Notes on Be Eco Presentation

Introduction

• Be Eco started as an initiative by three citizens in Mumbai to promote responsible consumer behavior.
• Focus on eco-friendly alternatives in home and kitchen category.

Origin of Idea

• Concept began during a beach clean-up in 2018.
• Found a food wrapper from the 1990s, highlighting long-term waste issues.

Environmental Impact of Current Products

• Traditional paper and plastic products have massive carbon footprints.
• Non-biodegradable materials and deforestation are significant concerns.
• High disposal rates in home and kitchen products.

Key Differentiator: Bamboo

• Bamboo as a Raw Material
  • Grows back in four years without replanting.
  • Requires less water, produces 20% more oxygen.
  • Carbon neutral; absorbs and emits the same amount of carbon.
• Versatile uses include:
  • Paper and pulp industry.
  • Biofuels and compostable plastics.

Socio-Economic Benefits

• Bamboo supports livelihoods for ~9 million people in India.
• India's bamboo production: Approximately 5 million tons/year.
• Government initiatives in 2018 allocated $200 million to the bamboo sector.
• Be Eco aims to leverage this potential and help economically weaker sections.

Market Overview

• Global players exist, but Indian market is largely unorganized and localized.
• Lack of innovation among competitors in the eco-friendly segment.

Product Features

• Be Eco products degrade within 2-6 months based on environmental conditions.
• Priced 10-15% higher than non-green alternatives, but cheaper than other organic brands.
• 100% green manufacturing process, no harmful substances used.

Challenges and Future Goals

• Logistics heavily reliant on plastic for packaging; aim to find alternatives.
• Current distribution: 1500 stores in Mumbai and 300 in Bangalore.
• 30% growth reported in recent months.

Consumer Trends

• Increasing shift towards organic and eco-friendly products.
• Price remains a concern, but awareness of health and environmental benefits is growing.

Marketing Strategy

• Avoidance of paid marketing; focus on collective responsibility.
• Emphasizes cooperation between companies, individuals, and the government for change.

Future Aspirations

• Expand product offerings including sanitizing stations and plastic recycling initiatives.
• Goal: Promote eco-friendliness among consumers.