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Pune, Maharashtra, India
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reCharkha EcoSocial is a pioneering Indian social enterprise dedicated to combating plastic pollution while simultaneously empowering rural communities. Founded by Amita Deshpande, the brand addresses the massive global issue of non-biodegradable waste by collecting and upcycling difficult-to-recycle plastic bags and wrappers. What sets reCharkha apart is its unique combination of environmental sustainability and cultural revival. The brand cleans and cuts plastic waste into ribbons, which are then manually spun and woven into a vibrant, durable fabric using traditional Indian Charkhas (spinning wheels) and handlooms. This entire eco-friendly, zero-waste process creates sustainable, craft-based livelihoods for rural and tribal women and youth. The innovative, hand-woven plastic fabric is transformed into a diverse range of stylish, functional consumer products, including tote bags, backpacks, home decor, office utilities, and fashion accessories. Ultimately, reCharkha fosters an "EcoSocial" movement that transforms waste into art while cultivating conscious consumers worldwide.
Amita Deshpande
Founder
Operating since 2015
11-50 Members
Eco-system
Oceans
Cities and Towns
Villages
Sub-sectors
Handicraft & Artisan Products
Circular Economy and Waste Reduction
Social Enterprise
Ethical Fashion
An Indian social enterprise upcycling waste plastic into handcrafted products using traditional charkha and handlooms.
Method and technique
Method and Technique of reCharkha are:
Direct Waste Collection and Sorting : The enterprise utilizes a highly rigorous circular supply chain method, actively procuring single-use plastic bags, clean wrappers, and packaging materials directly from conscious consumers and community drives, successfully securing the foundational raw materials required for their unique upcycled fabrics.
Hygienic Cleaning and Sun Drying : reCharkha employs a deeply advanced preparatory technique, meticulously washing and sanitizing the collected post-consumer plastic waste to remove all dirt and organic residues, successfully ensuring that the materials are completely safe, odor-free, and hygienically prepped for manual manipulation.
Manual Cutting of Plastic Wrappers : They utilize an incredibly responsible material conversion method, actively utilizing skilled workers to manually cut the dried plastic bags and multi-layered wrappers into long, continuous strips, successfully transforming bulky, irregular waste into pliable, workable synthetic yarns.
Traditional Charkha Spinning : The organization employs a remarkably careful cultural preservation technique, systematically spinning the manually cut plastic strips on a traditional Indian Charkha, successfully twisting the disparate pieces into highly durable, cohesive spools of upcycled plastic thread ready for the weaving process.
Handloom Weaving Integration : reCharkha utilizes an uncompromising artisanal manufacturing method, actively interlacing the spun plastic threads with a cotton warp on non-mechanized handlooms, successfully weaving strong, vibrant, and entirely unique sheets of upcycled fabric without relying on heavy industrial machinery or fossil fuels.
Handcrafted Product Tailoring and Finishing : They employ a highly responsive socio-economic manufacturing technique, actively engaging specialized tailors to cut and stitch the woven upcycled fabrics into high-quality bags, pouches, and home decor items, successfully delivering premium, finished lifestyle accessories directly to eco-conscious consumers.
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