ScrapWings - Scrap Textile For a Better Tomorrow

Since December 2018, TISB student Viha has been involved in an initiative called ‘ScrapWings’. Viha, who is now in Grade 11, is the director of the non-profit, working with the textile industry and economically challenged and underprivileged women in Surat, Gujarat, together with her friend Nandini.

I believe this initiative is important because not only does it provide a source of livelihood to the impoverished but it also reduces the extensive harm by textile waste to the environment – Viha, Grade 11.

Surat in Gujarat is a textile hub and many business in and around the city are linked to the textile industry. Viha, who lives in the city, noticed that almost no efforts were made in the past to reduce the pollution caused by textile waste produced. She felt a personal connection to prevent the improper and unnecessary disposal of material from the textile factories. She also realised that there were opportunities to make use of the waste. “I realised that although the textile scrap was not important for the textile owners, it could be of importance for the underprivileged and the unemployed women of India”, says Viha. 

Hence the ScrapWings initiative was created, and it has a twofold aim: to reduce negative environmental effects from textile industry, while at the same time providing livelihoods for underprivileged women in the rural areas of Gujarat, such as Gondal, Rajkot, Junagadh. The organisation equip women with the material and the design templates, and the possibilities to learn sewing skills. “I believed that they could be taught sewing skills in order to transform the traditional Indian raw material into valuable works of art”, says Viha. ScrapWings also provides a platform where the women sell their products: “It is not just a platform where products are solely exhibited, but it also curtails the traditional bargaining nature of us Indians. This way, we can ensure that the needy get maximum money for each product into which they devoted hard work”, explains Viha.

ScrapWings is headquartered in Surat, it also has branches in multiple towns and cities of Gujarat. At ScrapWing a variety of products are being made, for example cushion covers, purses, handbags, potli bags, scrunchies, pooja mats, table runners and other home decor items. The initiative also hope to expand and include more buyers. “In the future, we are aiming to encourage Indian hotels to use room decorations made of traditional Indian textile waste fabric. Scrapwings is also planning on partnering with a book company that will make book covers out of textile waste fabrics”, says Viha, who invites everyone to share contacts of underprivileged women in India so that ScrapWings can reach out to them.

In her endeavour to provide underprivileged communities with a livelihood and an income, Viha has made a series of 40 paintings which will be exhibited and sold in Surat after the COVID-19 pandemic has settled. The money raised will be used to better the situation for the target group of the ScrapWings initiative.  

Visit ScrapWings profile on Instagram where you can find out more, buy products and join the movement.