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Phase: Research Missions: Surprise Us

No Packaging Required for Solid (Bar) Shampoos, Soaps and Detergents

The sale of solid bar shampoos, soaps and detergents in areas where single use sachet collection and recycling do not exist.

Photo of Dawne
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In areas where there is no collection or reuse/recycling of single use sachets, solid shampoos, soaps and detergents can be sold to local shopkeepers in slabs and cut into single use sizes for sale. These solid bars can be placed directly into the purchasers shopping bad without any packaging. 

How does this research relate to our Use Cases?

Case #1: Single use sachet for liquid consumer products (Rajata)

What is a provocation or insight that might inspire others during this challenge?

There is no single answer to a problem. Solutions are highly case specific!

Tell us about yourself

I am an environmental engineer. I am completing the MBA in Innovation, Enterprise and the Circular Economy program and am a Schmidt MacArthur Fellow.

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Photo of archipleasure

Hi Dawne,

We came upon some articles noting that powder/solid detergents clean just as effectively as liquid ones (This needs to be further explored and corroborated). The only difference is that inexpensive powders/solids don't dissolve as well and can leave a residue. I think informing consumers and debunking the misconception that liquid based products clean better should be addressed. This in turn could support the above idea of using solid and dry products that don't necessarily require waterproof packaging.
We also wonder if breaking down a product into specific quantities and units is a marketing benefit for markets which, in turn, produces waste.

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