What is the materials composition?

The primary material is parali (rice straw), an agricultural residue often burned, contributing to severe air pollution.

For hand-woven textiles, the material composition includes parali (rice straw) combined with sustainable elements such as recycled textile yarn, organic cotton, and natural fibers.

For home decor items made of parali, we integrate craft revival by incorporating traditional techniques and recycle the post-production waste generated from our own unit, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact.

 

How did you create the concept for this product? 

The concept was driven by the urgent need to address stubble burning in India, a major contributor to air pollution and respiratory health issues, with AQI levels in Delhi often exceeding 700 compared to the UK’s 1-5.

While pursuing my MA in Textile Design at UAL in London, I was inspired by the innovative resources and environmental consciousness around me. I took this environmental issue as a challenge and used my learning and expertise to explore how rice straw could be introduced as a potential raw material for textiles. This approach allowed me to merge sustainable innovation with traditional craft revival, transforming parali into impactful, eco-conscious products.

 

How long did it take you to figure out how to make this material? Was there a lot of trial and error?

The journey spanned several years, beginning in 2019 and culminating in 2024. It involved extensive research and development, experimenting with various methods of processing parali, identifying suitable binders, and ensuring the material’s durability and functionality. The process required significant trial and error, with multiple prototypes tested and refined. Along the way, we developed different upcycling techniques, ensuring that the final material not only met our sustainability goals but also delivered on quality and versatility.

 

What is the life span if this product? 

The lifespan varies depending on the specific product and how it is cared for:

• Home decor items and furniture can last for several years with proper maintenance.
• Seasonal products, such as Christmas decorations, are designed for reuse year after year.

Since the materials are natural and biodegradable, their end-of-life impact is minimal. With adequate care, they can remain intact for years. However, if placed in soil or a favourable environment, they can decompose completely within 30 days, ensuring an eco-friendly lifecycle.

 

Where do you source your materials to make this product? 

We source parali aka rice straw residue directly from local farmers in regions where stubble burning is common. By purchasing rice harvest waste, we encourage farmers to save and sell the straw, creating a secondary income stream while preventing burning and reducing air pollution. Additionally, we source recycled yarn and other natural Fibers locally to minimize the carbon footprint and support sustainable practices.

 

What uses has this material currently got? What are its real-life applications?

For decades in India, parali (rice straw) had no practical use and was often burned as a cheaper alternative for farmers, causing significant environmental harm. We are proud to be the first company in India to transform parali into textiles and other innovative products, demonstrating its untapped potential.

This material has a wide range of real-life applications, including:

• Home Decor: Lamps, coasters, and festival decorations made from parali, blending aesthetics with sustainability.
• Textiles: Fabrics with varying GSM, strengths, and softness, tailored for applications like home furnishings, linens, table coverings, wall coverings, and art installations.
• Furniture: Functional surfaces and small furnishings that are durable yet biodegradable.
• Pet Products: Eco-friendly and insulating pet beds designed for warmth and comfort.
• Festival and Event Decor: Sustainable alternatives for decorations, promoting eco-conscious celebrations.
• Wall Art designed by artist: Items crafted to educate and raise awareness about the harmful impacts of stubble burning and the benefits of upcycling.

Each application highlights the material's versatility, with different forms optimized for specific uses. Importantly, all these products are biodegradable and compostable, aligning with our mission to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

 

 What uses to you see this material having in the future, to what scale can this product be used?

As pioneers in transforming parali into textiles, we see this material scaling up across industries. Future applications include diverse textiles for home furnishings, linens, and wall coverings; bespoke art and decor; furniture and modular interiors; festival and event decorations; biodegradable packaging. Its versatility and eco-friendly nature position it as a revolutionary solution for large-scale sustainable innovation.

 

What measures do you take to ensure that you are making this product in the most environmentally conscious way possible?

• Sourcing: Collaborating with farmers to upcycle parali and sourcing materials locally to reduce carbon footprint.
• Production: Using energy-efficient processes, avoiding harmful chemicals, and implementing a closed-loop system to recycle post-production waste.
• Design: Creating biodegradable, compostable products with minimal environmental impact.
• Worker Welfare: Providing fair wages, safe conditions, and empowering rural women through skill development.
• Community Impact: Reviving traditional crafts and supporting local economies.
• Sustainability Goals: Aligning with SDGs to promote responsible consumption and environmental conservation.
• Awareness: Educating consumers on sustainable living and circular economy practices.

This holistic, closed-loop approach ensures environmental and social responsibility at every stage.