ReshaMandi pioneers new age fibres to create traditional wear

Textile business ReshaMandi is pioneering using natural products ranging from banana peel to pineapple to create handloom textiles. The business aims to promote sustainable production in the Indian fashion industry and create opportunities for artisans. 

“By venturing beyond conventional materials, these new-age fabric blends unlock a whole new world of sustainability and style,” said ReshaMandi’s vice president of design Prashansa Saha in a press release on August 7. “From the durability and eco-friendliness of hemp to the softness and breathability of banana peel and stem fabric, each experiment yields garments with a conscience. With this remarkable journey of innovation, ReshaMandi pioneers a future where every weave will resonate with eco-friendly elegance, empowering both our artisans and the planet.”
 
ReshaMandi has created a handloom textile using hemp fibre which is a fast-growing crop and requires far less water the grow than cotton. Expanding the use of hemp textiles will create new avenues for monetisation in the textiles industry, according to the business.

Using banana peel and stems to create breathable and soft fabric is designed to reduce waste and utilise the material’s fibrous nature to forge strong textiles. India has taken the top spot in terms of international banana fabric production from the Philippines and ReshaMandi is confident the textile will continue to increase in popularity.
 
The business is also creating silk from pineapple which has enabled farmers to supplement their dwindling income by selling pineapple leaves as well as the fruit. Modal fabric made from the Indian Beech tree is also beginning to come into use amongst businesses using sustainable textiles, according to ReshaMandi.