In an era marked by environmental challenges, individuals and businesses are stepping up to protect our planet. One such remarkable story revolves around resident of Tamil Nadu, whose dedication to the environment has led them on an inspiring journey of sustainability. In a remarkable endeavor to protect the environment, K Sankar and his son Senthil Sankar, have taken up the mantle of recycling PET bottles. Through their company, Shree Renga Polymers, they recycle a staggering 15 lakhs of PET bottles every day, contributing significantly to waste reduction. Moreover, their sustainable fashion brand, EcoLine, creatively repurposes these discarded bottles into trendy garments. Let’s delve into their inspiring journey and the impact they are making.
From Waste to Fashion
PET bottles, commonly used for packaging carbonated drinks and other products, often find their way into landfills, where they take an extensive amount of time to decompose. Recognizing this problem, K Sankar established Shree Renga Polymers in 2008. This B2B company manufactures yarns and fibers from discarded plastic waste, catering to the automotive and textile industries. The annual turnover of Rs 100 crore testifies to their success in promoting sustainable solutions.
A Visionary Continues the Legacy
Inspired by his father’s environmental mission, Senthil Sankar, an IT professional, decided to contribute to his country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. In 2021, he founded EcoLine, a sustainable fashion clothing brand that uses PET bottles as raw material. By incorporating his father’s company’s manufacturing capabilities, Senthil aimed to establish a comprehensive approach to recycling and creating eco-friendly clothing.
From Parliament to International Recognition
EcoLine gained widespread acclaim when Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to wear one of their jackets—a blue sadri—during his parliamentary sessions, as well as on official visits to Japan and Australia. Made from 25 PET bottles, the jacket symbolized the brand’s commitment to sustainable fashion. The recognition not only boosted their sales by 25 percent but also established EcoLine as India’s leading fashion brand for recycling PET bottles.
Promoting Sustainable Fashion
EcoLine offers a diverse range of sustainable clothing, including jackets, blazers, T-shirts, and bottoms. To produce these garments, approximately eight PET bottles are used for a T-shirt, 20 for a jacket, and 30 for a blazer. The pricing ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 6,000, making the brand accessible to a wide customer base. With an impressive monthly order count of 20,000, EcoLine generates an annual revenue of Rs 12 crore.
A Revolutionary Dyeing Process
While most textile dyeing processes consume an astonishing amount of water, EcoLine revolutionizes the industry through the implementation of dope dye technology. Unlike traditional methods, which require vast amounts of water for dyeing, EcoLine adds color to the polyester during the PET bottle conversion process. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a single drop of water, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing.
Challenging Mindsets
EcoLine’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Convincing consumers to embrace eco-friendly products made from recycled materials posed a psychological challenge.
In a society where luxury and status symbols prevail, the brand strives to shift mindsets and make sustainable fashion a source of pride. Over time, Senthil believes that customers will appreciate the positive impact their clothing choices have on the planet.
A Legacy of Environmental Impact
The father-son duo takes immense pride in the positive impact they have achieved through their work. By diverting millions of PET bottles from landfills and oceans, they contribute significantly to waste reduction. Additionally, EcoLine’s operations empower thousands of ragpickers, providing them with sustainable livelihoods. Senthil’s decision to pursue entrepreneurship, following in his father’s footsteps, has allowed him to make a meaningful difference in both society and the environment.
Conclusion
K Sankar and Senthil Sankar’s relentless efforts to tackle plastic waste and promote sustainable fashion have garnered them national and international recognition.
Through their companies, Shree Renga Polymers and EcoLine, they have revolutionized the use of PET bottles, transforming them into fashionable garments. With their unique approach, they not only create a positive environmental impact but also inspire others to embrace sustainable choices. Their journey serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that small steps can lead to a significant change in preserving our planet for future generations.
