A Sustainable Razor
bambū
Timeframe
2 weeks
The Team
Mustafa Rahim, Shivram Subramani
Brief
Redesign disposable razors making it more sustainable.
What makes a product truly sustainable?
When we think of sustainability, we often imagine 'green' products that can be recycled and reused. Such an outlook on sustainability is only partly true as 'true sustainability' has a few more aspects. These aspects of sustainability that we try to achieve in our product are as follows.
Economical Sustainability
Social Sustainability
Ecological Sustainability
Why disposable razors?
In India, where cost-consciousness is high, disposable razors are the go-to choice for facial hair removal. However, their single-use nature generates a significant amount of plastic waste, contributing to pollution. This has gotten to such an extent where plastic razors are termed as the new 'plastic straws'.
Ecologically Sustainable
Economically Sustainable
Economically & Socially Sustainable
Market Research
Throughout India, multiple brands of razors exist which each adhere to either one or two aspects of sustainability.
We start with a bit of research…
The most common users were young males around the age group of 18 -25
The razors were often thrown together with all the other trash after piling up for weeks
Razors were used at a high rate with one user mentioning that he used one a week
User Research
Using interviews and surveys we were able to understand the users and their issues. Some repetitive points are as follows.
Redefined Brief
Redesign disposable razors for Indian males to fix disposal and wastage problems
Areca Leaf is used as an capsule to hold the blade securely in the body of the razor.
The body is made of bamboo which is naturally water resistant due to its silica coating.
A replaceable stainless steel blade is used as its corrosion resistant as well as cheap and easily available throughout stores in India.
Next comes ideation!
Concept Ideation
Selected Concept
The Solution
Ecological Consideration and Advantages:
Areca Leaf (Blade Capsule): Fully Recyclable
Bamboo (Body): Waterproof Outer Layer due to Silica Coating
Stainless Steel (Blade): Corrosion Resistant and Durable
Social Acceptance:
This product is a good choice for people who want to save money and help the environment. It's perfect for the lower middle class and middle class, especially since more and more people in India are becoming eco-conscious.
Economic Viability:
Blade: Rs 1.4/edge
Areca Leaf: Rs 2/leaf
Bamboo: Rs 4.34/kg
Prototype
Final Product
