They champion chemical-free formulations
In today’s world, sustainability is becoming increasingly vital and the spotlight shines on companies that prioritise eco-conscious practices.
South Asian entrepreneurs, with their innovative spirit, are at the forefront of this movement.
They are spearheading businesses that redefine success by merging profitability with purpose.
From fashion to skincare, from culinary essentials to artisanal crafts, these companies embody the ethos of empowering communities and championing ethical practices.
Join us as we delve into the best sustainable companies owned by South Asians, where ingenuity meets integrity.
The Summer House
At the core of The Summer House lies a deep commitment to preserving traditional craft techniques and empowering rural artisans through sustainable practices.
Through direct collaborations and strategic partnerships with local NGOs, the brand uplifts vulnerable craft communities and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
Spanning 17 craft clusters across India, The Summer House blends age-old craftsmanship with modern fashion.
Their dedication to ethical fashion extends to responsibly sourced fabrics, including handwoven textiles and innovative materials like ECONYL regenerated nylon and ethical Tencel.
With a focus on practicality, all garments are machine or hand-washable, eliminating the need for dry cleaning.
Warp
Warp disrupts traditional norms by crafting premium geometric handbags and minimalist accessories in Lahore, Pakistan.
They blend innovative design techniques with delicate craftsmanship.
Their products appeal to individuals who value unconventional aesthetics while championing the growth of upscale leather accessory production in Pakistan.
Mahara Mindfulness
Mahara Mindfulness was founded by Sheba Zaidi and Genevive Savundranayagam on the belief in mindfulness’s transformative power for mental well-being.
Drawing from personal experiences in various mindful practices, they launched Mahara in early 2020 after leaving their corporate careers.
They aim to provide meaningful products and experiences that facilitate personal growth and mindful living.
With a community of ambitious individuals seeking purpose and intention, Mahara’s vision is to inspire humanity to embrace mindfulness.
TIGRA TIGRA
TIGRA TIGRA, a sustainable textile and garment studio, partners with artisan-owned businesses in Gujarat to actualise their designs.
They utilise ancient and eco-friendly methods, some tracing back to the Ottoman Empire.
Likewise, their hand-operated looms in Gujarat operate without electricity, emphasising low environmental impact.
Homebird
The quest for quality home products inspired Saloni and Gaurav Sanghai to establish Homebird.
Seeking high-quality, reasonably priced bed and bath linens during the pandemic, they embarked on creating products that met their standards for excellence and sustainability when existing options fell short.
Homebird prioritises sourcing the finest long-staple organic cotton.
Certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), their products not only benefit the planet but also customers and the farmers involved in cotton cultivation.
Hidden Grounds
Conceived by Spoorthi Kumar and Anand Patel, Hidden Grounds is a dynamic coffee and chai haven, boasting multiple establishments across New Jersey and Brooklyn.
Its inviting ambience, coupled with an array of pastries and a diverse range of coffee and chai selections, fosters an intimate and enduring environment.
NorBlack NorWhite
NorBlack NorWhite functions as both a cultural hub and a creative studio, drawing inspiration from India’s rich textiles.
Emphasising community within their team, they specialise in bespoke design-wear while paying homage to tradition and history.
Sahajan
Established by Lisa Mattam, Sahajan draws inspiration from her family’s traditional customs in Southern India.
It’s a natural skincare brand deeply entrenched in the ancient science of Ayurveda, spanning 5000 years.
Sahajan’s offerings marry evidence-based solutions, derived from regulatory reviews, clinical trials, and consumer feedback, with the holistic wisdom of Ayurveda, promoting mindful living.
Gundi Studios
Established by Natasha Sumant, Gundi honours rebellion and authenticity.
They strive to challenge the fashion industry’s oppressive norms in favour of a more equitable system.
They use traditional techniques and advocate for ethical practices that support women and their allied male counterparts throughout their supply chain.
Diaspora Co.
Diaspora Co. stands as an ethical spice brand dedicated to decolonising the spice industry.
They meticulously source 30 single-origin spices from 150 farms across India and Sri Lanka, ensuring fair compensation by paying their farm partners six times above the commodity price.
Additionally, they actively invest in infrastructure development to support sustainable farming practices.
Zohra Rahman
Zohra Rahman, a jewellery designer based in Lahore, emphasises ethical practices in her label, which centres on reimagining traditional silversmithing methods.
Rahman takes a hands-on approach, personally instructing artisans in her workshop.
This fosters creativity and experimentation in ornamentation while empowering the local community with valuable, specialised skills.
Proclaim
Proclaim is an inclusive nude lingerie brand based in Los Angeles.
It prioritises sustainability by using eco-friendly fabrics like cupro, an organic cotton/hemp blend, Repreve recycled polyester, and TENCEL to reduce textile waste.
They collaborate with a family and BIPOC-owned apparel factory, emphasising fair wages, safe working conditions, and compostable packaging.
FYSHA
Inspired by the Greek words ‘fysi’ for nature and ‘ha’ for handmade, FYSHA embodies a holistic approach to vegan skincare and cleansing.
They champion chemical-free formulations, integrating values of nature, culture, and integrity into their artisanal products.
FYSHA’s range of skincare tools harnesses the power of natural ingredients.
They use elements like first-press extra virgin olive oil to cleanse, nourish, and moisturise the skin.
By minimising the ingredient footprint and responsibly sourcing materials, they offer eco-friendly alternatives that streamline skincare routines while promoting well-being and confidence.
Haati Chai
Launched by designer Stella Simona and influenced by her cultural heritage, Haati Chai’s jewellery collections embrace both tradition and innovation.
Their pieces, crafted as everyday heirlooms, not only signify the wearer’s journey but also serve as narratives for future generations.
The brand aims to raise awareness of significant societal issues through mindful collaborations.
Bodice
Established by Ruchika Sachdeva, Bodice modernises and enhances traditional Indian fabrics and weaving methods.
Employing a minimalist and detail-oriented philosophy, Bodice blends sleek silhouettes, elegant fluidity, and geometric balance to produce timeless apparel suitable for day-to-night transitions.
Maalicious Jewelry
Maalicious, a brand operated by women, serves as a platform for female artisans in India, revitalising traditional crafts.
Their handcrafted gold-plated jewellery seamlessly merges Indian craftsmanship with contemporary urban style, utilising sustainable materials such as clay and wood.
Kulfi Beauty
Kulfi specialises in crafting clean beauty products customised for various skin tones and specific concerns, simplifying the search for the ideal shade.
Additionally, Kulfi actively backs organisations dedicated to offering mental health services, addressing the distinct challenges encountered within South Asian communities.
Abacaxi
Established by designer Sheena Sood, Abacaxi curates consciously crafted clothing influenced by travel, vivid colours, and the splendour of the natural world.
Infusing a tropical essence with the vibrancy of the NYC lifestyle, Abacaxi employs traditional handcraft methods such as handloom weaving, mirror beading, schiffli embroidery, and plant-based dyeing.
Mango People Cosmetics
Mango People strives to embody inclusive representation, sustainability, and transparency within its industry.
Drawing inspiration from South Asian roots and Ayurvedic principles, their products feature plant-powered, water-free formulas that serve multiple purposes and are packaged in recycled aluminium.
Our Place
For Co-Founder Shiza Shahid, Our Place is rooted in the immigrant experience. It was founded on the shared passion for cooking and community.
The brand aims to cultivate a more inclusive table where all are welcome.
Departing from industry norms, Our Place offers products that not only celebrate home cooking but also simplify the culinary process.
Grounded in authenticity and representation, the brand honours diverse traditions, fostering a sense of belonging for all.
In a landscape where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, the exemplary efforts of South Asian-owned sustainable companies stand as beacons of hope and inspiration.
From preserving traditional crafts to revolutionising skincare, from redefining fashion to reshaping culinary experiences, these companies showcase the immense potential for innovation and positive change.
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