Transforming Plastic Bottles Into Fabric: A Sustainable Brand's Success

Transforming Plastic Bottles Into Fabric: A Sustainable Brand's Success

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion in India: Unirec's Journey

Imagine a world where your clothing not only reflects your style but also contributes to environmental conservation. This vision became a reality for Kapil Bhatia, the founder of Unirec, a sustainable fashion brand that is revolutionizing the garment industry by manufacturing clothing from recycled plastic bottles.

A Unique Ask Leads to a Business

In 2021, Kapil embarked on a journey to fulfill a unique request from a customer at an exhibition - to create garments from recycled plastic. This seemingly daunting task gave birth to Unirec, with the mission to produce corporate wear from eco-friendly materials.

Since its inception, Unirec has witnessed remarkable success, fulfilling substantial orders from various corporates across India. The company's innovative approach has not only captured the market but also made a tangible impact on plastic waste reduction.

Scaling Impact with Every Garment Sold

As of 2026, India generates an average of 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with a significant portion coming from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. Unirec's model not only addresses this environmental challenge but also transforms waste into valuable clothing items.

With every garment sold, Unirec contributes to recycling 12 plastic bottles, totaling over 2.5 tons of plastic waste in the past year. The company's commitment to sustainability is cemented by its Global Recyclable Standard certification, ensuring the authenticity of recycled materials used in their products.

Emphasizing Quality and Sustainability

Kapil emphasizes that Unirec's garments offer both quality and sustainability. Despite being slightly more expensive than conventional alternatives, the recycled materials used in their products reduce carbon emissions and prevent plastic from polluting our ecosystems.

Unirec's reach extends beyond national borders, as their sustainable clothing was featured at the Football World Cup in Qatar, adorning delegates from 17 countries. The brand has also garnered attention from notable personalities like the External Affairs Minister of India, further solidifying its reputation in the realm of sustainable fashion.

Customers Speak: Transforming Fashion into Conscious Choices

  • Aristo Pharmaceuticals: By choosing Unirec's jackets, the team at Aristo Pharmaceuticals prevented 15,000 plastic bottles from entering landfills and significantly lowered carbon emissions. The jackets were well-received, aligning with the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.
  • Amit Vashisht: A satisfied customer, Amit appreciates the quality and comfort of Unirec's jacket, highlighting the importance of contributing to a sustainable planet through conscious fashion choices.

Unirec's production capacity of 800 garments per day showcases the brand's growing impact, with a monthly turnover of Rs 60 lakh and expanding B2C operations. The company's dedication to sustainability and innovation marks a significant step towards creating a greener future for the fashion industry.

As Unirec continues to evolve and introduce new initiatives, Kapil Bhatia stands proud at the forefront of a movement that is reshaping the fashion landscape while championing environmental responsibility.

Edited by Pranita Bhat

Source: The Better India