Imagine a world where waste becomes a source of beauty and empowerment. This is the vision driving EcoKaari, a dynamic social enterprise founded by Pune-based Nandan Bhat in September 2020. With a mission to redefine sustainability in artisanal crafts, EcoKaari emerged from a passionate desire to foster a community rooted in bottom-up development. Their unique name, blending 'Eco' (eco-friendly) and 'Kaari' (artisan), perfectly captures their commitment to uniting artisans and the environment through innovative and ethical practices.

Upcycling for the Planet
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our generation, and EcoKaari takes it seriously. The enterprise upcycles waste plastic into beautiful handcrafted fabrics using traditional tools like the charkha (spindle) and handloom. This fabric, crafted by women and youth from humble backgrounds, is then transformed into a range of contemporary designs.

EcoKaari sources waste plastic from large-scale collectors and eco-conscious consumers. Any plastic that cannot be used is donated to organizations that convert it into fuel. Their cleaning processes use biodegradable cleaners, and water usage is meticulously managed to prevent wastage. EcoKaari’s commitment to ‘closing the loop’ means they extend the life cycle of their products by offering free repairs for life and responsibly disposing of items at the end of their usability.

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Empowering People

EcoKaari’s team is a blend of diverse stories and backgrounds, united by a common goal of sustainability. Their mission is to support people from less privileged backgrounds, providing them with skills and opportunities to become self-reliant. By reviving the traditional Indian heritage of using charkha and handlooms, EcoKaari supports rural women and youth, enabling them to earn a living through their craft.

EcoKaari also works closely with waste pickers, providing them with an alternative source of income by purchasing waste plastic that is otherwise of little value. This initiative supports the waste pickers financially and contributes to effective waste management.

Sustainable Fashion: A New Paradigm

EcoKaari’s upcycling process is entirely manual, avoiding the use of heat, electricity, or chemicals. This green process transforms waste plastic into upcycled handwoven fabric, which is then used to make various products, from handbags and fashion accessories to home decor and office stationery. Each product requires between 7 to 50 plastic bags to create.

The Craftpreneur’s Journey

Nandan Bhat, a successful craftpreneur, has been at the forefront of innovative upcycling. With a background in engineering and marketing, Bhat transitioned from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, driven by his passion for sustainability. His frequent treks, marred by the sight of plastic waste, inspired him to address this environmental issue through EcoKaari.

Bhat’s vision for EcoKaari includes integrating various forms of Indigenous Indian crafts with upcycled fabric, thereby giving new hope to traditional crafts struggling due to modern challenges. His previous venture, Aarohana EcoSocial Developments, grew significantly under his leadership.

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Challenges and Market Potential

EcoKaari faces significant challenges in a market dominated by cheaper, machine-made products. Despite the growing interest in sustainable products, the labor-intensive nature of their upcycling process results in higher costs, posing a disadvantage. Additionally, the perception that products made from waste should be inexpensive or free presents a hurdle.

Funding remains a challenge, as does waste segregation, which is crucial to their upcycling process. Despite these obstacles, Bhat remains optimistic. He draws parallels between nurturing a startup and growing a crop—both require patience, care, and the right conditions to thrive.

EcoKaari’s journey exemplifies the impact of merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sustainability practices. By converting waste into exquisite, high-quality products and empowering communities, EcoKaari is establishing a new benchmark for sustainable development.