Mark Rous WanderBars

Credits
  • Tauira / Student
    Mark Rous
  • Kaiako / Lecturer
    Anke Nienhuis
Description:

WanderBars are individually portioned, single-use shower soaps that eliminate the need for bulky bottles or messy bar soaps, simplifying the packing processes when travelling.

Traditional liquid wash products pose challenges for backpackers due to TSA regulations, limited carry-on luggage space, and the risk of spills. Existing travel-focused wash options are wasteful and impractical, while bar soaps can become messy and inconvenient after use. Extensive research conducted on hygiene product markets supports the switch from liquid to dry solid soap to reduce product volume, extend shelf life, and improve packaging and portability.

WanderBars address these issues by repurposing recycled bar soap sourced from hotels and motels and rescued food waste ingredients like coffee grounds and citrus peels to add fragrance and texture. Sustainable packaging is formed from waxed paper wrap and printed paper sleeves made from recycled materials.

To maximise soap utilisation efficiency, WanderBar soap is portioned into pieces that last the duration of an average shower, minimising product waste. This approach is particularly beneficial to travellers and backpackers who travel light and value a product that doesn’t require re-packing after use.

Using WanderBars is simple: just take out a soap tablet and either place it inside a soap-saver body scrub or lather it up in your hands. By the end of your shower, the tablet should have dissolved completely, leaving no soapy residue to worry about. Rinse your body scrub and wring it dry, and then you're ready to continue on your adventure!

WanderBars can be sold in supermarkets, travel gear shops, convenience stores, gas stations, and anywhere travellers are likely to be found. The package size and shape resemble existing single-piece bar soaps, making them easily recognisable to customers.

Overall, WanderBars offer a practical, planet-friendly, and affordable travel soap option that can be sourced, processed, and manufactured locally to minimise shipping costs and reduce carbon emissions. This innovative product design aligns with the needs of environmentally conscious backpackers, providing a sustainable solution for staying clean while travelling.