PROJECT OVERVIEW
The disposable nature of dry erase markers was contributing to a significant amount of plastic waste in classrooms across the country. I led the development of a sustainable solution: refillable dry erase markers. These markers were designed to reduce plastic waste while offering performance equal to their disposable counterparts, providing teachers and schools with an eco-friendly alternative.
CHALLENGE
The primary challenge was to create a marker that could match the quality and usability of disposable markers while offering a sustainable, cost-effective solution. Budget constraints and the need for extensive consumer education also posed hurdles in market adoption.
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MY Role
• Spearheaded the product development process from ideation to market launch.
• Conducted extensive market research to identify the need for sustainable classroom tools.
• Partnered with a vendor in China to produce high-quality, competitively priced refillable markers.
• Developed the overall product design, including the MVP starter pack containing six markers and eight refills, providing the equivalent of 14 markers per pack.
• Conducted extensive market research to identify the need for sustainable classroom tools.
• Partnered with a vendor in China to produce high-quality, competitively priced refillable markers.
• Developed the overall product design, including the MVP starter pack containing six markers and eight refills, providing the equivalent of 14 markers per pack.
SOLUTION
Product Design: Refillable markers featuring ink tanks instead of polyester cores, maximizing ink usage and minimizing waste.
Packaging: Optimized packaging to deliver more value while reducing environmental impact, using minimal materials.
Sourcing: Secured partnerships with manufacturers capable of producing high-quality markers that meet the performance standards of disposable competitors.
Marketing and Education:
• Created instructional videos and step-by-step guides for consumers to learn how to refill and use the markers.
• Developed a comic strip series featuring "Charles" and "Chuck," educating consumers about the environmental benefits of refillable markers in a fun and engaging way.
RESULTS
Environmental Impact:
• A single classroom using our refillable markers can reduce plastic waste by approximately 2kg per year.
• The markers have the potential to replace 100 disposable markers per teacher annually.
Market Reception:
• Teachers and educational institutions praised the refillable markers for their environmental benefits and consistent performance.
• The product showcased the potential for sustainable innovation in the classroom supplies market despite budget constraints and the challenge of shifting consumer habits.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Leadership in Sustainable Product Development: Successfully led the development and launch of a product that addresses environmental challenges in the education sector.
Innovation in Classroom Tools: Demonstrated the ability to design a product that combines sustainability with high performance, meeting the needs of environmentally conscious educators.
Effective Market Education: Developed engaging, educational content to support product adoption, focusing on clear communication and behavioral change in classrooms.
