastya Muthana and Nishant Jacob in order to deal with various environmental issues and initiate economically and environmentally viable projects.
Currently we are basing our operation out of the Industree Trust Fund. A trust devoted to inclusive, socially and environmentally sustainable rural development across India.
We have taken on projects including; rain water harvesting schemes, spreading awareness about environmental issues in the Yelehanka community and implementing composting and garbage segregation schemes in homes and schools.
We want to set up a non-profit business that is driven by both economic and environmental forces, thus making the project sustainable in the long run. By offering our bags at low costs to select retail chains we hope to
1.Help stop the profligate use of plastic bags
2.Create a focal point for environmental awareness
Why develop a SPAR, Econfluence partnership?
We believe that we are an ideal fit with your firm because:
Green image: Our bags will help Spar create a responsible, environmentally friendly image in Bangalore
Publicity: We will be giving interviews on radio 91.9 as well as appearing in several news articles (Agastya has already mentioned this project in Interviews by the Deccan Herald and the Indo-Asian News Service) We will mention the Spar brand particularly in future interviews.
Talking point: We believe that our bags will develop into a talking point in Bangalore. This can help Spar loose its MNC sheen (which is, oddly, still considered “bad” by many Indians) and help it sprout an organic, personal, homegrown image.
Sustainability: Higher end retailers like Spar are expected the lead in helping set up a sustainable world.
Customer satisfaction: is bound to grow exponentially. Today climate change and environmentalism are lurking silently at the back of millions of consumer’s heads. Leaving a shop with a trendy, environmentally friendly bag will cause a feel-good factor like no other.
Social phenomenon: Our bags have the potential to cause a social, hip phenomenon much like the “Livestrong” bands. We plan to work hard towards achieving this goal and Spar will ride the crest of the social wave with us if we succeed.
Personalized Products: We will personalize our project to suit Spar’s needs. We can work with Spar to develop bag shapes and sizes customized for your goods.
Supply Information
Costing {per bag}
Labour cost: 8 - 12 rs
Zip: 1.5 rs
Printing: 1 rs
Material: Non woven polyster from recycled plastic bags: 60 GSM - 6 rs meter , 80 GSM - 13 rs per meter. 3.5 - 4 bags from 1 meter.
maximum 15 rs a bag ; total production costs.
Production Centre: Murgan tailor : Krishanagiri beyond hosur. Women Self Help group with 20 tailors.
Labour cost: 8 - 12 rs
Zip: 1.5 rs
Printing: 1 rs
Material: Non woven polyster from recycled plastic bags: 60 GSM - 6 rs meter , 80 GSM - 13 rs per meter. 3.5 - 4 bags from 1 meter.
maximum 15 rs a bag ; total production costs.
Production Centre: Murgan tailor : Krishanagiri beyond hosur. Women Self Help group with 20 tailors.
Our inital small steps idea
1. small steps is not designed to be a packaging substitute as is, it is designed to be a campaign for raising awareness.
By providing customers with the small steps option , we wish to offer them the chance to change their behavior towards the environment and raise awareness in a hands on manner.
We hope to raise awareness by encouraging shoppers to make a conscious decision at the supermarket whether to use plastic bag, or a reusable bag.
We wholeheartedly understand that Small Steps bags are not a packaging substitute. We merely wish to substitute a fraction of the demand for plastic bags with your bags, making the Small Steps environmental cause more visible to the average Indian shoppers eye and hopefully creating a civil movement by capturing the hearts and minds of people.
2. small steps is not meant to be sold as commodity as is.
We do not intend to sell Small Steps bags as a commodity. This is a Non-profit project where Large corporate companies will simply pay for advertising on the bags. The consumer pays a small amount to show his commitment.
The sponsors will cover production costs and shoppers will be free to donate money. making the whole system a very voluntary one a, useful contribution to the economy of abundance.
3. small steps believes in providing subsidy bag to rural India & education sector not to people who go to shopper stop or pantaloons.
We are aiming at the average Indian shopper at stores like Big Bazaar. Our primary goal is to spread environmental awareness not only to rural India & education sector but also all other Indians. The largest polluters today tend to live in cities and spreading awareness among them is important. hundreds of shoppers visit stores like big bazaar everyday if even a small fraction of them are persuaded to look at alternatives it could snowball and perhaps even eventually force large corporations to look beyond the short term.
We are also trying to make the process of spreading awareness in shops fund itself. The project will be more sustainable if it also harnesses market forces to the degree of covering cost prices. This would in no way impinge on the stellar work that small steps is doing by subsidising bags for the rural and education sector.
4. It is routed in the economy of abundunce not of Trading.
To maximise the potential outreach of the economy of Abundance we must harness the economy of trading. That said the economy of abundance is a beautiful mechanism and we are emphasising each consumers right to donate any money if he/she wishes to. The roots Must remain in the economy of abundance, but the branches can grown with the aid of a liberal market economy. We hope to achieve the natural transition described on the small steps website , indeed this was one of the primary sources of our inspiration for the entire project; "The Small Steps shopping bags are not intended for profit. They are, however, intended to be socially sustainable. Though Upasana Design Studio is coordinating the first round of Small Steps bag production, our eventual goal is to place this project in the hands of the people.Through village outreach and training, villagers will be taught how to craft these compact, lightweight bags out of locally-available materials and they may sell them to either create or enhance their livelihood.By promoting the use of cloth bags, Small Steps is trying to clean the roads. But equally as important, it is also trying to create jobs." - {http://smallsteps.in/node/24}
By creating a stir, publicity and a public movement in the urban areas we hope to help small steps realise the dream of using the bags to clean roads, enhance livelihoods and eventually place the projects in the hands of the people by providing them with a large sphere of influence and popular support for their noble actions.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Our idea at a glance
Concept
•Environmentally and Economically Sustainable
•Trendsetting
•Providing immediate economic profits
•Large scale Social impact and environmental impact
•Widespread participation, bringing environmentalism to the masses
•Environmentally and Economically Sustainable
•Trendsetting
•Providing immediate economic profits
•Large scale Social impact and environmental impact
•Widespread participation, bringing environmentalism to the masses
.
Possibilities and Opportunities (who gains immediately? how?)
.
1.For Suppliers:
•large scale orders, bulk production to cover costs
•economies of scale
•New Economically Sustainable Markets
•Predictable orders
•Recognition
2.For Retailers
•Eco branding
•Attracts customers
• Talking point
•Publicity
3.For Consumers
•Nominal price
•Trendsetting, fashionable, stylish
•Building a community of likeminded people
•Livestrong phenomenon
•Hip youth statement
•large scale orders, bulk production to cover costs
•economies of scale
•New Economically Sustainable Markets
•Predictable orders
•Recognition
2.For Retailers
•Eco branding
•Attracts customers
• Talking point
•Publicity
3.For Consumers
•Nominal price
•Trendsetting, fashionable, stylish
•Building a community of likeminded people
•Livestrong phenomenon
•Hip youth statement
4.For Sponsors
•Eco branding
•Trendsetting
•Permanence
Great advertising opportunity
.
PRODUCER
•Small steps
•Social implications: Women producer groups
•Environmentally sound products
•Small steps
•Social implications: Women producer groups
•Environmentally sound products
reduce the unneccessary use of plastic bags
.
OUTLETS
•Electronic goods store
•Book stores
•Grocery stores
•Departmental stores
•Electronic goods store
•Book stores
•Grocery stores
•Departmental stores
The Eco Bag Plan
The Eco Bag story starts way back in 2002 when the Australian Federal Government studied the use of throwaway plastic bags and threatened to outlaw them if retailers did not voluntarily discourage their use.
Then in 2003 the government negotiated with the Australian Retailers Association for a voluntary progressive reduction of plastic bag use which led to a number of initiatives, including the widespread distribution and promotion of Green Bags.
Green bags have taken Australia by storm, replacing over 80 percent of plastic bags at supermarkets and grocery stores. These bags are made out of hardy polymers or paper and are reusable and recyclable. Green Bags have become a fashion statement in Australia and its almost taboo to be caught walking on the streets swinging about the dreaded plastic packet.
This is the template we had in mind when we approached Small Steps and major Indian retailers and industrialists hoping to implement a similar scheme in India as well. The pilot city would be Namma Bengaluru. The potential for such an endevour is seemingly infinite ; supermarket chains around the city churn out tens of thousands of plastic bags every single day. Unfortunately, though the factories producing these bags are in full swing around the clock, facilities to dispose of this waste are almost non-existent.
At many supermarkets the plastic psyche is so deeply entrenched that entire packaging, accounting and even security systems have been designed and created around them. Many shops don't allow you to leave the premises without requesting you to display a plastic bag sealed with another ugly plastic loop, to verify that you didn't indulge in any shop lifting on your way out. In some other supermarkets, goods from separate sections such as fruits , vegetables and breads are placed in separate packets for the sake of organization and classification, and are then shoved without flinching into yet another gaudy plastic bag. Even though people don't seem to make a fuss , on the inside they must be cringing.
This is the sentiment we hope to ride on. We believe that if people are given a choice , given the opportunity and the means to change the status quo they will rise to the occasion and support an initiative like eco bags. All they have to do is pay a nominal fee , 10-15 rs to purchase a small steps eco bag and suddenly they own the means to combat a serious cause of environmental degradation. We hope to make these bags available at every major supermarket retail outlet and provide people with choice , hope and change.
The bags will be financed in part by corporate sponsorship via advertisements printed on the bags and it is an excellent opportunity for companies to put their money where their mouths are and flex their green muscles. Through the advertising revenue we hope to achieve economic sustainability and since the bags are produced by women producer groups in villages it already fulfills the criteria of social sustainability. These terms should now become a norm in our economic and business language and we hope that this initiative is the first small steps towards this ambitious goal. Plastic bags may be disposably cheap but their true costs are certainly not reflected in their price. In the end is up to the consumers to take the call , pick up the baton and step up to the plate with their full support and enthusiasm in order to make the eco bag a roaring success story in India's epic novel of sustainable growth.
Then in 2003 the government negotiated with the Australian Retailers Association for a voluntary progressive reduction of plastic bag use which led to a number of initiatives, including the widespread distribution and promotion of Green Bags.
Green bags have taken Australia by storm, replacing over 80 percent of plastic bags at supermarkets and grocery stores. These bags are made out of hardy polymers or paper and are reusable and recyclable. Green Bags have become a fashion statement in Australia and its almost taboo to be caught walking on the streets swinging about the dreaded plastic packet.
This is the template we had in mind when we approached Small Steps and major Indian retailers and industrialists hoping to implement a similar scheme in India as well. The pilot city would be Namma Bengaluru. The potential for such an endevour is seemingly infinite ; supermarket chains around the city churn out tens of thousands of plastic bags every single day. Unfortunately, though the factories producing these bags are in full swing around the clock, facilities to dispose of this waste are almost non-existent.
At many supermarkets the plastic psyche is so deeply entrenched that entire packaging, accounting and even security systems have been designed and created around them. Many shops don't allow you to leave the premises without requesting you to display a plastic bag sealed with another ugly plastic loop, to verify that you didn't indulge in any shop lifting on your way out. In some other supermarkets, goods from separate sections such as fruits , vegetables and breads are placed in separate packets for the sake of organization and classification, and are then shoved without flinching into yet another gaudy plastic bag. Even though people don't seem to make a fuss , on the inside they must be cringing.
This is the sentiment we hope to ride on. We believe that if people are given a choice , given the opportunity and the means to change the status quo they will rise to the occasion and support an initiative like eco bags. All they have to do is pay a nominal fee , 10-15 rs to purchase a small steps eco bag and suddenly they own the means to combat a serious cause of environmental degradation. We hope to make these bags available at every major supermarket retail outlet and provide people with choice , hope and change.
The bags will be financed in part by corporate sponsorship via advertisements printed on the bags and it is an excellent opportunity for companies to put their money where their mouths are and flex their green muscles. Through the advertising revenue we hope to achieve economic sustainability and since the bags are produced by women producer groups in villages it already fulfills the criteria of social sustainability. These terms should now become a norm in our economic and business language and we hope that this initiative is the first small steps towards this ambitious goal. Plastic bags may be disposably cheap but their true costs are certainly not reflected in their price. In the end is up to the consumers to take the call , pick up the baton and step up to the plate with their full support and enthusiasm in order to make the eco bag a roaring success story in India's epic novel of sustainable growth.
Eco Bags in Australia
"Want to be part of the cool crowd? Want to fit in like a local? Seriously- to go to the beach, to a rugby game, to the grocery, on the train… you can’t live without… A green bag! The Aussies have really put together a great to drastically reduce their plastic bag usage. There is a national push to convert to “green bags” or reusable grocery bags. These are wonderfully useful. Everyone carries everything in them all of the time!
There is no stigma carrying one anywhere in Australia and it really is making a huge difference in the country. When you go shopping for anything. Don’t forget to bring your green bag (or any bag for that matter) and tell them you don’t need the plastic bag. The Aussies basically expect it. In some parts of the country they have adopted the green bag culture so intensely (Sydney is one of those areas) that the stigma is now to carry a plastic bag. Far less likely to be a target for thieves than an expensive looking camera bag the ‘green’ bags are now also available in your favorite sporting team colors and usually are $1-$2 available at grocery stores and many other locations. Help protect the oceans, reduce pollution, and fit in like a local !" - {http://www.australiablog.com/planning-a-trip/the-green-bag-phenomenon.html}
There is no stigma carrying one anywhere in Australia and it really is making a huge difference in the country. When you go shopping for anything. Don’t forget to bring your green bag (or any bag for that matter) and tell them you don’t need the plastic bag. The Aussies basically expect it. In some parts of the country they have adopted the green bag culture so intensely (Sydney is one of those areas) that the stigma is now to carry a plastic bag. Far less likely to be a target for thieves than an expensive looking camera bag the ‘green’ bags are now also available in your favorite sporting team colors and usually are $1-$2 available at grocery stores and many other locations. Help protect the oceans, reduce pollution, and fit in like a local !" - {http://www.australiablog.com/planning-a-trip/the-green-bag-phenomenon.html}
The small steps intial idea - connection
"The Small Steps shopping bags are not intended for profit. They are, however, intended to be socially sustainable. Though Upasana Design Studio is coordinating the first round of Small Steps bag production, our eventual goal is to place this project in the hands of the people.
Through village outreach and training, villagers will be taught how to craft these compact, lightweight bags out of locally-available materials and they may sell them to either create or enhance their livelihood.
By promoting the use of cloth bags, Small Steps is trying to clean the roads. But equally as important, it is also trying to create jobs." - {http://smallsteps.in/node/24} http://www.smallsteps.in/
Confluence:
It is our hope that by getting major retailers and industrialists involved in this powerful "small steps" movement and by exposing them to the potential of environmental sustainability we can accelerate the creation of an environmental economy which is viable and self nourishing.
By bringing such concepts to the masses and enabling individuals to make a concious decision to protect the environment while going about their daily groccery shopping , we hope to offer more than juts a bag. We hope to offer them a feeling of empowerment ; the idea that this action of theirs , spending a nominal amount to purchase a small step back and say no to plastic, is real and apparent and current. Not theoretical or ideological, but tangible and viceral. The choice has been made by them , the bag bought by them , the plastic averted by them and the change created by them. In order to handle the massive egological problems that face our country as a whole, we must become the change we wish to see, believe the change we want to see and support the change we can all partake in.
This is all we hope to achieve; change. change we can belive in , change we can take part in and change we can create. People are ready for this kind of change. Consumers are become more concious, retailers are becoming smarter and more sensitive and producers are creating environmentally friendly products. All that there is left to do is connect the dots and act, before it is too late.
Production Proposal to small steps (WE have since moved to our own production supply chain)
Our Aim
To use Small Steps bags to help replace plastic bags across Bangalore with an economically sustainable, large scale model .
Our Plan
We want to organize a supply chain where each player has immediate economic incentives to participate in an environmental economy.
part 1. Small Steps
part 2. Retail Stores
part 3. Consumer pay token amount for bags (at highly subsidized price)
part 4. Sponsors reduce price
Sponsorship:
We want to appeal to the green sentiments of large companies such as Accenture, Titan and ITC.
Practical steps:
We are already in contact with Mrs. Rekha Menon (Lead Executive, Accenture Geographic Services) and Mr. Ronnie Talati (Business Head, Titan Fastrack)
Both of seem very interested in our ideas.
Retailers:
Retailers have a lot to gain , since they can now give away bags at subsidized rates.
Practical steps:
We are already in contact with Mr. Kishore Biyani (CEO, future group) and Mr Viney Singh (Managing Director, Max Hypermarkets). They have agreed to sell/give the bags away at their outlets provided we get a sufficient discount.
Consumers:
We are targeting consumers at retail stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets. Chains such as Foodworld, Food Bazzaar and Reliance Fresh which form a large component of plastic bag consumption. Mobile phone and electronic goods stores are another viable option.
Our market research (which involved showing the bags to customers at stores) shows that consumers here will be happy to pay 10 -25 rupees (depending on the corporate sponsorship we get) to get a reusable bag.
At electronic stores, consumers don’t mind paying upto Rs. 50 for a bag.
Why we need Small Steps?
We subscribe wholeheartedly to the small steps endeavor to create an environmentally and socially sustainable alternative to damaging products such as plastic bags and change people’s mindsets towards ecological sustainability.
Requirements:
We are looking at 10,000 of the largest handheld carry bags for the initial order. This is equivalent to three days of footfall in a single big bazaar, so this number will probably rise as the project progresses.
Conclusion:
We are practical environmentalists and believe that economically and ecologically sustainable projects are the only way forward. We believe that we can make a practical difference and look forward to any suggestions, queries or advice.
To use Small Steps bags to help replace plastic bags across Bangalore with an economically sustainable, large scale model .
Our Plan
We want to organize a supply chain where each player has immediate economic incentives to participate in an environmental economy.
part 1. Small Steps
part 2. Retail Stores
part 3. Consumer pay token amount for bags (at highly subsidized price)
part 4. Sponsors reduce price
Sponsorship:
We want to appeal to the green sentiments of large companies such as Accenture, Titan and ITC.
Practical steps:
We are already in contact with Mrs. Rekha Menon (Lead Executive, Accenture Geographic Services) and Mr. Ronnie Talati (Business Head, Titan Fastrack)
Both of seem very interested in our ideas.
Retailers:
Retailers have a lot to gain , since they can now give away bags at subsidized rates.
Practical steps:
We are already in contact with Mr. Kishore Biyani (CEO, future group) and Mr Viney Singh (Managing Director, Max Hypermarkets). They have agreed to sell/give the bags away at their outlets provided we get a sufficient discount.
Consumers:
We are targeting consumers at retail stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets. Chains such as Foodworld, Food Bazzaar and Reliance Fresh which form a large component of plastic bag consumption. Mobile phone and electronic goods stores are another viable option.
Our market research (which involved showing the bags to customers at stores) shows that consumers here will be happy to pay 10 -25 rupees (depending on the corporate sponsorship we get) to get a reusable bag.
At electronic stores, consumers don’t mind paying upto Rs. 50 for a bag.
Why we need Small Steps?
We subscribe wholeheartedly to the small steps endeavor to create an environmentally and socially sustainable alternative to damaging products such as plastic bags and change people’s mindsets towards ecological sustainability.
Requirements:
We are looking at 10,000 of the largest handheld carry bags for the initial order. This is equivalent to three days of footfall in a single big bazaar, so this number will probably rise as the project progresses.
Conclusion:
We are practical environmentalists and believe that economically and ecologically sustainable projects are the only way forward. We believe that we can make a practical difference and look forward to any suggestions, queries or advice.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Who are we?
We are a group of MAIS students {Bangalore} who firmly believe that Environmental causes can be best propagated by economically sustainable measures.
Our group “Confluence” was founded in 2005 in MAIS by:
Nishant Jacob:
Participant at the national level “Volvo Ocean Adventure” eco – competition for producing paper carry bags out of recycled kitchen waste.
Agastya Muthanna:
Selected as the “Indian Climate Change Champion” by the British Council,for work done to mitigate climate change.
Chosen to represent India, by the Chinese government, for the “Chinese Green Conference”
Keshav Hingorani:
Has a textile background. shares the same passion for this project like the other members. Interested in making this project a viable business combining economics and the well-being of the environment.
We have done numerous projects for our school including implementing a garbage segregation program ,conducting an energy audit and conducting numerous seminars in and outside school about climate change and our environment.
Our group “Confluence” was founded in 2005 in MAIS by:
Nishant Jacob:
Participant at the national level “Volvo Ocean Adventure” eco – competition for producing paper carry bags out of recycled kitchen waste.
Agastya Muthanna:
Selected as the “Indian Climate Change Champion” by the British Council,for work done to mitigate climate change.
Chosen to represent India, by the Chinese government, for the “Chinese Green Conference”
Keshav Hingorani:
Has a textile background. shares the same passion for this project like the other members. Interested in making this project a viable business combining economics and the well-being of the environment.
We have done numerous projects for our school including implementing a garbage segregation program ,conducting an energy audit and conducting numerous seminars in and outside school about climate change and our environment.
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