ANUPRERNA - ETHICAL SUSTAINABLE TRADITIONS
Who are Anuprerna
Introducing one of our fabulous suppliers who have a wonderful ethos.
Anuprerna, meaning a 'source of inspiration' - the brand believes the most effective way to bring in positive change is by inspiring. To earn love and respect for East India's crafts, a growing interest in social responsibility, the use of natural and sustainable materials, and to share this incredible tradition with the world.
Founded by Amit Singha, Anuprerna is an artisanal sustainable textile brand. Pioneered and driven by his father who has been working closely with the weavers' community for over 35 years.
In 2019, Amit decided to start the Anuprerna brand. "My personal vision was to be an inspiration for other individuals, who are also born and brought up in the midst of the rural Indian culture, to someday work towards contributing back to their roots, empowering the very culture and the people he or she has grown up with."
The mission to support and empower the rural artisans, promote and preserve East India's traditional crafts & textiles, the use of natural and sustainable fabric and to share this incredible tradition with the world. All through a transparent supply chain.
Each of the trades contributes to the empowerment of the artisans, creating a positive and sustainable environment for them, for education for their children, for the health of their family, and motivation for the next generation to continue the art form.
Sustainable Impact
Needless to say, there are multiple challenges to inculcate various sustainable elements in the decentralised production process. The most important factor is the determination to improve, which Anuprerna state they are slowly improving upon different parameters, making progress.
Energy Efficiency
Inspired by artisanal crafts using handlooms and handprinted techniques that require almost no energy in the process. Compared with the mechanised industry which uses 132 tonnes of coal per year weaving fabric, Anuprerna use almost none.
Water Efficiency
Emphasising more on the use of fabric in their pure natural forms, restricting the use of any dyeing process that consumes water. Moreover, Anuprerna's usage of azo-free dyes reduces the use of chemicals and produces less water waste into the environment.
Chemical Management, Recycling and Waste
The chemical process mainly involved in hand weaving is only at the dyeing stage. Although Anuprerna are using low impact dyes and are exploring alternate natural dyes, they are also currently working to create a waste water management system as well to reduce waste, recycling water and dyes.
Due to the nature of the textiles and techniques used, there is minimal wastage and impact on the environment.
Organic Materials
One of the major highlights is in the usage of organic Khadi and Azo free organic dyes. These materials have a zero carbon footprint and are eco-friendly as well as good for the skin.
Environment and Animal Friendly Materials
Anuprerna strictly work with natural fibres of cotton and linen that are completely handspun and handwoven. They also promote indigenous techniques like Jamdani which has no harmful impact on the environment.
Anuprerna also work with wild silk fabric known as peace silk or Ahimsa silk, produced from cocoons without killing the pupae inside, no sacrificing animal life.
Sustainable Business Model
Primary crafts that Anuprerna work with are the hand-spun and handwoven Khadi and Jamdani technique. Both these crafts positively impacts the weaving community and environment in respect to job creation, artisan empowerment, water conservation and reduced carbon footprint.
Decent Working Conditions
Primarily a family oriented homeworker economy, living in complete harmony, where the men are responsible for weaving, and the women are involved in pre-weaving activity. We ensure that they are given wages as per that in any respected profession.
Ethical Sourcing and Supply Chain Management
With a work relation of 30+ years, Anuprerna are involved in working closely with over 300 weavers in rural Bengal, India to produce ethical, sustainable and beautiful handwoven textiles using indigenous weaves, traditions and techniques of Bengal.
How wonderful it is to find companies who wish to preserve traditions, who want to do better for the community and the world, and continue to strive to do so.
Take a look at our selection of Anuprerna fabrics here at A Kind Cloth.
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Source: https://anuprerna.com/about-us
Photo courtesy of: Anuprerna