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.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
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!
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