Happy Planet Hygiene

Student

Ana Peczuh

College(s)

College of Science, Mendoza College of Business

Faculty Advisor

Tom Gallagher,

Class Year

2023

Abstract

A greater effort to reduce the amount of packaging, especially single-use packaging, is crucial in response to the climate crisis. One industry that can make a large impact is the personal care industry. Hygiene products have the potential to greatly decrease the amount of packaging they are sold in because they can be purchased via refill stations where consumers bring their own reusable containers to stores to be refilled with product. This project aimed to create a business model for a hypothetical shampoo and conditioner company with in-store refilling stations. This was achieved by researching storefronts and brands with existing personal care refill stations and using this information to develop financial and operational plans for the hypothetical company. Projections estimate that this company could profit over $10M and save over 330,000 pounds of plastic from shampoo bottles in its fifth year of business.