Project Abyaan

Mindful Actions, Virtuous Results

Project Abyaan aims to address the conundrum of untreated Used Cooking Oil's (UCO) disposal into water bodies which induces problems like Aquatic Hypoxia.

Through its minimally priced soaps, manufactured by underprivileged women communities, Abyaan aims to address the issue of affordability and accessibility relating to health and hygiene.

Project Story

Project Abyaan is an innovative initiative designed to tackle the environmental and economic challenges posed by the improper disposal of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) and the underutilization of goat milk. Each year, India generates approximately 3 million metric tonnes of carcinogenic UCO, with 40% of it improperly disposed of in drains, contaminating groundwater and eventually polluting oceans. To address this pressing issue, Project Abyaan converts UCO into affordable, eco-friendly soaps, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being.

We partner with local eateries to procure used cooking oil, diverting it from landfills and ensuring a consistent supply for our project. Women from local communities are trained to transform this oil into eco-friendly soaps, equipping them with valuable skills and providing employment opportunities. Our soaps are thoughtfully packaged in jute cloth, underscoring our commitment to sustainability and quality.

Our innovative approach also supports goat herder communities, which face seasonal unemployment due to fluctuating demand for goat milk. By incorporating goat milk into our Ayuda Skincare+ soaps, we ensure a stable income for these herders. Our organic soaps, enriched with medicinal properties, offer a healthier alternative to conventional products.

While Ayuda recycles used cooking oil procured from various vendors, Ayuda Skincare+ makes use of underutilized goat milk acquired from communities of goat herders and treats skin problems

such as dry skin, dead skin cells, and skin irritation.⁣

Furthermore, Abyaan identified irresponsible dumping of coffee grounds to be a major environmental concern due to its tendency to disrupt the standard pH level of soil and reduce water infiltration, and repurposed coffee grounds—a byproduct often ending up in landfills—into our Ayuda Skincare+ Mocha soaps. These soaps harness the benefits of coffee, including exfoliating properties and antioxidants, promoting healthier skin while reducing environmental waste.

Project Abyaan stands as a testament to Enactus CVS’s dedication to fostering environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and community well-being through innovative and impactful solutions. Join us in making a difference—one soap at a time.

Our Community

Project Abyaan is dedicated to uplifting women from underprivileged communities by addressing sanitation and improper disposal of Used Cooking Oil (UCO). Through collaborations with Buniyaad SHG under C3, Catalyst for Change Foundation, and Rakshak NGO, we provide women with valuable soap-making skills, enabling self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.

Our sustained partnerships with Punjab Government-supported self-help groups in Ropar District of Chandigarh, Samparn NGO, and SEWA Bharti further enhance our impact. Our affordable, eco-friendly soaps are sold in rural markets, improving sanitation accessibility and uplifting women from underprivileged communities. Through these efforts, Project Abyaan empowers women to learn, grow, and contribute to a sustainable future.

Our Products

Ayuda Skincare+

Project Abyaan launched Ayuda Skincare Plus to help goat herder communities by utilizing underutilized goat milk, creating a sustainable livelihood, and offering numerous skin benefits. These soaps provide a natural, effective alternative to commercial brands, promoting vibrant and youthful skin.

Upcycled Goat Milk: Supports goat herder communities by providing a sustainable income source.

Skin-Nourishing: Enriched vitamins to treat acne, dry skin, and balance pH levels. Goat milk has numerous skin benefits, such as stimulating collagen production and deeply hydrating the skin.

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Uses jute to eliminate single-use plastics and reduce plastic pollution. Promotes sustainability by adhering to a zero-waste approach in production and packaging.

Lab-Tested and Certified: Safe-for-skin and 100% natural.

Suitable for All Skin Types: Hydrates, smooths, and nourishes all skin types.

Our Impact

Social Impact

Project Abyaan empowers women by providing training and employment in soap-making, fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability. It supports herder communities by ensuring a stable income through the optimal use of underutilized goat milk. By addressing improper UCO disposal, Abyaan promotes environmental sustainability and improves community health, contributing to a cleaner and more equitable society.

Economic Impact

Project Abyaan provides significant economic benefits by enabling women entrepreneurs to earn while managing their households and men to supplement their incomes through transportation work. As the market share of our soap increases, beneficiaries' incomes are projected to grow substantially, with more individuals joining the initiative. This rise in income enhances access to basic resources and improves living standards while promoting social acceptance and hygiene awareness

Environmental Impact

Project Abyaan effectively combats environmental damage by preventing the improper disposal of Used Cooking Oil (UCO), which can contaminate soil, groundwater, and natural water reserves. In 2023, by recycling over 60 liters of UCO, we mitigate harm to aquatic life and avoid blockages in city infrastructure. Additionally, Abyaan reduces single-use plastic waste by using eco-friendly packaging, successfully curbing 21 kg of plastic waste to date, and promoting a zero-waste approach.