From Waste to Wardrobe: EcoLine Clothing's Journey from PET Bottles to Sustainable Fashion

Entrepreneurial Vision and Sustainability Drive Success

EcoLine Clothing, a sustainable fashion company based in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has garnered significant acclaim for its pioneering "bottle-to-garment" concept. This innovative approach to fashion involves recycling PET bottles to create stylish, eco-friendly clothing. The company's breakthrough moment came when Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly wore a jacket made by EcoLine Clothing, propelling the brand into the national spotlight.

Senthil Sankar, Managing Partner of EcoLine Clothing, exemplifies an entrepreneur committed to community and sustainability. A graduate of VIT, Senthil turned down a lucrative job abroad to build a business in his hometown. “People consume all the resources of the country and when it is time to give back, they move to another country. I didn’t want to do that but stay and create something that would help my country and my people,” says Senthil.

EcoLine Clothing emerged from the foundation laid by Shree Renga Polymers, a polymer technology company started by Senthil's father, K Sankar, in 2018. Initially focused on recycling PET bottles into flakes, the business faced numerous challenges, including societal judgment and financial struggles. Despite these obstacles, the father-son duo persevered, scaling the business to produce masterbatches and later, yarns and fibers for various industries.

In 2021, they took a bold step forward, launching EcoLine Clothing as India's first recycled PET bottle garment brand. Their innovative use of dope dye technology, which eliminates the need for water in the dyeing process, underscores their commitment to sustainability. To date, EcoLine has prevented approximately 8.1 million PET bottles from polluting landfills and oceans.

EcoLine Clothing offers a wide range of products, including jackets, t-shirts, and athleisure wear, all made from PET bottles, as well as blended organic cotton items. Despite initial consumer skepticism about wearing clothes made from plastic, the brand is dedicated to changing this mindset through innovation and fashion-forward designs.

Innovative Indian Brand Gains Recognition with PM Modi's Endorsement

Following Prime Minister Modi's endorsement, corporate orders have increased, and interest from various government departments has surged. Senthil envisions a bright future for EcoLine, aiming to convert all their fibers into garments by 2030. "Seven years down the line, we will be an altogether different company," he says.

EcoLine Clothing's products are available on their website and major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and AJIO, marking a significant milestone in the journey from waste to wardrobe.

Reference:

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