Unirec’s sustainable fashion revolution | Fusion - WeRIndia

Plastic pollution is a growing threat, but some visionaries turn challenges into opportunities.

Kapil Bhatia, a commerce graduate from Mumbai and a retail industry veteran, is one such entrepreneur.

His company, Unirec, transforms plastic waste into stylish corporate wear, reducing environmental damage while offering sustainable fashion choices.

The idea took root when Kapil’s eight-year-old son asked why no one was tackling ocean pollution caused by plastic waste.

Though the question lingered in his mind, it was only in 2019 that a customer’s unique request reignited the thought.

A multinational corporation approached him at an exhibition, asking if uniforms could be made from recycled plastic bottles.

Intrigued, Kapil researched the concept and discovered that while Europe had embraced this innovation, India lacked a dedicated corporate wear segment for such garments.

Determined to bridge this gap, he launched Unirec in 2021. The first breakthrough came when a bank ordered 500 T-shirts made from recycled plastic.

Encouraged by the success, Unirec expanded to manufacturing shirts, blazers, jackets, and trousers. The company’s mission is clear; reducing plastic waste by turning it into high-quality clothing.

Kapil emphasizes that recycled polyester garments feel just like conventional fabrics.

To prove this, he often challenges corporate clients to identify differences in the texture of Unirec’s clothing. The response is always the same, they can’t tell them apart.

Unirec follows a structured process to ensure sustainability. Partnering with organizations that produce fabrics from recycled fibres, the company ensures that each garment repurposes about 12 one-litre plastic bottles.

At the beginning of 2023, Unirec recycled 1,20,000 bottles, preventing over 2.5 tons of plastic from entering landfills. Additionally, their efforts have cut carbon emissions by 40,000 kg.

Despite being slightly costlier, i.e. about 20% more than regular garments, Unirec’s products have gained significant recognition.

The brand even supplied uniforms for delegates from 17 countries during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, was also seen wearing a Unirec jacket at an international summit.

With sustainability at its core, Unirec proves that fashion and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Image Credit: Unirecstore Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://unirecstore.com/