From Recycled Materials To Refillable Packaging, These 11 Brands Are Taking Positive Steps For Mother Nature

Words like sustainability are thrown around a lot, especially when World Environment Day 2022 is right around the corner. Especially to the consumeristic fashion and beauty industries, it can almost seem like a buzzword to simply drive attention and footfalls. So it's reaffirming to note that there are brands that exist today that keep Mother Nature as top priority. But not just in snazzy lettering spayed across their website or storefront; in the actual practices that they follow. In honour of World Environment Day 2022, at NDTV Swirlster we're shining a spotlight on 11 brands that are taking environmentally conscious steps to do their bit for the planet we inhabit.

11 Sustainable Brands In India And The Environmentally Conscious Practices They Follow

Want to shop more sustainably? Then take your pick from these 11 brands available in India to go a bit greener.

(Also Read: 8 Homegrown Beauty Brands To Bookmark For Your Shelf In 2022)

1. Crocs

In order to lower its carbon footprint and achieve its commitment of net zero by 2030, Crocs introduced a new bio-based Croslite material for its shoes. This new bio-based material will be used in shoes that incorporate the Crocs proprietary Croslite material. The brand has also recently collaborated with Chumbak, which is the very first Indian brand among names like Balenciaga and Post Malone which have previously partnered with Crocs. The Crocs X Chumbak clogs are inspired by Indian heritage art forms and include prints of ikat and paisley.

2. Aulerth

A unique Indian brand offering, Aulerth combines jewellery that is couture-inspired with one being consciously made. The brand partners with India's top designers like Tribe by Amrapali, Suneet Varma and JJ Valaya who swap the metals and gemstones in their jewellery for sustainable alternatives such as using metals recycled from industrial scrap and largely man-made (instead of mined) stones. This prevents emission of toxic waste like cyanide and mercury pollution and carbon emissions.

3. United Colors Of Benetton

The brand's latest collection is called 'Good is better' for a very good reason, indeed! For one, it uses sustainable fabrics like BCI cotton, linen, modal, viscose, lyocell and eco-gold fibre throughout the collection. Their denim line uses BCI cotton and eco-gold fiber, which is biodegradable polyester. At all stages of manufacturing, supply and packaging, they aim to produce kind conscious clothing. The final step of taking your clothing home from the store is in an eco-friendly paper bag made using only water-based ink from a FSC certified paper mill.

4. Soulflower

Terming themselves India's first farm-to-face beauty brand, Soulflower uses all-natural ingredients that are free of chemicals and toxins as well as only reusable packaging materials. Ms. Natasha Tuli, CEO and chief formulator of the brand says, "Our customers are the reason we can feed so many strays every day, they are the reason we plant hundreds of trees at our farm every day, they are the reason we are making recyclable packaging a thing of today and not the future." The brand aims to plant 1 million seeds at their organic and sustainable farm by working hand-in-hand with consumers.

5. Anavila

When Anavila was looking for a gift for her niece, the idea of the Busa doll first struck her. Busa, meaning little sister, was born out of the thought that every child deserves to have a companion they can share their joy with. The toys have been created with linen, organic cotton and khadi using garments from her current collection. The beautiful hand detail by the artisans lend a personal touch to the toys and the attention to detail when stitching them is what makes them one-of-a-kind.

6. Skagen

Skagen's Sol Watch for Him and Her ticks both boxes of style and sustainability. Crafted with recycled stainless steel and powered by clean solar energy, the line embraces Danish minimalism in an environmentally sustainable timepiece. It is advocated by Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, who says, "There are two things that I hold most important; living in the moment and a sustainable planet. Skagen recognizes the significance of materials they use, which results in sustainable products. Sustainability isn't a choice, it's a lifestyle and that's the lifestyle I'd like to live by."

7. Bummer

The brand began their journey to change the way one feels about underwear and almost two years later, they did just that. After spending most of that time in research and development, Bummer says that they developed the softest and most sustainable fabric known to mankind. The ultra-soft MicroModal fiber is what their garments comprise of and it is extracted from Beechwood Trees. The fabric is sourced through environmentally sound factories that uphold the highest standards.

8. weDo Professional

The brand uses different combinations of ingredients such as ethically sourced murumuru and cupuacu butter, olive oil, upcycled macadamia oil and bamboo water to nurture and protect the hair so that it is left soft and healthy. Their packaging includes recycled and recyclable plastics, refill solutions as well as no plastic alternatives. Their Moisture & Shine No Plastic Shampoo is made with 99.8% biodegradable ingredients and comes in a unique bar form which doesn't require packaging to hold a liquid.

9. Corona Beer

Yes, you heard it right! Corona India is doing their bit and has launched their sustainable beer six-pack made of 100% barley straw. It is as durable as regular packaging and eliminates the need to use virgin wood from trees. Dr. Himansha Singh, PhD and Co-Founder at Craste, comments on this innovation, saying, "With this packaging, we have not only saved trees but have also helped farmers by giving them secondary income for barley waste."

10. Titan

The brand launched the Titan Solar collection right in time for World Environment Day 2022. Powered by solar movement, the range comprises of three stylish timepieces which make use of eco-friendly and recycled materials such as watch cases designed using recycled brass and leather straps made from coconut and cactus.

11. IGORA ROYAL

From the house of Schwarzkopf Professional, the IGORA ROYAL hair colour range has redesigned its packaging so that the products are now made of 100% recycled aluminium for the tube, 100% recycled plastic for the cap and 92% minimum recycled carton for its outer packet. From inside to out, the brand's new look comes from a green commitment to the earth.

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