“Bright Bins” has now been rebranded as “Snappy”. The branding is being rolled out in Langa and adopted by the community, and the feedback is very positive.

Snappy successfully concluded the second phase of testing of the reusable nappies model with a much clearer idea of how the operations should be run to reach scale. For instance, it is now established that the nappies would have to be washed in a space specifically equipped for the purpose rather than on partner ECDs’ premises. Snappy is renting a space in Langa where a team washes used nappies.

Thanks to the toolkit the team developed, Brenda has clearer views on the pricing for Snappy’s services in Langa. Realistically, she explained that the business model as it is rolled out in Langa can’t be financially viable and will have to be subsidised by a similar model in wealthier suburbs. The toolkit, as it was developed, will help with the development of a model for medium to high income areas.

Finally, as you remember, Kimberly-Clark (KC) funded an initial pilot two years ago, consisting in the testing of the collection of disposable nappies and other “absorbent hygiene products” at ECDs by the “Bright bins” teams and their management by a third party. At the end of the pilot, KC decided not to renew its financial support to the initiative it kick-started thanks to Brenda, leaving her with no other solution than to find other resources to keep the initiative financially afloat. Paradoxically, KC was particularly eager to keep all rights on the “Bright Bins” brand.

Surprisingly, Brenda recently received a phone call and a visit from KC Global sustainability team to see how she was doing and affirmed their intention to support Bright Bins’ expansion in the future. A story to follow…