Sustainia100, a guide to 100 sustainable solutions which cover 10 sectors and 188 countries (on deployment of ‘sustainable solutions’), has now also included 10 companies from apparel/textile segment. And of them is Aura Herbal Textiles, Ahmedabad, (India) known for its naturally dyed and chemical-free textile products. The list also covers Nest for improving rights and well-being of their informal workforce.
About Aura Herbal, it says, “Inspired by ancient Indian dyeing processes, Aura manufactures naturally dyed textiles and fabrics. The company has developed a technology using natural components like pomegranate peel and turmeric for colours and dyes on textiles for large-scale manufacturing. The solution has reduced water usage by 50 per cent compared to conventional dyeing processes, according to the company. Aura’s dyeing techniques improve the quality of life of both the user and the maker, eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals. Compared to conventional manufacturing, Aura has reduced expenses on water, energy, detergents.” It also added that the global population is increasingly suffering from allergies and skin sensitivities, issues that garments by Aura can help mitigate.
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Besides, Sustainia100 states that Nest (UK) provides tailor-made training programmes and improved working conditions to artisans and homeworkers in the informal homework sector of the global fashion industry. “Nest collaborates with brands including Stella McCartney, West Elm, Patagonia, and Eileen Fisher. Nest grew from serving 1,528 artisans in 2014 to 5,646 artisans in 2015, and has helped increase production orders by 45 per cent and artisans’ revenues by 76 per cent.” It further says that an estimated 20 per cent to 60 per cent of garment workers work at home and are part of the informal workforce, where no reliable means of monitoring currently exists. By providing tools and tailor-made business development programs, and by matching artisans with established fashion houses, Nest is inspiring the fashion industry to use transparency as a springboard for positive change, calling on brands to play a proactive role in developing their artisan and homeworker supply chains.
Other companies active in fashion industry which are included in Sustainia100 are Tom Cridland (sweatshirt guaranteed to last for 30 years), Vaute (locally-made animal-free clothing), Adidas/Parley for the Oceans (3D-printed shoe made from ocean plastic waste) and more.
Sustainia100 is part of Monday Morning – Scandinavia’s largest independent innovation house, and its Advisory Board includes Fashion Institute of Technology, European Environment Agency, Indian Institute of Science and many such prestigious organizations.
