Imagine donning a traditional Bhutanese gho or kira crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles. This vision is set to become a reality, thanks to an innovative partnership between Clean Bhutan and India’s Shree Renga Polyester Private Limited, renowned for its EcoLine Clothing brand. This collaboration will introduce the ‘bottle-to-garment’ concept to Bhutan, transforming used PET bottles into eco-friendly traditional attire.
Clean Bhutan, a prominent civil society organization dedicated to environmental conservation, is spearheading this initiative. The project is built on a circular economy model, which focuses on recycling PET bottles into fabrics suitable for Bhutanese garments. “We are thrilled to bring this sustainable approach to Bhutan,” said Nedup Tshering, Executive Director of Clean Bhutan. “Our goal is to integrate eco-friendly practices into traditional clothing, making them both durable and environmentally responsible.”
Founded in 2008 in Karur, Tamil Nadu, EcoLine Clothing is a pioneer in the bottle-to-garment industry. The company, led by R. Sankar and Managing Director Senthil Sankar, gained international recognition recently when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared in EcoLine apparel. “Our process of using recycled PET bottles to create sustainable clothing has been well-received globally,” remarked Senthil Sankar.
EcoLine Clothing is currently processing 30 tonnes of plastic flakes into fibers daily, with plans to double this capacity by next year. Their innovative dope-dye technology, which dyes fabric during production, conserves water by eliminating the need for traditional dyeing processes. “Typically, textile dyeing consumes 2.4 trillion gallons of water annually, but our method uses no water at all,” explained Sankar. Additionally, water used for washing PET bottles is treated and reused, further enhancing their sustainability.
To date, EcoLine has recycled over 164,000 tonnes of PET bottles, significantly reducing CO2 emissions by 10,600 tonnes. The partnership with Clean Bhutan will initially involve supplying 20 tonnes of PET flakes per month to EcoLine, which will convert these flakes into fabric for Bhutanese traditional clothing. “These fabrics will be used to produce gho and kira, and will also create new business opportunities for local women entrepreneurs,” Sankar added.
The partnership will unfold in two phases. In the first phase, Clean Bhutan will facilitate the supply of PET flakes, with the first shipment expected within weeks. In the second phase, EcoLine plans to establish a local production plant in Bhutan.
Nedup Tshering anticipates that the Memorandum of Understanding and necessary approvals, including licensing, will be completed within three months. “We are preparing to start the supply of plastic flakes and expect the business to be fully operational shortly,” Tshering said.
Clean Bhutan is collaborating with Greener Way, Bhutan Ecological Society, and various scrap dealers to source PET bottles, which will be purchased at Nu 30 per kilogram. The project aims to offset carbon emissions through local production and contribute to Bhutan’s carbon trading market. “By balancing the emissions from transportation with local production, we will support Bhutan’s carbon neutrality goals,” Tshering explained.
With a dedicated team of 15, Clean Bhutan has already trained over 1,000 women in weaving plastic baskets and other items at its Waste Academy in Changjiji, Thimphu. The initiative has also received backing from the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project, which has provided a grant to expand employment opportunities for local women tailors and handicrafters.
This groundbreaking project marks a significant step towards sustainable fashion in Bhutan, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative environmental practices.
