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Stonesoup, a Bengaluru-based social enterprise, is revolutionizing menstrual health and sustainability by offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional period products. With a mission to create a future that is shame-free, trash-free, rash-free, and cash-free, the company provides patented reusable menstrual cups and washable cloth pads while also empowering communities through menstrual health education and employment opportunities for female tailors.
Stonesoup was co-founded by Smita Kulkarni, Malini Parmar, and Vasuki Kadaba Srinivasa Iyengar in 2018.
Smita Kulkarni is a computer science engineer who transitioned from the tech industry to environmental activism and entrepreneurship. Passionate about sustainable menstruation, she has been actively educating individuals on eco-friendly menstrual practices and has delivered talks, including a TEDx presentation, to raise awareness about sustainable menstrual choices.
Malini Parmar, an alumna of IIM Kolkata, co-founded Stonesoup to provide convenient solutions for sustainable living. She emphasizes the importance of making eco-friendly products accessible to encourage widespread adoption of sustainable lifestyles.
Vasuki Kadaba Srinivasa Iyengar has been instrumental in developing products that promote sustainability and reduce waste.
Together, they have played a crucial role in developing products and initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Stonesoup has been actively tackling environmental and social challenges through its Greenr strategy, which focuses on expanding business-to-business (B2B) partnerships, strengthening sales channels, and enhancing digital marketing efforts.
In the financial year 2023-24, Stonesoup saw a remarkable 30% revenue increase, reaching INR 0.8 crore. This growth was driven by key strategic initiatives, including:
Additionally, Stonesoup diversified its product offerings by launching reusable baby and adult diapers, now available at Organic World’s 10 outlets. These efforts have significantly boosted the brand’s market penetration and customer engagement.
Strategic partnerships played a crucial role in Stonesoup’s growth trajectory. With the guidance of business advisor Monica Muthappa, the company forged alliances with Motherhood Hospitals and successfully secured government tenders by reducing the cost of menstrual cups by 35%. Moreover, impactful CSR collaborations with organizations such as Saahas Zero Waste, Bodhi Tree, Go Colours, Shahi Exports, and Infosys Foundation have further amplified Stonesoup’s outreach and social impact.
To enhance brand visibility, the company also secured marketplace listings on major e-commerce platforms like Nykaa, Myntra, and ONDC, ensuring greater accessibility to its sustainable menstrual products.
In line with its commitment to sustainable growth, Stonesoup ramped up its online marketing efforts, resulting in a 30% increase in social media followers. This boost was fueled by:
These digital efforts translated into tangible business success, with Stonesoup securing three new corporate clients through its improved online presence and targeted campaigns.
Reflecting on the impact of the Greenr Sustainability Accelerator program, Stonesoup’s CEO, Rupal Ralph, stated, “The Greenr program was an eye-opener for us. When we were going all over the place, it helped us focus on our strengths. The one-on-one mentorship encouraged us to think out of the box.”
The Greenr program, supported by the IKEA Foundation and Visa Foundation, is dedicated to scaling green startups like Stonesoup by offering capacity-building, business modeling, go-to-market strategies, and financial access. Through this program, Stonesoup has been able to refine its business approach and scale its impact effectively.
For those still hesitant about switching to reusable menstrual products, Stonesoup’s initiatives showcase the long-term benefits of sustainable menstruation. By embracing menstrual cups and cloth pads, individuals can significantly reduce waste, save money, and contribute to a healthier planet.
With a strong foundation in social entrepreneurship and environmental advocacy, Stonesoup continues to inspire and empower individuals to make conscious choices for a sustainable future.
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