Hibiscus, Onion And Bhringaraj Shampoo Bar

Sustainability Factors

1. Natural Ingredients:
   • Hibiscus: Known for its rich antioxidant properties, hibiscus helps nourish the scalp and hair. It is a plant-based ingredient that is renewable and biodegradable, reducing environmental impact compared to synthetic chemicals .
   • Onion: Onion extract is rich in sulfur, which can promote hair health. It is a natural ingredient that is readily available and biodegradable .
   • Bhringaraj: This herb is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its benefits in promoting hair growth and health. It is grown sustainably and can be harvested without harming the environment .
2. Minimal Processing:
   • The ingredients in the shampoo bar are minimally processed, which means less energy is required for production compared to conventional shampoos that may involve complex chemical synthesis .
3. Solid Formulation:
   • Shampoo bars do not require plastic bottles, reducing plastic waste. They often come in minimal or compostable packaging, which significantly decreases environmental pollution .
4. Water Conservation:
   • Unlike liquid shampoos, shampoo bars contain little to no water, reducing the energy and resources required for transportation. This makes them more efficient to produce and ship .
5. Reduced Chemical Use:
   • The absence of harsh chemicals and preservatives, which are often derived from petroleum, reduces the environmental impact associated with their production and disposal .

Low Carbon Footprint Justification

1. Efficient Manufacturing and Transportation:
   • The manufacturing process of shampoo bars is often more energy-efficient compared to liquid shampoos, which require additional steps like emulsification and bottling .
   • Because shampoo bars are compact and lightweight, they require less energy for transportation. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with their distribution .
2. Biodegradable and Renewable Ingredients:
   • The use of natural and biodegradable ingredients ensures that the product does not contribute to pollution after use. This helps lower the overall carbon footprint of the product .
3. Longer Lasting Product:
   • Shampoo bars typically last longer than liquid shampoos, meaning consumers use fewer products over time. This reduces the frequency of purchase and production cycles, contributing to a lower carbon footprint .

   • Steps to Calculate Carbon Footprint

     1. Raw Material Sourcing:
        • Hibiscus, Onion, Bhringaraj: Estimate the carbon emissions associated with the cultivation and harvesting of these plants. This includes energy used in farming equipment and fertilizers.
        • Typical Emissions: Approximately 0.1 to 0.3 kg CO2e per kg of plant material.
     2. Manufacturing:
        • Processing: Energy used in extracting and processing the plant materials into a shampoo bar.
        • Typical Emissions: Around 0.5 kg CO2e per kg of product manufactured.
     3. Packaging:
        • Materials: Cardboard or compostable packaging.
        • Typical Emissions: Approximately 0.2 kg CO2e per kg of packaging material.
     4. Transportation:
        • Distribution: Emissions from transporting raw materials to the manufacturing site and the final product to retailers or consumers.
        • Typical Emissions: 0.1 to 0.2 kg CO2e per kg of product per 1,000 km transported.
     5. Usage and Disposal:
        • Usage: Minimal emissions as the product is used without additional resources.
        • Disposal: Compostable packaging results in negligible emissions compared to plastic waste.

     Estimated Carbon Footprint

     For a 100g shampoo bar, we can estimate the carbon footprint as follows:
     • Raw Materials: 0.1 kg CO2e
     • Manufacturing: 0.05 kg CO2e
     • Packaging: 0.02 kg CO2e
     • Transportation: 0.05 kg CO2e (assuming 500 km of transport)
     Total Estimated Carbon Footprint: 0.22 kg CO2e per 100g bar

     Considerations

     • Data Specificity: Actual values may vary based on specific farming practices, energy sources, and transportation distances.
     • Comparison: For context, traditional liquid shampoos in plastic bottles can have carbon footprints ranging from 1.5 to 2 kg CO2e per liter due to higher energy use in production and packaging.

     Conclusion

     The Hibiscus, Onion, and Bhringaraj Shampoo Bar has a relatively low carbon footprint due to its use of natural ingredients, minimal packaging, and efficient production and transportation processes. The estimate of 0.22 kg CO2e per 100g bar is a rough calculation and should be refined with more precise data from a detailed life cycle assessment.