Product Development

Product Concept

We Earthwise, a new startup, are ready to transform the stationary sector with our latest
innovation: a range of environmentally friendly erasers and markers crafted entirely from
biodegradable materials. Recognizing the urgent need to reduce waste post-disposal,
Earthwise has carefully crafted these items using a special combination of natural rubber and
biodegradable polymers. This ensures that they not only excel in their main function but also
break down harmlessly back into the environment after use. The erasers demonstrate
outstanding durability and a smudge-free erasing ability, while the markers feature bright,
non-toxic shades sourced from natural dyes. This revolutionary product collection not only
tackles the environmental impact of conventional stationary items but also educates and
motivates users to adopt more sustainable choices in their everyday lives, fitting perfectly
with Earthwise's objective to merge product effectiveness with environmental responsibility.

Material selection

- Natural Rubber: Natural rubber originates from rubber tree latex, making it a sustainable
option for the eraser's primary component due to its biodegradability and renewability.

- Natural Fillers (Calcium Carbonate): Calcium carbonate, a natural mineral sourced

sustainably, aids in bulking up the eraser while decreasing rubber usage to reduce
environmental impact.

- Plant-Based Plasticizers: Plant-based plasticizers enhance eraser flexibility and durability,

minimizing fossil fuel dependence and harmful chemical emissions during production.

- Sulphur: Sulphur’s role in rubber vulcanization reinforces material strength and stability,
emphasizing minimal usage to prevent environmental harm.

- Zinc Oxide (Activator): Zinc oxide acts as a vulcanization activator, accelerating reactions
and enhancing overall eraser performance, with a focus on eco-friendly sourcing.

- Eco-Friendly Accelerators : Eco-friendly accelerators speed up vulcanization processes

while maintaining minimal environmental impact during manufacturing.

- Natural Antioxidants : Natural antioxidants extend the eraser's shelf life and quality,
substituting synthetic chemicals with sustainable sources to support longevity and quality.

Selection of these materials in specific proportions allows the creation of a sustainable eraser
with reduced environmental impact, without compromising quality and performance.
Life Cycle Assessment
Product: Erasers, Markers & Pens

Raw Materials Materials Product Use Stage End-Of-Life

Manufacture Manufacture

Sustainable and Raw material is Materials are Product is used Consumers

recycled prepared for combined and by the dispose off the
rubber, plastic further manufactured consumer for a products after
and plant based manufacturing into final long period of the end of life
materials. process and product using time with the or the product
Body and ink defective machinery. help of a is sent for
are material is Product is refillable recycling. Use
biodegradable. disposed of placed in design of of
while also sustainable markers and biodegradable
minimising packaging and long lasting materials
waste. shipped. erasers. ensures a safe
disposal into
the
environment.

Stages:
CRADLE GATE
GRAVE

RECYCLE

Cradle-to-Grave (C2G): "The eco-friendly eraser begins its sustainable journey from the
extraction of natural rubber from rubber tree latex, underscoring its commitment to the
environment through biodegradable and renewable resources. Adding sustainably sourced
calcium carbonate reduces rubber usage and lessens environmental impact. Plant-based
plasticizers enhance flexibility and durability, decreasing fossil fuel dependency.
Vulcanization with minimal sulphur and eco-friendly activators maintains a low
environmental footprint. Energy-efficient machinery reduces energy consumption during
mixing, curing, and shaping. Natural antioxidants prolong the eraser's life, promoting
longevity over synthetic options. Its biodegradable nature allows for decomposition,
minimizing environmental impact and closing the loop of its life cycle in an eco-conscious
manner."
Cradle-to-Gate (C2G): "In the evaluation from the beginning of a green eraser's journey to its
production, the process starts with getting natural rubber from rubber tree latex, which is a
sustainable and biodegradable substance. This ensures that the eraser's foundation is both
eco-friendly and eco-conscious. Using naturally sourced calcium carbonate as a filler
decreases the amount of rubber used and the eraser's environmental impact, making it a more
resource-efficient item. Plant-based plasticizers are added to boost the eraser's flexibility and
durability, avoiding fossil fuels and reducing the release of harmful chemicals into the
environment. Sulfur is minimally used for rubber vulcanization during production, alongside
zinc oxide as a green activator and environmentally friendly accelerators, selected for their
lower environmental effects, guaranteeing the eraser's material strength and performance with
a decreased ecological impact. Natural antioxidants are incorporated to enhance the eraser's
shelf life without turning to artificial alternatives. These components are blended and
processed using energy-efficient equipment, including a Banbury Rubber Mixer Machine for
thorough mixing, a Rubber Vulcanizing Machine for rubber curing, and a Rubber Molding
Machine for shaping the final product. This concludes with a sustainable manufacturing
process aligning with environmental stewardship goals until the eraser exits the production
facility, signifying the end of its cradle-to-gate lifecycle."

Gate-to-Gate (G2G): Arrival of raw materials like natural rubber, calcium carbonate, plant-
based plasticizers, sulfur, zinc oxide, eco-friendly accelerators, and natural antioxidants at the
manufacturing facility initiates the eco-friendly eraser production process. These materials
are blended using the Banbury Rubber Mixer Machine for a uniform composition, focusing
on energy efficiency and waste reduction. Vulcanization process in the Rubber Vulcanizing
Machine, utilizing sulfur and zinc oxide, plays a vital role in enhancing eraser durability with
minimal environmental impact. Eco-friendly accelerators aid in expediting this process,
decreasing energy consumption. Shaping of vulcanized rubber into erasers is carried out by
the Rubber Molding Machine, using precision molds for optimal yield. The production cycle
emphasizes renewable energy sources and waste material recycling, highlighting the
commitment to environmental sustainability. Thoughtful selection of materials, energy
conservation, and waste handling in manufacturing reflects a dedicated effort to minimize
environmental effects.

End-of-Life (EoL): During the End-of-Life phase, the environmentally friendly eraser made
mainly of natural rubber, combined with natural materials like calcium carbonate, plant-
derived plasticizers, sulfur, zinc oxide as an activator, eco-friendly accelerators, and natural
antioxidants, displays a minimal environmental impact when disposed of or recycled. The
eraser's primary component, natural rubber, is biodegradable, allowing it to break down
naturally, lessening landfill pressure and methane emissions linked to non-biodegradable
waste. The presence of calcium carbonate, a natural mineral, and other environmentally
conscious ingredients ensures that the eraser's decomposition has little impact on
environmental pollution. The production process, which includes the use of sustainable
machinery like the Banbury Rubber Mixer Machine, Rubber Vulcanizing Machine, and
Rubber Molding Machine, is geared towards waste and emission reduction. By selecting
materials wisely and incorporating sustainable manufacturing techniques, the eco-friendly
eraser can be responsibly disposed of at the end of its lifespan through natural decay or
potential recycling programs, thereby embodying circular economy principles and reducing
its ecological impact.