Since time immemorial, natural fibres have served man’s textile needs. Around 8000 BC, flax that was cultivated was woven into linen fabrics. The processing of fibres was revolutionised with the use of machines for spinning and weaving. Though natural fibres were in use, the 1980s era saw synthetic fibres surpassing natural fibres in market share. While synthetic fibre’s extensive use in the textile industry propelled fast fashion, this came with its own set of issues. Growing environmental concerns associated with synthetic fibres have made the use of natural fibres in the textile value chain a necessity of the hour. As natural fibres are sustainable materials that are biodegradable and renewable, they are not just imperative but also a good choice to create fabrics and textiles.
ReshaMandi, the name resonates with natural fibres
The use of natural fibres to craft natural fabrics is becoming imperative. Techniques to optimise the production and availability of natural fibres should be put in place so that demand and supply equitability can be achieved.
ReshaMandi since its inception, has revolutionised the Indian silk supply chain. Starting with silk, ReshaMandi has diversified into several other natural fibres. It has included an array of natural fibres in its profile. Here is an overview of ReshaMandi’s natural fibre profile.
Silk
Silk is known as the queen of textiles, and there is no fabric as loved as this exquisite fabric. Due to its lustrous and smooth texture, silk has secured a special place in the hearts of textile connoisseurs across the world. ReshaMandi is working with silk farmers in India and empowering them with smart farming techniques to increase crop yields. Its silk fibre profile includes Mulberry silk, Eri silk, Muga silk, and Tussar silk.
Cotton
Cotton is used to create every type of clothing for day-to-day use. ReshaMandi has associations with farmers across the cotton belt of India. It is establishing a value-added supply chain that will benefit every stakeholder in the cotton textile supply chain. After diversifying into cotton, ReshaMandi is making cotton fabrics and several blends of cotton easily accessible to the common man.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabrics drape and hang well. With the rising popularity of bamboo, fashion brands and clothing designers use it extensively to meet consumers’ demands for stylish, affordable, and sustainable clothing. With bamboo in its fabric profile, ReshaMandi helps in sourcing the best-quality bamboo and viscose fabrics.
Hemp
Hemp is one of the strongest and most durable organic fibres available in the textile industry. Due to its tensile strength and other advantages, several fabric and apparel manufacturers are keen to explore hemp as a choice of fabric. By including hemp in its fabric profile, ReshaMandi provides a greater reach for this fabric and helps the common man make conscious fashion choices.
ReshaMandi and fabrics from natural bio-materials
With the resurgence of interest in the use of natural biomaterials, ReshaMandi has included several such natural biomaterials in its fibre and fabric profiles.
Lotus fabric
The fabric created from the fibres of the celestial flower, Lotus, looks like a blend of linen and silk. Also, the molecular makeup of the lotus plant bestows it with wrinkle-resistant and breathable qualities.
Rose fabric
Rose fibres are derived from rose petals. They have been manufactured from naturally occurring waste products like rose petals and rose bushes. It is a mixture of cellulose and rice protein. The fabric crafted from rose fibres is as smooth as natural silk.
Aloe Vera fabric
Completely biodegradable and recyclable, Aloe fibre shares many of the same physical and chemical characteristics as cotton. The fabric enriched with the goodness of aloe fibre is particularly beneficial for the body. Aloe fabric deflects moisture and cold from the outside, and its many pores make it simple for perspiration to evaporate.
Matka and Ghicha fabric
Powered by a circular economy and committed towards zero waste management, ReshaMandi has added Matka and Ghicha fabric to its textile bank. Matka Silk is a rough handloom silk fabric made from Mulberry silk waste that hasn’t been stripped of its sericin (silk gum). Gicha is a special silk yarn made from cocoons that don’t get included in the regular process of reeling Tussar silk.
In addition to the above-mentioned fibres and fabrics, ReshaMandi also has Khadi, Tencel and other fabrics in its fabric profile. By encouraging natural fibre farming, the production of natural fibre yarns and natural fabrics in India, ReshaMandi is creating an ecosystem for the natural fibre supply chain. Through digitising the natural fibre supply chain, it is bringing sustainable textile options for the fashion industry to the forefront.
