This article has been contributed by Aman Mohunta, Co-Founder, Aminu Wellness.
Sustainability has become a crucial factor for the long-term survival and value creation of any brand, regardless of trends or profitability. Sustainability has emerged as a pivotal factor in influencing the long-term survival and value creation of brands. Today, not only is it strategically imperative but also commercially viable. In my opinion, two major factors have made sustainability a crucial business strategy – the increasing level of consumer consciousness and the constantly developing regulatory shifts.
Here are the reasons leading to the rise of conscious consumers:
Increasing Consumer Consciousness
Modern consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their lifestyle choices, and this consciousness extends to their consumption behaviour including beauty and skincare routines. The demand for transparency in product sourcing and manufacturing processes has led consumers to scrutinize labels and opt for brands that share their commitment to sustainability. As a living example, we have seen that brand values & practice of sustainability foster loyalty and trust among consumers, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing. Brands like Aminu have managed to differentiate themselves in this saturated industry with eco-friendly packaging, cruelty-free practices, and responsibly sourced ingredients.
Premium for Commitment to Stability
In a market saturated with skincare options, establishing a brand as a champion of sustainability has proven to be a powerful differentiator for brands like Aminu. Sustainable skincare products, characterized by eco-friendly packaging, cruelty-free practices, no use of micro-plastics and responsibly sourced ingredients, are gaining traction even in p markets such as India. Consumers today understand the importance of adopting more sustainable consumption choices and are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This willingness signifies a tangible manifestation of this endorsement.
Loyalty and Positive Word of Mouth
Investing in eco-friendly practices can position a skincare brand as a conscientious choice, attracting consumers who prioritize ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions. What was once considered a niche market has soon become a thriving segment and businesses including Aminu skincare are finding that sustainability in skincare not only helps build a stronger relationship with the consumers and benefits the planet but also contributes to their bottom line. Investing in eco-friendly practices attracts consumers who prioritize ethical considerations in their purchases.
Consumer Education
This rise of consumer consciousness is intrinsically linked to increased education on environmental issues. If not learnt in school, consumer consciousness is built as and when people become more independent and start purchasing their products. As consumers become more informed about the consequences of their choices, they actively seek out brands that align with their values. Brands that invest in this consumer education as well as practicing what they preach, not only contribute to a more informed audience and potential customer base but also position themselves as frontrunners in the dynamic future of sustainability. Engaging with consumers on matters of sustainable improvement is integral, and incorporating their feedback is crucial. Open communication channels between a brand and its audience can build a sense of community as well as give the brand valuable insights for future sustainability strategies.
As global awareness of environmental issues grows, governments and regulatory bodies especially in North America & Europe are tightening standards and implementing stricter regulations. Skincare brands that proactively adopt sustainable practices position themselves for compliance with near-future regulations. This proactive approach not only mitigates the risk of becoming obsolete in these markets but also signals to consumers that the brand is committed to responsible and ethical business practices. While one might argue that such regulations are still decades away in India, I would disagree. Today India seeks a seat at the table of global superpowers and to do that it will have to show leadership in several spheres including leading the way in adopting sustainable practices sooner rather than later.
Leadership in Sustainable Practices
Future-proofing the business by embracing sustainability is not just about compliance; it’s about staying ahead of the curve. Brands that invest in sustainable practices today are better equipped to navigate future changes in regulations and consumer expectations, ensuring long-term viability in an evolving market.
Supply Chain Sustainability
Beyond end-product sustainability, every step of the production process should also reflect that same eco-friendly attitude. The sustainability of the entire supply chain is gaining prominence, with brands realising the importance of every step from production to distribution should adhere to sustainable practices. Not only would this ideally align with regulatory expectations but also serve as a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
Technological Innovations
While sustainable practices are constantly evolving, a lot of it is driven by technological advancements. Brands that invest in research and development to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and ingredients into their products and processes not only future-proof their operations but also contribute to overall sustainability in the industry. For example, curbing water & energy usage & wastage during the production process and the use of biodegradable or reusable materials in packaging reduces the carbon footprint of the company and of the industry as a whole if these methods are adopted by all.
Revenue of the Skin Care Market Worldwide From 2015 to 2028
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Skincare
In conclusion, the intersection of sustainability and skincare is proving to be a profitable venture for businesses willing to embrace responsible practices. From meeting consumer demand and building a positive brand reputation to market differentiation and cost efficiency, the benefits of sustainability in the skincare industry are multifaceted.
As the beauty and skincare landscape continues to evolve, brands that prioritize sustainability position themselves not only as contributors to a healthier planet but also as leaders in an industry undergoing a transformative shift and becoming future-proof. The profitable pursuit of sustainability in skincare is not just a trend; it’s a strategic choice that can lead to long-term success in an environmentally aware market.
With the rising toxicity and pollution levels in the environment, eco-friendly products have become the need of the hour. Governments and various companies across the world are finally discouraging the use of plastics, which causes disastrous environmental issues. This has paved way for the paper bag-making businesses. Paper bags are in great demand nowadays for their recyclable and sustainable features in nearly every commences activity.
Paper bags, as the name implies, are bags made out of paper. These papers are usually created with the chemical pulp that is manufactured with the help of the kraft pulping process.
Paper bags are not a new thing that we witness today. The paper bag-making industry is pretty old in India and is still found in a majority of Indian shops, mainly in tier 2, and tier 3 cities, and beyond. However, most of these are envelope-styled bags, which lack handles. The flat-bottomed bags with handles are pretty new to the Indian market though, which is generally known for its eco-friendly bags made out of jute.
Francis Wolle first invented the machine to mass-produce paper bags back in 1852. His brother and Wolle patented the machine and established the Union Paper Bag Company. It was James Baldwin, who first received a patent for the apparatus for making square-bottomed paper bags in 1853. He was a papermaker of Birmingham and Kings Norton in England. Baldwin then began to use the image of a flat-bottomed bag as his business logo.
The concept of flat-bottomed paper bags got a boost in 1871 when inventor Margaret E. Knight ideated a machine that would be able to create flat-bottomed paper bags. These bags were detected fit to carry more than the previous envelope-style design. Eventually, Charles Stilwell patented a machine that is capable of creating square-bottom paper bags that had pleated sides in 1883. These bags emerged as a better alternative that is easier to fold and store. The Stilwell bags also came to be known as S.O.S or Self-Opening Sack.
The latest modification of the paper bags that come with handles was actually implemented by Walter Deubener in 1912. A grocer from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Deubener used cords with paper bags to reinforce them and also added carrying handles. Named after Walter Deubener, the “Deubener Shopping Bags” were able to carry nearly 75 pounds then, which was why it soon rose in popularity. It recorded a sale of 1+ mn bags a year by 1915.
After this, paper bags with handles became the standard for department stores and others, especially for their ease of use and durability. However, paper bags were trumped by plastic bags, which were introduced in the 1970s. These bags were lightweight and affordable, which propelled them to be the regular choice of both shoppers and merchants. However, plastic bags were eventually found to be really harmful to the environment, which is the reason for the growing demand for paper bags and other eco-friendly options.
Advantages of Using Paper Bags
Paper bags are largely embraced today by shoppers and shopkeepers because of the list of advantages they bring to us. Here’s to list of some of them:
They are biodegradable and recyclable
They don’t cause harm to the environment
Paper bags pose less risk of suffocation
These bags don’t harm the marine life
The paper bags are easy to dispose of
They are sustainable options
They save energy
The making of paper bags is easy and efficient
They are cost effective
Paper bags are efficient marketing tools
They can also serve as excellent gifts for corporates and others
Common Uses of the Paper Bags
Following are some of the major areas where paper bags are used:
Gift packaging
Food packaging
Shopping
Paper cover making at home
Medical use
Jewellery packaging
General purposes
Advertising
Types of Paper Bags
Paper bags can be classified into numerous categories. However, when looking at these bags, there are 2 prominent varieties of them that one can usually find:
White paper bags – The white paper bags or the white kraft paper bags are chemically treated variants of paper bags. These bags are bleached and treated with other chemicals, which help whiten them and purify the natural kraft pulp.
Brown paper bags – The brown paper bags or the brown kraft paper bags are made of unbleached kraft pulp.
Market Share of Paper Bags in India – White vs Brown Kraft Paper Bags
The Paper Bag Industry, its Market Potential, and Opportunities
The global market for paper bags is estimated to grow at a steady CAGR of 4.1% between 2022-2030 and is to reach $7.3 bn during this period. The global market size of paper bags was $5.2 bn in 2022. The collective paper bag manufacturers’ market share or value share of the top 5 companies in 2022E is estimated at 11%.
Global growth of paper bag market.
The Indian paper bag industry last stood at $5.95 bn when reported in 2018. the country today, exports paper products worth Rs 400 crore per annum.
Paper has no real competing product. Plastic bags, once regarded as a substitute for paper bags have lost their market over time. Moreover, the establishment of consumer stores and shopping malls has further increased the demand for paper bags. Hence, the paper bag-making business is a booming opportunity for new and aspiring entrepreneurs.
10 Easy Steps to Start Paper Bags Making Business
Paper bag making is rising in demand and more and more companies and entrepreneurs are joining in to make the best of the paper bag-making business. Now, if you are also looking forward to building a paper bag-making business, then here are some easy and effective steps that you can keep in handy:
Perform a thorough market research
Thorough market research is essential regardless of whatever the business is that you want to build. Proper market research would help you:
Know more about the industry
Build your strategies
Market your products effectively
Analyze your competitors
Perform a SWOT analysis
Thrive in the long run
Build a robust business and revenue model
Business models are of various kinds, one type of business model may not suit all of the industries and products/services around which the businesses revolve. So, spend time generously building a business model that is cost-effective and efficient for the customers, which would thrive in the future. It is also equally important to chalk out all the ways through which you would be able to earn, embracing the business model that you have zeroed in.
Estimate the Paper Bag Making Business Costs
As paper bag making is generally a small-scale business, it will require minimal investment. The main areas of investment will be the cost of machinery, labor, and land.Maintenance, transportation, and marketing will contribute to variable investments.
The price of one fully automatic paper bag-making machine is around 5 – 8 Lakhs INR. The price is dependent on the production capacity of the machine. One fully automatic machine can produce 15000 pieces/hour. Researching and proper planning as to where to spend and the choice of suppliers will also reduce your cost to a significant extent.
You will need to register your business and obtain a trade license from a local municipal authority.
Here, you can proceed either with a sole proprietor or an LLP registration of Company registration.
Then you will have to get your UDYOG AADHARMSME registration or SSI registration completed. It is for businesses running under the name of small-scale industries.
After that, you need to make your company GST-compliant, by opting for GST registration.
Lastly, you need to procure the BIS certification for your company, which is offered by the Bureau of Indian Standards
Focus on the Legal Compliance of your Business
Registering your paper bag-making business is a significant part of making your business legally compliant, which contains other factors too. These legal factors need to be checked first by seeking the help of local government representatives. Looking for and proceeding with efficient business insurance would further make your paper bag manufacturing business future-proof.
After all these things are taken care of, you can start your business professionally, but the naming of the business plays an important part, then.
Name your Business wisely
The naming of your business will play a huge role in the future growth and success of your business. Hence, you need to name your paper manufacturing business wisely. To choose a perfect name for your paper-making business, you need to ensure:
The name is unique
It is simple
It is easily pronounced and written
The name should be marketable
It should be memorable
The name should be relevant to the industry
Select a Proper Location for your Paper Bag Manufacturing Unit
Choosing an appropriate location according to your business size is very important. Moreover, the rented land cost must not outweigh your profits. To make transportation costs minimum, try to fix the location near the market and reduce the distribution channel. A semi-urban area is the best choice to establish paper bag-making businesses. It reduces costs in taxes, rents, manpower, and other important obligations.
Make Provisions for Procuring the Raw Materials Required for Paper Bag Making
The quality of your products and eventually the profits depend on the raw materials used. Paper bags with outstanding quality and fine texture can boost your competitive advantages and steal the focus of the market and the customers. Therefore, the appropriate quality, as well as quantity of raw materials, should be ensured.
These are some basic raw materials required for paper-making:
Paper rolls
Printing chemicals, ink, etc
Gums
Strings
Polymeter Stereo
Flexo Color
You do not need to overstock them as it may cause unnecessary storage costs.
Install Proper Paper Bag Manufacturing Machinery
Now, after the procurement of the raw materials for paper bag-making activities, you need to determine the type of paper bag your business will focus on manufacturing, and then select suitable machinery. Here, you would also need to check whether you will buy eco-friendly carry bag-making machines, wholesale biodegradable bag manufacturing machines, cotton bag-making machines, or something else.
The durability, reliability,and productivityof the machines should be checked thoroughly before purchasing. Depending on these factors, machinery costs from 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs.
Some of the basic features you can get when you buy a paper bag-making machine are listed below.
Stereo design roller
Flat forming dye
3 horsepower motor for the main drive
Double-color or four-color flexo printing unit attachment
We recommend you visit a paper bag manufacturing firm in order to know more about the working of machines. This will also give you an idea of the machine you need to buy for manufacturing paper bags.
Engage the Labor Required
Labor size depends on the sizeof the business but skilled manpower is a must. A healthy interactive training program can help them learn the manufacturing process and meet the requirements of the employer.
A small scale paper bag making business
Some Steps to be Kept in Mind to Make Paper Bags
The very first step is to decide on the size of the product. It should meet the client’s needs.
The next step is to print the logo. The print quality should not be compromised.
Then, the paper should be left for folding, pasting, and shearing which can be done through machines.
The last two steps are eyelet fitting and lace fitting, which needs to be properly done.
Branding and Promotion of the Product
Presentation is every bit as important as manufacturing. Without the right promotion, no business can survive long-term. There must be a uniqueness in your product description to attract your client’s attention. A logo represents the image of your company and is good for promotion. You can hire freelancers to design your company’s logo as you want. Also, you can use mediums like local magazines and newspapers for advertising your paper bags.
Social media provides a great platform for promoting your product and reaching the consumer crowd quickly. Establish an online website that not only gains orders but also creates an impactful image of your product to viewers. Research and conduct small surveys of the local and online markets.
The paper bag-making machine is capable of making 60 bags in a minute. You can make a profit of 10 paise per bag. So, you can get a profit of Rs 6 for every minute you invest in bag-making. With production and marketing going smoothly, you can expect to earn near about Rs 2800 on a daily basis. This sums up to Rs 70000 per month. Although these profits vary depending on various other factors in your business.
Conclusion
Paper bag making can be really profitable if executed properly, taking care of all the above measures. This business is full of interesting opportunities, and the output, which is paper bags, is the need of the hour and this need will only escalate in the future. Anyone can start a paper bag-making business because it doesn’t require large investments or vast land space or even complex machinery. In fact, you can initiate your business at home too if you have sufficient space for proper planning and researching. So go forth, invest time and energy, and set up your own paper bag-making business.
FAQs
What are paper bags?
Paper bags are an environmental-friendly choice of bags. Being made out of paper, these bags are rising in demand while more and more people are rejecting plastic bags.
What is the paper packaging bag manufacturers’ market?
The global paper packaging bag manufacturers market is valued at $5.2 bn in 2022 and will grow by 4.1% CAGR between 2022-2030, and is expected to reach $7.3 bn during this period.
From where is the paper bag procurement done?
Paper bag procurement can be done by visiting physical local stores, factories, and wholesalers, or by placing orders for the same online.
What is Paper bag limited Kenya?
Paper bags Ltd. is a Kenyan packaging company that manufactures quality paper packaging materials – brown and white paper bags, sacks, and more.
What are some popular paper bag manufacturers in India?
Paper bags is one of the industries that are flourishing today in India and has great potential for future growth too. Here’s mentioning some of the prominent paper bag manufacturers in India:
Yes Sir Bags
Eco Bags India
Vachi Paper products
A. R. Enterprise
Papyrush
How are paper bags made in industry?
The paper bag manufacturing industry is huge today. However, if you are wondering how paper bags are made in the industry now, then here are some important steps that are carried out by the best paper bag manufacturing companies in their paper bag production factories:
First, they select the raw material needed and gather them
Then, they proceed with paper steering, where the cutting or sizing of paper is done.
The handles of the paper bags are done now.
After that, the sheered and eyelet-punched paper is creased.
Hard pressing is then done, where sheets of paper are stuck together to make the paper bags stronger and thicker.
Packaging in today’s world has emerged as an integral part of brand promotion. Aluminum is a metallic element that is available throughout the globe. Aluminum was used to make vessels, tins, tubes, etc. but it is also used for foil sheets and containers for packaging food and other articles.
The aluminum foil manufacturing business seeing a steady GDP growth in recent years. Aluminum foils are produced by continuously casting and cold rolling aluminum sheets. They are prepared in thin metal leave. Aluminum foil sheets are rapidly used in the manufacturing of various kinds of containers as per packaging requirements.
Consumers can heat or freeze food items in the foil container directly. The global aluminum foil market size is valued at 24.54 US Billion dollars for the year 2021. The global aluminum foil packaging market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2022-2030.
Consumption of aluminum foil is growing fast in India. Consumers can directly heat or freeze food products in the foil container. To overcome the demand for aluminum foil in India, there is an introduction of a new aluminum manufacturing plant in Jaitapur, Indore. To make it successful, USD 5.6 billion has been approved by the board of SRF.
Bright, reflective gloss makes for an attractive appearance
Stability
When exposed to air, aluminium forms an oxide layer that prevents further oxidation. It is also inert and does not form toxic compounds when exposed to most chemicals, including most foods and cosmetics
Barrier Properties
Heavier gauges form a complete barrier to gases and water. Aluminium reflects light, making it a suitable material to protect light-sensitive products
Hygienic Properties
Aluminium’s smooth metallic surface is non-absorbent. It can be easily cleaned and sterilised
Formability
Aluminium’s ductility makes it easy to form. It has excellent deadfold properties. Its friability (ability to crumple) makes it useful for blister packaging
Conductivity
Aluminium conducts electricity and heat, making it useful for applications such as induction heat sealing of containers
Recyclability
Aluminium can be recycled at relatively low cost (recycling requires about 5% of the energy required to refine aluminium)
There is more than one advantage of using aluminum foil containers as alternatives to other materials. Because of this only the need for aluminum foil is increasing day by day. Given below are some of the most common advantages of using an aluminum foil container.
Recycling and Recovery
The use of aluminum can be proved as an environmentally safe solution for plastic. As aluminum is easily recycled and has no higher toxic danger to the environment. Overall aluminum foil can be counted as an eco-friendly material.
Formability and Strength
Aluminum has a good strength under its characteristics. Aluminum foil is nothing else but aluminum only. Hence they also carry good strength and formability under their characteristics.
Heat performance of the product
An aluminum foil container can successfully preserve the temperature of the product to a great extent. They are quite common to use for keeping food items hot.
Decorative characteristics
Aluminum foil can also be used as a decorative alternative due to them being easily molded in the shape as per the need.
Safety and product security
Aluminum has higher strength than a few other materials. Hence, the strength provided by aluminum foil is better than others. It also provides good security to the product and saves them from any additional damages.
Chemically neutral and non-toxic
Aluminum foil is void of any toxic chemicals in it that can be found naturally within it or can be introduced while the manufacturing process. However, aluminum foil is so safe that it can be used as a covering material for food products due to its nontoxic nature.
Light in weight making it easy and economical to transport
Aluminum foil is a light weighted product. And hence easy to carry and transport from one place to another. This characteristic of aluminum foil helps most in its use for day-to-day life and makes transporting easier of the foil.
Can be printed, coated or embossed
aluminum foil can be printed, coated, or embossed as per the requirement. All these procedures can be successfully applied to aluminum foil without any issue.
The Above Graph Shows the Market for Aluminum Packaging in Percentage
Requirements
Aluminum foil is used in many day-to-day activities. It also has a definite plan for the manufacturing of aluminum foil. The requirements for an aluminum foil manufacturing company can be divided into two parts.
The first part will include the machinery requirements whereas the next part will include the raw materials.
The basic machinery requirements are Aluminum foil container machine – Single cavity, Decoiler (Max foil width: 450mm. Nsk bearing), Control cabinet, Press for a single cavity, Air compressor, Counter & Stacker, Mold lifter, Scrap collector, Collecting table, Mould/dies.
The raw material requirements can vary on many factors. The basic requirements are Aluminum alloy, Lubricants, Packaging materials, etc.
Production of Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is typically less than 150 mm in thickness. A typical water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) for 9 mm foil is 0.3 g/m2 per 24 hours at 38°C and 90% RH. As thickness is reduced, foil becomes more vulnerable to tearing or pinholing.
The most economical means of manufacturing reroll stock. The system continuously feeds, casts, chills, and coils the reroll stock. After the foil stock has been manufactured, it must be further processed on a rolling mill. The work rolls have finely ground and polished surfaces to ensure a flat, even foil with a bright finish.
Aluminum reroll foil stock
Each time the foil stock passes through the rolling mill, it is squeezed, its thickness is reduced and its length increases, but its width remains the same. This means the required width for the final foil product must be set at the beginning of the process. The addition of lubricants to the aluminum surfaces also maintains the workability of the material.
Rolling produces two natural finishes on foil: bright and matte. The foil surfaces in contact with the work rolls are polished to a bright and shiny finish. If thinner foils are rolled together, the foil-to-foil face of each web develops a satin-like matte finish.
Other finishes can be produced with special patterns on the work rolls or, more commonly, by using separate or in-line mechanical finishing machines. See the below table
Type of finish
Description
Bright both sides
Uniform bright specular finish, both sides
Extra-bright both sides
Uniform extra-bright specular finish, both sides
Matte one side
Diffuse reflecting finish, one side
Matte both sides
Diffuse reflecting finish, both sides
Embossed
Pattern impressed by engraved roll or plate
Annealed
Completely softened by thermal treatment
Chemically cleaned
Chemically washed to remove lubricants
Hard
Foil fully work-hardened by rolling
Intermediate temper
Foil temper between annealed and hard
In most packaging applications, aluminum foil is combined with other materials such as coatings, inks, papers, paperboards, and plastic films. A very useful characteristic of aluminum foil is that it can readily accept many different types of coating materials such as inks (for printing), varnishes and lacquers (for embossing), adhesives, and polymers (for heat sealing, etc.).
Coatings generally can be classified as protective or decorative. Protective functions for coatings include:
Making the foil more heat-resistant
Increasing tensile strength
Increasing resistance to potentially corrosive agents
Enhancing the barrier properties of low gauge foil
Increasing resistance to scratching or scuffing
Increasing the UV resistance of a printed foil
Printing and Embossing
If the foil is to be printed, it is important to be aware that its glossy surface may make small print difficult to read. The reverse type is best avoided unless it is large. It is sometimes necessary to print a matt white background on which black type will be more visible. It is given a primer or washes coat to ensure a clean surface and to provide a foundation for the ink.
Aluminum foil is particularly suited to embossing. This gives both a three-dimensional quality to a design and increases the number of reflective surfaces able to reflect light to create a more eye-catching effect. It also increases stiffness and allows cut pieces of foil to be easily separated.
aluminum foil embossing | aluminum foil printing
Using Aluminum Foil as a Laminate
Lamination involves combining sheets of different materials into a single layer, using a mixture of adhesives, pressure, and sometimes temperature to bond the materials together. Aluminum foil is laminated on web-fed rotary equipment which sometimes includes a coating unit to add further protection.
Four methods are used to laminate aluminum foil named Wet bonding, dry bonding, extrusion bonding, and hot-melt bonding.
Aluminum is the only metal used for vacuum metalizing in packaging applications. Initially used for decoration, is now widely used in flexible packaging. It improves the points like gas and moisture, creates better barrier properties, it allows good heat and light resistance with better electrical conductivity.
Metalized films are often a component in a laminate. Batch processing is the most widely used approach to metalizing. Typical examples of laminates using metalized films are shared below.
Product
Type of laminate
Coffee
12 mm metallised BON/50 mm LDPE
Savoury snacks
18 mm OPP/adhesive/18 mm metallised OPP
Condiments/spices
12 mm metallised PET/38 mm MDPE
Bag-in-box wine
50 mm ionomer/12 mm metallised PET/75 mm EVA
Biscuits
OPP/18 mm metallised OPP
Medical products
paper/adhesive/18 mm metallised OPP/ionomer
Cold meats
metallised PET/PE
Conclusion
The popularity of aluminum foil, especially for flexible packaging, will continue to grow. Even aluminum foil is being scrutinized in regard to its environmental ‘friendliness.’ Hence, manufacturers are increasing their efforts in the recycling area.
Aluminum foil also uses less energy during both manufacturing and distribution. The global demand for aluminum foil is forecast to report strong growth driven by consumption in major emerging markets. More growth opportunities will turn up between 2019 and 2025 as compared to the past five years.
FAQs
What is the raw material for aluminum foil?
Aluminum foil is made up of aluminum alloy. The alloy used for making the foil has 92-99 percent aluminum.
Who invented aluminum foil?
Aluminum foil was introduced in the year 1825 by Hans Christian Oersted.
What is the difference between aluminum foil and tin foil?
The differences between the two can be listed under many categories. However, the main difference between both of them is that aluminum foil is made up of aluminum whereas tin foil is made from tin.
Does aluminum foil expire?
Aluminum foil is made from aluminum alloy and hence no possible expiration date to it.
Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations. The content in this post has been approved by Neeman’s.
Industrialization has changed human life drastically. It has brought with it an increase in production, job opportunities, and urbanization. But, industrialization has a set of drawbacks too. It has contaminated the air, water, and soil. Dust, smoke, fumes, toxic gas emissions, use of plastic, etc has caused irreversible degradation to our environment. However, the good news is that now people are becoming more aware of the importance to conserve the environment. In India, many startups are coming up with amazing Eco-friendly product ideas. Neeman’s, is one such Hyderabad-based startup that is revolutionizing the footwear industry with shoes that are made of natural, renewable, and sustainable materials.
Neeman’s is India’s first shoe brand to use natural, renewable and sustainable fibres, including merino wool. Founded in 2017, in Hyderabad, Neeman’s envisages manufacturing shoes that are stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly. Neeman’s is the first company in India to use Australian merino wool for its shoes.
“Neeman’s is focused on making truly comfortable footwear that looks good, feels good and is good for the planet–all day, every day” – quotes Neeman’s founder duo Taranjeet Singh Chhabra and Amar Preet Singh.
Conceptualized in America, Neeman’s shoes are leading a culture of sustainability and comfort in the footwear space in India. Working in collaboration with the world’s leading manufacturing units and suppliers, Neeman’s brings perfectly-crafted, natural fibre shoes to India.
Working on the lines of US-famed Allbirds, which is famous for the sustainable shoes and clothing it produces and sells, Neeman’s manufactures comfortable shoes that are crafted with merino wool, organic cotton, recycled PET bottles, and wood, fruit pulp, tyres, bamboo, and more.
Neeman’s Products
Currently, Neeman’s has 3 types of shoes –
Wool Classic Sneakers
Wool Joggers
Wool Loafers
Neeman’s Brand USP
Listing the USPs of Neeman’s would include –
Neeman’s shoes are designed for Style and Comfort.
Neeman’s shoes are manufactured using Natural and Renewable Merino Wool, Castor bean oil, Recycled rubber, and other earth-friendly materials.
The Merino Wool shoes made by Neeman’s can be worn in all months in India. They can be carried well in both extreme summers & extreme winters.
Neeman’s shoes are flexible and lightweight, conforming to the foot for comfort that truly lasts all day.
Neeman’s timeless designs go from work to play, day to night, casual to dressy.
Neeman’s shoes are sock-free and odor resistant, but also machine-washable if the need arises.
The company works with the best design companies, manufacturing units and spinning mills to create its ultra-soft Merino Wool fabric used in its exclusive shoes.
Neeman’s – Industry
India is the second-largest footwear producer in the world, 9% of the global annual production is done in India. In terms of consumption, India is the third-largest (around 2.1 Billion). India’s per capita consumption in terms of footwear is only 1.7 pairs per annum and is increasing rapidly and moving towards the Global Per capita of 3 pairs.
According to Assocham study, the premium footwear market in India is close to 8 to 10% of the overall footwear market of $7-8 Billion
With increasing affluent population and interest for more comfortable and designer shoes, Neeman’s plans to carve a unique position by building a Culture of Comfort and Sustainability in India. The target Market size for Neeman’s is around $600 – $650M.
Neeman’s was founded by Taranjeet Singh Chhabra and Amar Preet Singh in the year 2017.
Neeman’s Founders
Taranjeet Singh Chhabra
Taran Chhabra is the CEO of Neeman’s. He handles the complete operations of the company along with the finance department, sales department and the marketing strategy. He also manages Neeman’s collaboration with the world’s leading design companies, manufacturing units, and spinning mills to bring true nature-friendly shoes to the Indian men.
Taranjeet is a Business Analytics Leader with great experience and leadership qualities based out of New Jersey, the USA. He has helped countable pharma and life sciences giants in America pivot their current operational strategy and move towards the path of growth. He also has quality experience in Technology, Operations, and Media that enables him to establish new ventures at the epitome of industry and acquire a greater market share. Chhabra has completed his Post-Graduation in computer science in the USA. He is an expert IT leader and an avid traveller.
Amar Preet Singh
Amar Preet Singh is the Director of Operations at Neeman’s. He is a veteran in operations and leading companies with over 15 years of experience in running various start-ups. He is currently leading and overseeing a consulting firm in Hyderabad along with it.
Currently, Neeman’s has a 17-member team with great expertise in Customer Service, Digital Marketing, Logistics and Branding.
Neeman’s – Startup Story | How was Neeman’s Started?
It all started with a struggle and frustration. Taranjeet Singh was travelling to Spain and missed a train due to over-packing. He was travelling with five pairs of shoes a running shoe, a casual shoe, a lounging shoe and an extra pair just in case. And it was quite cumbersome to travel with so much luggage.
This inconvenience made Taran think about a shoe that can be used for all purposes and for all day. However, he did not find anything suitable, which led to the birth of Neeman’s.
With very little background in footwear and design, Taran travelled to different shoe manufacturing hubs around the world to learn how shoes were made. He saw that most of the shoes were made with synthetic and chemical-heavy fibres that are bad for the environment.
“The question in my mind was, We look for better, nutritional and organic food, why don’t we look for similar qualities in our shoes?” says Neeman’s owner Taran Chhabra.
Taran thought of using natural sources to make shoes. Merino wool from Australia was at the top of the list because of its amazing qualities. Merino wool is very soft compared to traditional wool and can be worn all year round. Besides, this fibre was natural and renewable as sheep produce a new fleece every year.
After two years of hard work, in October 2016, Neeman’s is born, which brings classic yet stylish shoes made with natural Merino wool, and other eco-friendly materials.
We believe you should feel good about what you wear. And at Neeman’s, we’re passionate about making sure your shoes make you feel good, look good and do good for our planet.
Neeman’s – Name, Logo and Tagline
The name Neeman’s is a combination of Taran’s mother’s name, Neelam and his father’s name, Manjeet. The tagline of Neeman’s is #ChangeTheNorm.
Neeman’s launched directly to the consumer via its website to improve the buying process and make it super easy for consumers across India to shop its shoes. Neeman’s shoes are now also available on Amazon and Flipkart, thereby making them more discoverable. It also began to focus on offline markets and has already begun introducing its products in Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle.
The pricing for all its styles ranges within the range of INR 5,500 – 5,850. They have a 7 Day Risk-Free trial wherein the customers can experience the comfort at their doorstep and if they run into any issues Neeman’s delivers a new shoe within a few days.
Neeman’s – Funding and Investors
Neeman’s raised funding worth $9.8 Million to date. The footwear brand last raised nearly $5.15 mn on June 3, 2022, in a Series B round led by Sixth Sense Ventures. The previous round was valued at around $901K, which came in on December 2, 2021, and was led by Stride Ventures.
Neeman’s investors include Anicut Angel Fund, AngelList, and a group of serial entrepreneurs.
Date
Stage
Amount
Lead Investors
June 2, 2022
Series B
$5.15 mn
Sixth Sense Ventures
December 2, 2021
Debt Financing
$901K
Stride Ventures
August 3, 2021
Series A
$2.57 mn
Sixth Sense Ventures
March 2, 2020
Pre-series A
$1 mn
Anicut Angel Fund & AngelList
Neeman’s Shareholders
The largest shares of Neeman’s are currently held by Sixth Sense Ventures, which holds around 42.94% of Neeman’s stakes. On the other hand, the Neeman’s founders, Taranjeet Singh Chhabra and Amar Preet Singh diluted their shareholding, which currently stands at 19.84% and 9.84% respectively.
Neeman’s – Advisors and Mentors
Sramana Mitra from Silicon Valley and Tushar Singh are among his mentors/advisors of Neeman’s. Sramana Mitra is the Founder and CEO of One Million by One Million (1Mby1M), which is hailed as the world’s first and only global virtual incubator/accelerator. On the other hand, Tushar Singh is among the investors of Neeman’s, who is also a member of the Neeman’s board.
Neeman’s – Growth
Neeman’s is hailed as the first sustainable footwear brand in India. Over the last two years, Neeman’s has also launched products like sustainable flips flops, slides and recycled cotton sneakers that are being sold now by the startup.
Neeman’s was beta launched in Oct 2018. At launch, it had few sizes and colours with a focus to promote the difference that the company brings to the footwear space and educate the consumers on why its products are better and revolutionary. Neeman’s used mediums like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Email Marketing during this phase.
The beta launch was successful and Neeman’s got a great response from the early backers and customers. Leveraging upon the initial traction, Neeman’s started using other mediums to reach out to customers and drive awareness of the benefits of its shoes, merino wool and how Neeman’s shoes blend in with their daily life and so on. The company used targeted campaigns to different age groups to ensure the creatives and copy blend in with their location and age group.
Some of the growth highlights of Neeman’s are:
It has achieved a 661.42% growth rate
It currently serves 275K users
Neeman’s has grown by 15X in 2021 when it comes to revenue and customer base. It dived into the new retail selling initiative by opening a store in Hyderabad.
Neeman’s has great reviews from thousands of early backers across the country. Neeman’s has a reorder rate of over 25% and a growth of over 30% month over month.
The company is working on starting a few flagship offline locations for the customers to walk in and experience the comfort crafted at Neeman’s. Besides, Neeman’s is also working towards adding more colour and variants to its shoes.
Neeman’s Financials
Neeman’s registered Rs 6.98 crore ($899.21K) in revenue in FY21, and has also posted a loss of Rs 3.32 crore ($427.63K) in the same fiscal.
Neeman’s – Startup Challenges
According to Taranjeet, the major challenge for Neeman’s was to design and develop the core set of merino wool fabrics which would create a shoe that is lightweight, durable, abrasion-resistant and holds up well with the Indian weather conditions.
During our research, our focus was to ensure our shoes hold up well with Indian Weather Conditions. As our country is so diverse and the weather is different in Bangalore and Mumbai, we have worked to choose the right composition to ensure it holds up well in all situations and conditions.
Neeman’s collaborated with Woolmark Company, a non-profit funded by Australian wool farmers for developing merino wool fabric.
Neeman’s – Awards
Neeman’s was awarded as a Gamechanger and Emerging Brand of 2018-19 in Consumer Space by Nexbrand in association with Times Now.
Neeman’s is India’s first shoe brand to use a natural, renewable and sustainable fiber in its shoes–merino wool. This Hyderabad-based startup founded in 2017 envisages manufacturing shoes that are stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly.
Who is the founder of Neeman’s Shoes?
Mr. Taranjeet Singh Chhabra and Mr. Amar Preet Singh founded Neeman’s in 2017.
How much is Neeman’s Funding till date?
Neeman’s total funding is reported to be $9.8 Million in June 2022. Neeman’s investors include Anicut Angel Fund, AngelList and a group of serial entrepreneurs.
Who is Sramana Mitra?
Sramana Mitra from Silicon Valley, and Tushar Singh, who is one of the investors of the brand, are the mentors/advisors of Neeman’s.
Does Neeman’s bring organic shoes in India?
Yes, if you are looking for organic shoes in India, then Neeman’s is one of the best choices you can find.
Today being environment friendly is not just ensuring to look after the environment but also to take necessary and conscious efforts to change our lifestyles so that we conserve our scarce resources.
Many industries and multinational companies take the protection and conservation of the environment very seriously. Many small industries, companies, and governments have also started realizing the need and importance of eco-friendly operations. In India, many startups and organizations make efforts to get a sustainable lifestyle and culture, be it renewing resources, recycling resources, or reducing consumption.
In our country, there are a handful of businesses that are striving to make a difference in society, preserve the environment, and earn money through eco-friendly businesses. Although many want to adopt such business services only a few can do so.
Having an eco-friendly business in India simply means providing products and services to the customers that do not harm the nature and environment in their production, use, or disposal.
Also, such products and services usually help in conserving energy, minimizing carbon footprint, emission of greenhouse gases, and do not lead to any kind of pollution in the environment.
In this article, you will look at the Top 3 eco-friendly business ideas that you can start even on a small scale and earn by not harming nature.
The products that are produced and made by organic methods help in promoting healthy and safe habits. Organic products help in encouraging more people to be responsible in the way of using scarce natural resources and help their exploitation.
The organic product market today has huge scope and potential to grow. The demand for such products is increasing day by day as people are becoming conscious about their health and lifestyle.
Since the demand in this sector is increasing, there is going to be great competition, hence early movers can take advantage.
Organic Products You Can Sell:
There are many options to do business when it comes to selling organic products, some of them are:
Organic fruits and vegetables.
Organic herbs and spices.
Organic shakes and juices.
Organic fertilizers.
Organic body and skincare products.
Organic poultry and dairy Products.
How to Sell Organic Products?
The best way to sell products in today’s fast-changing world is through online stores. Although you can get a good response by putting up an organic product store in your city if you do not have much competition but it will cost you the additional cost of the rent. Selling online with the right marketing tools can also help you gain a faster presence in your local market.
Requirements for Starting an Organic Product Business:
Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India governs organic food business in our country and one needs to register their business, get a license, and certify the business under the same.
For a physical store, you will require a place with ample space to keep stock along with cold storage.
An initial investment of around 30,000 to 100,000 rupees is required to start the business.
Advertising resources for online and offline advertising.
If you want to have a lucrative and thriving business then this could be the one. Selling used products or items like books and clothes is one of the businesses that are eco-friendly and assuring as well. Also, such businesses have taken a rise over the recent years in our nation uncommon on online platforms and much more common on offline platforms.
A platform like OLX has set a huge example in the market that used products that still have a good value that can be sold; hence this proves to be one of the best eco-friendly business ideas. Opening up a second-hand store helps to save the customers money whereas it also helps to create a better environment.
Some of the Things You Can Resell:
Even though anything and everything that has a good condition, can be used and has value could be sold. Here is a list that is some popular reselling business ideas that are eco-friendly:
Used Clothes (Commonly known as thrift stores).
Used Books.
Refurbished Electronics.
Other refurbished and recycled products.
How to Sell Reused Items?
These products can be sold on online and offline platforms. From both places, you can get good returns.
Requirements for Starting a Reused Store Business:
Thorough knowledge about the reselling segment and market.
An initial investment of about 10,000 to 50,000 rupees.
Land and human resources.
Handicraft Business
Our country is known for its culture, uniqueness, and talent. A major part of our culture is depicted through the unique and intricate handicrafts of our nation. Almost 20% of the country’s rural manufacturing workforce is deployed into making handicrafts.
In the race of mass production and machine-made products, the artisans and handmade products aren’t much highlighted but are still valued. This is one of the best eco-friendly business ideas as mostly handicrafts are made from natural resources, and also it helps to uplift the economically weaker section of the society. Even our government is empowering such as artisans, weavers, and craftsmen by initiatives like Make in India.
List Of Common Handicrafts You Can Sell in India:
Jute bags and products.
Handmade bangles.
Pottery Products.
Khadi Products.
Crochet Products.
How to Start a Handicraft Store Business:
Handicraft stores usually gain success when they are in the local market or exhibition stalls. However, if you plan to open an online store, you can sell your products on online portals too. A few of them are Craftsy, eBay and Amazon.
Requirements for Starting a Handicraft Store Business:
Raw Material and Bulk purchase of products.
Initial Investment of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000.
License and Certification if a physical store is to be opened.
E-commerce website (If you are planning to sell online).
If you are someone who believes in earning money but also you want to help in building a more positive and sustainable future for the coming generations then the eco-friendly business is what you should do today. Whether you are choosing an idea from these three or apart from this you are contributing towards helping the environment and are definitely making a huge difference.
FAQ
Are eco-friendly businesses profitable?
Yes, according to a report 66% of eco-friendly businesses are profitable.
What are some eco-friendly business ideas?
Recycling Waste, Used bookstores, Eco-friendly toys, Plastic-based clothing, and Bio-fuel production are some of the eco-friendly business ideas.
What is the best recycling business to start?
Paper Recycling, Electronic waste recycling, Recycling of Tire, Vermicompost Recycling, Plastic Recycling are some of the best recycling businesses you can start now.
Damini Bhandary
