Namalab

We are focused on addressing water scarcity and plastic pollution through our development of a plant-based, fully sustainable alternative to superabsorbent polymers for hygiene, food, and agriculture. Water scarcity is a critical issue affecting communities worldwide, particularly in arid and water-stressed regions. Globally, over 2 billion people currently live in areas experiencing high water stress, and this number is expected to increase due to population growth and climate change impacts. In many agricultural communities, water scarcity directly impacts crop production and food security, leading to decreased yields and livelihood challenges for farmers. 

Our solution is a fully bio-based and compostable superabsorbent polymer designed to offer high performance and directly replace traditional SAP in the industry without requiring modifications to existing machinery and processes. Additionally, it represents a scalable and cost-effective alternative compared to the limited eco-friendly alternatives available in the market. Most importantly, it is cost-competitive compared to synthetically derived materials currently used, thereby eliminating the "green premium" while providing high-performance absorption without petroleum derivatives. The main differentiator of our solution is its ability to provide an advanced superabsorbent solution that combines high performance with sustainability and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive choice for companies and farmers seeking to enhance the sustainability and solve their water problems.

The target population we aim to directly and meaningfully improve consists of smallholder farmers and communities in water-stressed regions, particularly in developing countries. These farmers often face significant challenges due to water scarcity, limited access to modern agricultural technologies, and reliance on traditional farming methods that are not adapted to changing environmental conditions.

Smallholder farmers are underserved in terms of access to water-efficient farming solutions and sustainable agricultural practices. Many lack access to adequate irrigation systems and struggle to maintain crop yields in drought-prone areas. This leads to food insecurity, poverty, and vulnerability to climate-related shocks.

Our solution, the plant-based superabsorbent polymer developed by Namalab, addresses the specific needs of these farmers by enhancing soil water retention and improving crop resilience. By incorporating our polymer into their farming practices, farmers can reduce water usage, increase crop yields, and improve soil health over time. This innovation empowers smallholder farmers to adapt to water scarcity and climate variability, ultimately improving their livelihoods and food security.

Through targeted outreach and partnerships with local organizations, we aim to ensure that our solution reaches those most in need and has a meaningful impact on the lives and well-being of underserved farming communities. By directly addressing the challenges of water scarcity and poor soil quality faced by smallholder farmers, we strive to contribute to sustainable development goals and promote resilience.

Our team at Namasap is uniquely positioned to design and deliver our solution to small, medium and big farmers in Mexico, particularly in regions facing imminent water scarcity.

The members of our team have personal connections to agricultural communities in Mexico, either through family backgrounds in farming, previous work experience directly engaging with farmers or by strategic partnership with relevant actors on the ecosystem. This intimate understanding of farming practices, water management issues, and community dynamics informs our approach to developing solutions that are practical, effective, and relevant.

In designing our solution, we actively seek input from clients through interviews, and collaborative sessions. We listen to their experiences and challenges firsthand, incorporating their insights into the design and implementation of our technology. This participatory approach ensures that our solution directly addresses the pressing water scarcity issues faced by these communities.

Furthermore, our team collaborates closely with local organizations, research institutions, and government agencies in Mexico. By leveraging existing networks and partnerships, we ensure that our solution aligns with national and regional agendas for sustainable agriculture and water resource management.

At Namasap, we are currently piloting our plant-based superabsorbent polymer (Namasap) with two major diaper companies. Our partnership with major diaper companies represents a significant step toward making our plant-based superabsorbent polymer (Namasap) more affordable and readily available for use in agriculture. By piloting our technology with these industry leaders, we are not only advancing its commercialization in hygiene products but also paving the way for its broader adoption in agricultural applications.

The collaboration allows us to optimize production processes, improve cost efficiencies, and scale up manufacturing capabilities. Since our solution is versatile and serves the needs of different industries, this partnership is the perfect entry point that will ultimately lead to a more cost-effective and accessible product that can be utilized by smallholder farmers and agricultural communities facing water scarcity challenges.

Through this partnership, we are strategically positioning Namasap to become a viable and sustainable solution for enhancing soil moisture retention and crop productivity in water-stressed regions. Our goal is to leverage industry expertise and market channels to make Namasap a widely accessible tool for promoting agricultural resilience and sustainability.

At Namas, we face several barriers that we believe Solve can help us overcome to advance our solution effectively:

1. Financial Barriers: We require additional funding to scale our production capacity, conduct more extensive field trials, and optimize our manufacturing processes. Solve can connect us with partners who can provide financial support, investment opportunities, or access to grant funding to accelerate our growth and impact.

2. Technical Challenges: Further refinement of our bio-based superabsorbent polymer requires specialized technical expertise in materials science, agricultural technology, and product development. Solve can facilitate partnerships with technical experts and research institutions to address specific technical challenges and optimize our solution for broader application.

3. Legal and Regulatory Considerations: As we expand our operations and commercialize our product, navigating legal and regulatory frameworks related to product safety, environmental impact, and intellectual property rights is crucial. Solve can connect us with legal advisors and regulatory experts to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.

4. Cultural and Market Understanding: Understanding local cultural practices, market dynamics, and consumer preferences is essential for successful adoption of our solution in diverse communities. Solve can help us raise our voice and communicate effectively and widely why our solution needs to be out there.

With Solve's help, we aim to accelerate the adoption of Namasap and empower communities to thrive in a changing climate.

1. Plant-Based Biochar Technology: Namasap utilizes advanced biochar technology derived from plant-based materials. This approach represents a significant departure from conventional materials and offers a solution to enhance soil and fertilizer retention and crop productivity.

2. Carbon Sequestration: Our solution has the added benefit of carbon sequestration, as biochar helps trap carbon in the soil, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil fertility over time. This dual-functionality aligns with broader sustainability goals and promotes climate-smart agriculture practices.

3. Scalable and Cost-Effective: By piloting Namasap with major diaper companies, we are paving the way for scalable production and cost-effective deployment in agriculture. This strategic approach can catalyze broader positive impacts by demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of bio-based superabsorbent technologies across different sectors.

4. Changing the Market Landscape: Namasap has the potential to disrupt the market for superabsorbent polymers by offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. As awareness of environmental issues grows and demand for sustainable solutions increases, our innovation could drive broader market shifts toward greener materials and practices in agriculture and other industries.

Our solution, Namasap, is expected to have a significant impact on addressing water scarcity and enhancing agricultural productivity through a logical framework that links our activities to outputs and outcomes for our target population:

1. Activities: We develop and produce Namasap, a plant-based superabsorbent polymer, using plant polymers and biochar technology derived from renewable resources.

2. Outputs: Namasap is a cost-effective and biodegradable solution that improves soil and fertilizer retention and enhances crop growth. It absorbs and retains, reducing the frequency of irrigation and aplication  needed by farmers.

3. Immediate Outcomes:

   • Increased crop yields: Farmers experience improved crop yields due to enhanced water availability in the soil, even during dry periods.
   • Reduced water usage: By using Namasap, farmers can reduce water consumption for irrigation, contributing to water conservation efforts.

4. Longer-Term Outcomes:

   • Improved food security: Increased crop yields lead to improved food security for farming communities, reducing reliance on external food sources.
   • Enhanced resilience to climate change: Namasap helps farmers adapt to climate variability and mitigate the impacts of water scarcity on agricultural productivity.
   • Reduced environmental impact: The use of Namasap contributes to carbon sequestration in the soil, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
   • Time saving: As farmers would need to dedicate less time to their crops, they will have more time for important task such as community activities and education activities.

Our impact goals for Namasap are centered around transforming agricultural practices and improving livelihoods in water-stressed regions. Our primary impact goals include:

1. Increase Crop Yields: We aim to increase crop yields by at least 50% for smallholder farmers using Namasap, contributing to improved food security and income generation.

2. Reduce Water Usage: We target a 30% reduction in water usage for irrigation among farmers adopting Namasap, promoting efficient water management and conservation.

3. Enhance Soil Health: We seek to improve soil health indicators, such as soil moisture retention and nutrient availability, leading to sustainable agricultural practices and healthier ecosystems.

4. Global warming:  According to the studies cited below, the amount of CO2eq per kg of sodium polyacrylate is approximately 4 kg. Considering that the 2023 data mentions an annual usage of approximately 1260 tons, solely for disposable baby diapers, this equates to over 5,000 tons of CO2 emitted.

   Data from a second study estimates that the reduction in CO2 from manufacturing and using a cellulose-based substitute for SAP can be as much as 80%. This translates to a reduction of 4000 tons of CO2 annually, solely considering its use in baby diapers. If we consider its use in agriculture, other hygiene items, and food, the number is 10 times higher.

To measure progress towards these impact goals, we will track several key indicators:

• Crop Yield Improvement: Monitoring and comparing crop yields before and after adopting Namasap through field trials and farmer surveys.
• Water Usage Reduction: Collecting data on water consumption for irrigation, comparing usage rates between farmers using Namasap and those relying on conventional methods.
• Soil Health Assessments: Conducting soil tests to evaluate changes in soil moisture levels, nutrient content, and overall soil health over time.
• Product LCA assessment: Evaluate how and how much are we contributing to the climate crisis.

Paul Gontia, Matty Janssen, Life cycle assessment of bio-based sodium polyacrylate

production from pulp mill side streams: case study of thermo-mechanical and sulfite pulp

mills,Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 131, 2016, Pages 475-484.

Hassan I. Moussa, Ali Elkamel, Steven B. Young, Assessing energy performance of bio-

based succinic acid production using LCA, Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 139,

2016, Pages 761-769,

Through material science, we develop a combination of plant-based and food grade materials, that together, form a cost effective, fully plant-based and compostable alternative to the superabsorbent polymers that have been used form more than 60 years without a substantial innovation. We managed to make a material that is not only sustainables, but cost effective, scalable and designed as a drop-in alternative.

We are currently on a patent process to protect 3 variables and the core technology of our innovation, proving that it is novel. 

We have tested it on simulated and real environments, with positive results.

2 full time co-founders.

2 part-time Material scientist.

1 part-time finance staff.

We have been developing NamaSAP for the past 3 years.

At Namasap, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team and ensuring a welcoming environment for all team members. Here are some ways we prioritize diversity and minimize barriers to opportunity:

1. Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We recruit and promote individuals from diverse ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds to bring unique insights to our decision-making processes.

2. Inclusive Hiring Practices: We implement inclusive hiring practices to attract candidates from diverse talent pools. This includes outreach to underrepresented communities, transparent recruitment processes, and mitigating biases in candidate evaluation.

3. Continuous Learning and Development: We prioritize ongoing education and training for all team members. This includes workshops, seminars, and discussions aimed at raising awareness and fostering empathy among team members.

4. Open Communication and Feedback: We create opportunities for open dialogue and feedback to ensure that all team members feel heard and valued. Regular check-ins and anonymous feedback mechanisms help identify and address concerns related to inclusivity.

5. Commitment to Equity: We strive to create equitable opportunities for career growth and advancement within our organization. This includes promoting internal mobility, providing mentorship programs, and addressing systemic barriers that may hinder professional development.

Our team's diversity is not just a goal but a strategic imperative that enriches our problem-solving capabilities and strengthens our impact. We are convinced that without this commitments we couldn't have come this far and we are convinced that without it we won't get any further.

Our business model at Namasap revolves around providing sustainable and effective solutions to address water scarcity and enhance agricultural productivity. We deliver value to our key customers, including farmers, agricultural organizations, and hygiene product manufacturers, through a B2B2C model following products and services:

1. Namasap Superabsorbent Polymer: Our primary product is Namasap, a plant-based superabsorbent polymer that improves soil moisture retention and enhances crop yields. Farmers use Namasap to reduce water consumption, increase agricultural productivity, and mitigate the impact of drought on their crops. We plan on selling NamaSAP through distributors and directly to famers and consumers.

2. Consultation and Training: We offer consultation and training services to farmers and agricultural organizations on the optimal use of Namasap. This includes best practices for application, dosage recommendations, and guidance on integrating Namasap into existing farming practices.

3. Partnerships with Diaper Companies: We collaborate with hygiene product manufacturers, specifically diaper companies, to integrate Namasap into their products. This partnership not only provides revenue through product sales but also expands our market reach and increases the adoption of sustainable materials in consumer goods.

Our plan for financial sustainability at Namasap involves:

1. Product Sales: Generating revenue through the sale of Namasap to farmers, food packaging and hygiene product manufacturers.

2. Partnerships: Collaborating with companies to license and integrate Namasap into their products, creating additional revenue streams.

3. Grants and Funding: Securing grants and investment capital from government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and impact investors to support research and scaling efforts.

4. Consulting Services: Offering fee-based consulting and training services to farmers and businesses interested in sustainable agriculture practices.

This last year, we have received 2 different grants summing up 40,000 USD that have help us continue developing our solution. This 2024, we are structuring our business model further ahead to be able to receive capital from investment. Additionally, our co-founder finances part of out day to day expenses.