San Eco Vision
SEVPL is an organization determined to develop and innovate new and dynamic products made with bamboo and other agro materials which will reduce the use of plastic and metal to a very large extent. The manufacturing of such products doesn't require large industrialization and can be achieved in small clusters in the original habitat. This is not only a great solution for the environment but highly sustainable and livelihood. Moreover, the project will allow skilled people to function in clusters in the original habitat, hence a reduction in industrial/ urban migration.
As we can see that our universe is facing a major threat on one side, dealing with the increased use of plastic, metal, petroleum products, etc, and the huge amount of unemployment in the rural regions on the other side. In such a situation, we are finding solutions through which we can not only replace plastic and metal with Bamboo in the high-demand products but also generate a large number of livelihood opportunities at the rural level. Some of our recent developments are, Bathroom and kitchen faucets, Sinks & basins, Electrical plugs, sockets, switchboards, water bottles, disposable containers for capsules and tablets, disposable cutleries, etc. There are many such products in the pipeline which will reduce plastic use by 90% or more. We have a team of dynamic innovators with years of experience in sustainable solutions.
As the team is determined to reduce plastic use and enhance employment, we randomly started selecting products that are presently available only made of expensive metal or hazardous plastics. Eg. Faucet mixers, which is commonly used in households, hotels, offices, etc, are generally made of metal or plastic. Our team reworked on the faucet technology and developed the Bamboo faucet where a specially designed cartridge can be used to regulate the water and the complete faucet body is made with Bamboo. 80% of the material used is Bamboo whereas, the rest 20% is metal, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The estimated life of the faucet will be 5-10 years based on water quality and the environment. The Bamboo faucets will be much easy to install and maintain. It will be at least 25% economical as compared to regular branded faucets available. Manufacturing of bamboo faucets doesn't require any large industrialization but can easily be made with basic special purpose machines(SPM) and hand tools which can be easily carried and installed at any remote location. Similarly, all other products like electrical plugs, sockets, switchboards, bottles, disposable medicine bottles, cutleries are all made with Bamboo and can easily be made with basic setups and SPMs.
This kind of solution can provide direct benefits to existing Bamboo artisans who are presently struggling for livelihood. In most cases, these people migrate to industrial locations in search of employment. The increase of bamboo usage can support the bamboo ecosystem from teeth to tail, from bamboo cultivator to the end product retailer. The bamboo ecosystem involves and provides employment to a huge number of men and women in rural areas in their original habitat. The development of such dynamic bamboo products will prove to be a huge game-changer in the future. This will not only be an eco-friendly solution but also people-friendly in terms of manufacturing and usage.
- Create scalable economic opportunities for local communities, including fishing, timber, tourism, and regenerative agriculture, that are aligned with thriving and biodiverse ecosystems
Eco-friendly
Sustainable
Natural & organic products
Livelihood opportunities
Aesthetic appearance
Economical
Easy handle and maintenance
Pollution-free industry
Reduce industrial migration
- Pilot: An organization deploying a tested product, service, or business model in at least one community.
Our project has already got the initial support from NECTAR, an autonomous body directly under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. We have already submitted our prototype in August 2019. Further, the products were tested in various technical centers including IIT, Delhi. We had already started setting up our first manufacturing and skill training center at CBDC, Guwahati, Assam, India. The project got delayed due to pandemics and lockdown situations in India. Meanwhile, we are closely working with some architects and builders as well as green housing project developers to understand GTM opportunities.
- A new business model or process that relies on technology to be successful
The use of Bamboo to make the products that were traditionally made with plastics or metal is the key innovation. This will not only save the expensive natural resource like metal but also eliminate plastic use from many products. For eg., Medicine and food supplement bottle containers are generally made of plastic. We have the solution to change it to bamboo containers. I am sure many suppliers would prefer a bamboo packaging solution that is 100% eco-friendly. On the other hand, Bamboo disposable cutleries will replace plastic and tropical wood disposable cutleries. The disposable cutlery market has increased in folds in the past one year due to contact-free catering.
- Manufacturing Technology
- Women & Girls
- Pregnant Women
- LGBTQ+
- Infants
- Children & Adolescents
- Elderly
- Rural
- Peri-Urban
- Urban
- Poor
- Low-Income
- Middle-Income
- Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons
- Minorities & Previously Excluded Populations
- Persons with Disabilities
- India
- 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- 10. Reduced Inequality
- 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
- 13. Climate Action
- India
Presently - 300 appx
Next one year - 100,000
Next 5 Years - 2,000,000
It was well started during 2019, but the entire 2020 and so far 2021, things are moving at a very shallow pace due to country lockdown and travel restrictions. We expect to regain the pace by June -July, 2021.
- For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
There are total 7 people including myself. The total number will go upto 11-15 people by the end of 2021.
All the people involved in this project have a great amount of past experiance in the respective domane. In my case, I have a strong technical background with 25 years of business development experience and served to some of the major global companies. I was based at Singapore and traveled to all the major cities worldwide and worked with professionals from different verticals.
In terms to provide the maximum benefit to society, we would like to adapt the cluster approach for manufacturing. This means, develop small groups of 15-25 people in different regions, and after training, they will be provided with the required machines and tools. Further, the central teams will be in constant touch with these cluster leaders for updates and the supply chain. Directly our aim is to not only generate employment but also create entrepreneurial skills within.
- Government (B2G)
My primary reason for applying to Solve are:
1. Funding
2. Recognition
Funding is the key to shape up any project which has a strong socio-economic cause. This kind of project needs financial hand-holding for at least the first 5 years before it gains sustainable powers for its own.
Recognition of Bamboo as a material has become very crucial at the global platform. Bamboo is the only versatile plant that has the power to strengthen the social condition of people as well as the state's economy. In a country like India, where bamboo is available in abundance, should be used as an industrial product and sustainability porpus.
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development, etc.)
- Business model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Financial (e.g. improving accounting practices, pitching to investors)
- Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
- Product / Service Distribution (e.g. expanding client base)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design, data analysis, etc.)
All the selected fields are very important. Especially, skill development, GTM, and office administration.
No specific names in mind as of now. Look forward to inputs and guidance from the respected faculty.
- Yes, I wish to apply for this prize
Our project is unique because we are using Bamboo to not only produce dynamic products but we have a strong plan to create livelihood of 1000s through a non-recognized material.
Any kind of prize is considered as recognition for the efforts. The recognition not only boosts the confidence of the team members but also adds a feather to the cap.
- Yes, I wish to apply for this prize
Our project is unique because we are using Bamboo to not only produce dynamic products but we have a strong plan to create livelihood of 1000s through a non-recognized material. In a long run, we may also start developing luxury car interiors with bamboo.
Any kind of prize is considered as recognition for the efforts. The recognition not only boosts the confidence of the team members but also adds a feather to the cap.
- No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution
- No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution
- No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution
- No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution
- Yes, I wish to apply for this prize
Our project is unique because we are using Bamboo to not only produce dynamic products but we have a strong plan to create livelihood of 1000s through a non-recognized material.
Any kind of prize is considered as recognition for the efforts. The recognition not only boosts the confidence of the team members but also adds a feather to the cap.
Founder & Managing Director