Ambaba
Description:
An innovative, one-size-fits-all nappy
When Mel Woods read a government report, arguing that reusable nappies were damaging to the environment because of their functionality and design, she decided to put her long-brewing business idea into action to design a one-size, eco-friendly nappy that people would enjoy using.
How it developed
Teaming with designer Roz Henderson, the Ambaba partnership was created. Ambaba identified a need for a one-size nappy that was economical, easy to wash and dry, and had a contemporary look that coordinated with designer and high-street children's wear.
"There are other nappies on the market that claim to be one-size, but it's only the absorbent part that adjusts in size. You have to buy sized, waterproof wraps to go over the top of those products. This is the most environmentally-damaging part of the nappy because they use polyurethane laminate that doesn't biodegrade."
The Ambaba nappy, designed to fit from birth to toddlerhood, has a slim-fitting absorbent inner made from natural and organic fabrics such as hemp, bamboo, nettle and cotton. These fabrics have inherent antibacterial and anti-viral properties that inhibit the bacteria responsible for nappy rash.
Thinking about the environment
Mel and Roz are currently working with a Scottish-based manufacturer, and are developing a system that allows the tracing of materials from their raw state right through to the finished product. This means they can offer important information to their customers about the origins of the products they're buying.
"We want to inform our customers about the source of our materials and what processes they've been through to get to the final product. We are identifying supply chains that will reduce our environmental footprint by minimising the transportation of materials."
Overcoming business hurdles
This a first-time business venture for Mel and Roz, who have art degrees from The University of Northumbria and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee. "Being creative, we're both problem-solvers and have ideas all the time. This isn't the first spark of an idea that we've had for a business venture, but it's the first one we've picked up and run with it."
Mel says the journey so far has been exhilarating, but also a steep learning curve. Creating their product, preparing it for market and testing the materials to ensure they'll last the distance have been huge challenges, but Mel says the support they've received has been invaluable.
One of their main hurdles was coming to grips with the financial side of running a business – which is where NESTA's Starter for 6 programme stepped in.
"The NESTA training really helped us to focus on exactly who our manufacturers, customers and distributors were – and could be – and then how to translate that into financial terms. NESTA quickly gave us an idea about whether the business was viable before we went any further – and that's something that a lot of other schemes don't do."
Gearing up to start trading
Patent pending, Ambaba is currently finalising its materials list for the manufacturer, who will produce 150 prototypes. Once manufacturing tests are complete, Ambaba nappies will be available online and through select retail outlets.
Mel and Roz are greatly encouraged by the response to the nappies which has been outstanding – not only from parents, but also medical professionals. "Roz took a sample to a real nappy network meeting, and within a few hours it was being discussed in an online nappy forum, and people were asking where they could get hold of them.
"With almost 636,000 babies born in the UK in 2006, and the organic fabric markets rocketing as people realise the environmental impact of their clothing, we really believe that there's a big market out there."
Written: August 2007
Individual:
Mel Woods and Roz Henderson
Programme:
Starter for 6
Discipline:
Sustainable design
Location:
Dundee
Funding:
£10,000
Year first funded:
2007