Innovation

BRICS LLP is tackling multiple UN SDGs through innovative solutions in two key areas: eco-friendly personal care and sustainable household products:

Oral Care Revolution:

• Herbal Mouthwash: Replacing chemical-laden rinses with potent botanical blends rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This promotes oral health naturally, reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals, and caters to a growing demand for herbal alternatives.
• Denture Wash: Developing biodegradable denture cleansers using plant-based enzymes and surfactants. This eliminates harsh chemicals harmful to both users and the environment while ensuring effective hygiene for denture wearers.

Household Heroes:

• Green Laundry Detergents: Formulating powerful cleaning agents from plant-derived surfactants and enzymes. These effectively remove dirt and stains while being gentle on fabrics and kinder to the environment compared to conventional detergents.
• Enzyme Power: Harnessing the potency of natural enzymes to break down stains and odors in laundry, dishwashing, and surface cleaning products. This reduces reliance on harsh chemicals and promotes a more sustainable cleaning approach.
• Fresh Air, Naturally: Creating environmentally friendly room fresheners using essential oils and biodegradable fragrance blends. This avoids harmful chemicals often found in air fresheners and provides a healthier, more pleasant indoor environment.
• Bug Off, Naturally: Developing natural mosquito repellents derived from plant extracts like citronella and lemongrass. This offers a safe and effective alternative to synthetic repellents with potential health and environmental concerns.

BRICS LLP's innovation lies in:

• Harnessing the power of nature: Utilizing readily available botanical resources to create effective and sustainable products.
• Reducing reliance on harmful chemicals: Promoting health and environmental well-being by minimizing the use of synthetic ingredients.
• Catering to growing consumer demand: Responding to the increasing preference for natural and eco-friendly solutions in personal care and household products.

Their impact on the UN SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Promoting oral hygiene and offering natural alternatives for pest control contribute to overall health and well-being.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Utilizing sustainable practices and plant-based ingredients fosters responsible consumption and production patterns.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and promoting biodegradable products helps mitigate climate change.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: Utilizing plant resources responsibly and developing natural pest control solutions contribute to conserving terrestrial ecosystems.

BRICS LLP is paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future by harnessing the power of nature and innovation. Their commitment to the UN SDGs showcases their dedication to making a positive impact on the world, one eco-friendly product at a time.

The magic of Soapnuts and Shikakai.

Inspiration

BRICS LLP, born from the dreams of three rural scientists, is a story of innovation blooming from the soil, of progress dancing with tradition, and of whispered wisdom finding its voice in the hum of a sustainable future. They are not just entrepreneurs; they are soil whisperers, reminding us that the solutions to tomorrow's problems might just lie hidden in the stories of our land.

Under the dusty sky of rural Karnataka, three dreams intertwined – of progress, purpose, and the whispering wisdom of their land. Dr. Ravishankar Bhat, Dr. Ravish Bhat, and Dr. Rajendra Hegde, scientists by training and farmers by heritage, longed to bridge the gap between concrete and soil. In 2015, BRICS LLP came up with the idea of teaching the people in their community the ways of urban farming.

While they did that they focused on the ideation and research of the product that they were going to manufacture by keeping Soapnuts and Shikakai as their primary ingredient. This idea was inspired by the idea of conserving and reusing water. After constantly witnessing the wastage of water that is done due to the leftover water after processes like washing of clothes, hands, utensils, etc. They wanted to shift the idea of wasting this water by substituting the synthetic detergents and non-bio-friendly chemicals used in the products that are required in these processes with bio-friendly products.

Soapnut and Shikakai are nature's cleaning agents that help in retaining the good aspects of leftover water which can further be utilized in other processes that require water or even if disposed does no damage to the environment.

Overall impact

The overall impact of BRICS LLP's innovation can be considered from two key perspectives: environmental and socioeconomic.

Environmental Impact:

• Reduced reliance on harsh chemicals: By utilizing natural ingredients like soapnuts and shikakai, BRICS LLP promotes eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products. This translates to less water pollution, reduced soil contamination, and lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic chemical production.
• Sustainability and resource conservation: The use of readily available and renewable plant-based resources encourages sustainable practices and reduces pressure on non-renewable resources. This promotes long-term environmental well-being and contributes to a circular economy.
• Conservation of biodiversity: Utilizing and promoting the responsible use of indigenous plants like soapnut and shikakai can foster sustainable harvesting practices and contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity.

Socioeconomic Impact:

• Improved health and hygiene: Effective and natural cleaning products contribute to better personal hygiene and potentially reduce incidences of skin irritation or allergic reactions associated with synthetic chemicals.
• Economic empowerment: BRICS LLP's reliance on local plant resources might create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in rural communities through partnerships with farmers and harvesters. Additionally, their success could inspire other businesses to adopt similar eco-friendly practices, potentially boosting local economies.
• Cultural preservation and knowledge sharing: By promoting traditional knowledge and indigenous plants, BRICS LLP contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional practices associated with sustainable resource utilization. This fosters a sense of pride and ownership within local communities.

BRICS LLP's innovation represents a step towards a more sustainable future. Their commitment to using natural ingredients and promoting eco-friendly practices has the potential to benefit both the environment and the local communities they operate.

Business benefit

BRICS LLP's innovation benefits the business in several ways, both tangible and intangible:

Increased Market Share and Brand Reputation:

• Opening New Markets: By starting in 2015 and continuing to grow steadily, BRICS LLP has positioned itself as a leader in the sustainable products industry. This reputation for quality and eco-consciousness has opened up new markets for the company, allowing it to reach a wider audience and explore new expansion opportunities. As a result, BRICS LLP has been able to attract investment and secure funding to support its continued growth and innovation.
• Growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products: As environmental consciousness rises, consumers are increasingly seeking out natural and sustainable alternatives in personal care and household products. BRICS LLP's focus on plant-based ingredients caters to this growing demand, potentially giving them a competitive edge and attracting a wider customer base.
• Positive brand image and reputation: BRICS LLP's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility can enhance its brand image and attract ethically conscious consumers. This can lead to increased brand loyalty, positive word-of-mouth marketing, and improved public perception.

Reduced Costs and Resource Efficiency:

• Lower reliance on synthetic chemicals: Utilizing natural ingredients can often be more cost-effective than relying on synthetic alternatives, especially in the long run. This can lead to increased profitability and reduced dependence on fluctuating chemical prices.
• Resource efficiency and waste reduction: By utilizing renewable plant resources and promoting biodegradable products, BRICS LLP can minimize waste generation and disposal costs. This contributes to a more sustainable business model and reduces their environmental footprint.

Innovation and Competitive Advantage:

• Pioneering eco-friendly solutions: BRICS LLP's focus on innovation in the realm of natural personal care and household products positions them as a leader in the industry. This can attract investors, talent, and potential partners, creating a strong competitive advantage.
• Future-proofing the business: By aligning its practices with sustainable principles and addressing growing environmental concerns, BRICS LLP is preparing for the future. This proactive approach can ensure their long-term success and resilience in a changing market.

The Growth Trajectory:

Because BRICS LLP has expanded its supply chain and focused on awareness campaigns and setting up camps to promote its sustainable products, several positive outcomes have occurred for the business. Firstly, by expanding its supply chain, BRICS LLP has been able to meet the growing demand for its products, resulting in increased revenue. This revenue growth has enabled the company to hire around 10 new employees, thereby creating job opportunities and contributing to economic growth.

Additionally, the company's focus on awareness campaigns and setting up camps has helped to educate consumers about the importance of sustainability and the benefits of using BRICS LLP's products. This increased awareness has not only led to a larger customer base but has also helped to build brand loyalty and increase customer retention.

Overall, through its focus on sustainability, expansion of its supply chain, and dedication to raising awareness, BRICS LLP has experienced significant benefits for its business, including increased revenue, job creation, customer retention, market expansion, and access to new investment opportunities.

Social and environmental benefit

BRICS LLP's innovative approach to eco-friendly personal care and household products holds immense potential to benefit both society and the environment. Here's a closer look at the positive ripples their work creates:

Environmental Impact:

• Reduced Reliance on Harmful Chemicals: By saying no to harsh synthetic ingredients and embracing natural alternatives like soapnuts and shikakai, BRICS LLP minimizes water pollution, soil contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with chemical production. Think cleaner rivers, healthier soil, and a lighter carbon footprint for the planet.
• Sustainable Resource Management: Utilizing renewable plant resources like soapnuts promotes sustainable harvesting practices and reduces pressure on non-renewable resources like fossil fuels. This paves the way for a more circular economy and helps conserve precious natural resources for future generations.
• Biodiversity Conservation: BRICS LLP's responsible use of indigenous plants like shikakai can foster sustainable harvesting practices and contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity. This translates to thriving ecosystems and a richer tapestry of life on Earth.

Societal Impact:

• Improved Health and Well-being: Effective and naturally formulated cleaning products contribute to better personal hygiene and potentially reduce incidences of skin irritation or allergic reactions associated with synthetic chemicals. This leads to healthier individuals and communities.
• Economic Empowerment: BRICS LLP's reliance on local plant resources creates opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in rural communities through partnerships with farmers and harvesters. This injects economic vitality into local economies and empowers individuals.
• Cultural Preservation and Knowledge Sharing: By promoting traditional knowledge and the use of indigenous plants, BRICS LLP contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional practices associated with sustainable resource utilization. This strengthens the cultural fabric of communities and fosters a sense of pride and ownership.
• Impact on farmers: They have established cluster points in Uttara Kannada District, where local farmers contribute their Soapnut crop. Their involvement in this initiative directly and indirectly benefits both the farmers and their organization (benefiting around 30 to 50 farmers), creating a symbiotic relationship that fosters mutual growth and prosperity, also this reduces the burden of logistics that is over the farmers for selling and transporting their produce.

The impact of BRICS LLP's innovation extends far beyond its products. It's a ripple effect that touches lives, ecosystems, and the future of our planet. By making conscious choices for the environment, they pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable world for all.

While the full extent of their impact will depend on factors like scaling production and consumer adoption, BRICS LLP's pioneering approach serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future. Their story is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and respect for nature in creating a world where progress and sustainability go hand in hand.

Interview

Dr. Ravishankar Bhat, Co-founder