As the world around us is increasingly becoming aware of the implications of discarded waste on the planet, we are moving to better, sustainable options. And, so are the brands. They are incorporating product designs with planet-friendly solutions like recycling, upcycling and zero-waste.
This World Environment Day, we are closely looking at the trend of upcycling which involves recovery of materials, fabrics or garments, to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
So, here we are with our top three picks of brands that upcycle to produce items that are pretty for you, and for the planet.
Aim For Zero Waste
Go to them for:
Stylish and striking accessories
What they make:
Upcycled Accessories, home décor items, laptop sleeves and covers and bags
Why we love them:
Founded in 2020 by Mariam Walter, Aim For Zero Waste is working on reducing stigma around waste, by making high quality products made exclusively from discarded materials. A skilled upcycler herself, Mariam’s brand is exclusively working with post-production fabric waste, 75% of which is donated directly from slow fashion brands. This ensures her upcycled products are made of quality fabrics at competitive prices. Occasionally, they also accept old garments from customers to create new products. Aim For Zero Waste is fun and quirky with their designs, and their products are at par with brands using new textile fabrics.
Use Me Works
Go to them for:
Innovative and resourceful items
What they make:
Zero-waste décor, Upcycled fashion accessories & kitchenware, kids toys & accessories and laptop sleeves
Why we love them:
Use Me Works was founded in 2011, by Meenakshi Sharma, to address and provide a sustainable solution for the rising discarded textile waste in landfills. The brand is a one-stop solution for all your upcycling needs, from zero-waste décor items to upcycled accessories. They also assist families and organisations to upcycle their waste into utility items through an initiative called Funk your Junk. A team of women working out of a suburb in Delhi, Use Me Works is providing livelihood and skilled employment to women from conservative backgrounds. The brand has creatively upcycled more than 200 kgs of waste each month. To further reduce the carbon footprint of the products, the brand uses no plastic in either its packaging or its products. The brand actively participates in exhibitions and offers fun, educational workshops to promote the ideology of viewing waste as a resource.
The Purkal Stree Shakti Store
Go to them for:
Feel-good, handcrafted items
What they make:
Patchwork and applique quilts, cushion covers and kitchenware items
Why we love them:
Founded in 2003, by Chinni Swamy, Purkal Stree Shakti Samiti was born to empower underprivileged village women through the craft of applique, patchwork and hand quilting. After a disruption during the pandemic, Purkal was revived by designers and entrepreneurs, Banee Batta, Aastha Giri and Aishwarya Enolla Patri. Purkal is known for their exquisite art and craftsmanship, and the craftswomen work intricately over a span of 2 weeks to complete one handcrafted, patchwork quilt. This social enterprise stands out for their aesthetic designs that are upcycled out of textile waste patches. Plus, you can send them your child’s old clothes, which their artisans can upcycle into a memory blanket for your child. Now, that’s one for keeps!
