EcoKaari FAQs | Sustainable Products, Plastic Upcycling & Gifting
Have a question about EcoKaari products, plastic upcycling, orders, corporate gifting or our artisan-led process? Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
At EcoKaari, we transform discarded plastic waste into handcrafted fabrics and contemporary products using traditional Charkha and Handloom techniques, while creating livelihood opportunities for artisan communities.
EcoKaari is a social enterprise that transforms suitable discarded plastic waste into handcrafted fabrics and contemporary products using traditional Charkha (spindle) and Handloom techniques.
Our work brings together plastic upcycling, traditional Indian craftsmanship, contemporary design and artisan livelihoods to create useful products from materials that would otherwise become waste.
“Eco” reflects our focus on environmentally responsible practices, while “Kaari” comes from Kaarigar, meaning an artisan or skilled craftsperson.
The name reflects our approach of bringing people, craft and the environment together.
EcoKaari combines plastic waste upcycling with traditional Charkha and Handloom craftsmanship. We transform suitable discarded plastic into handcrafted material, then use it to create contemporary, functional products.
Our approach brings together circularity, Indian craft and livelihood creation.
EcoKaari products are handcrafted by skilled artisans and artisan communities using traditional processes such as Charkha spinning and Handloom weaving.
Our model is designed to create opportunities for artisans to develop skills and earn livelihoods through
craft.
Yes. EcoKaari products are handcrafted, and many of the fabrics we use are made through traditional Charkha and Handloom processes.
Because our products are handmade, slight variations in colour, weave, texture and finish are natural and make each piece unique.
EcoKaari products are made in India through our artisan-led production ecosystem, with our workshop and operations based in Pune and other CSR locations in Karnataka, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh.
Depending on suitability, EcoKaari accepts discarded plastic materials such as plastic carry bags, food wrappers for chips, biscuits, pulses, flour, etc., glittery gift wrappers, old audio and video cassette tapes, aluminium balloons and e-commerce plastic Packaging.
We don't accept every type of plastic, so if you are unsure about a material, please share photos with our team before sending it.
Not all plastic waste is suitable for EcoKaari’s handwoven upcycling process. We recommend checking with our team before sending any material that you are unsure about.
Please do not send dirty, wet or unsuitable plastic without confirming its suitability first.
The process starts with collecting and preparing suitable discarded plastic. The material is processed into a form that can be spun using a Charkha.
The resulting yarn is then woven manually on a Handloom to create handcrafted fabric, which is subsequently used to make contemporary products.
Recycling generally involves processing waste materials so they can be used again as raw material. Upcycling gives discarded materials a new use or application.
At EcoKaari, we transform suitable plastic waste into handcrafted material through our Charkha and Handloom process, then turn it into useful products.
The handcrafted EcoKaari fabric used in our products is made using upcycled plastic waste.
Individual products may also contain other materials depending on their design, such as cotton, muslin, zippers, thread, handles, lining or hardware. Please refer to the individual product page for specific material details.
Our traditional Charkha and Handloom processes are manual, which is an important part of our craft and production method.
Artisans use no heat, chemicals, or electricity to upcycle single-use waste plastic into handloom fabric!
EcoKaari works with suitable discarded plastic waste collected through different channels, including donations and organisational partnerships.
The exact source and material composition can vary by product and project. However, we also work with discarded pre-consumer waste from FMCG companies through EcoKaari's flagship initiative, the WoW Project.
Yes. Individuals can donate suitable plastic waste to EcoKaari. Please ensure that the material is clean, dry and suitable for our upcycling process.
If you are unsure whether a particular material is acceptable, please share photographs with our team before sending it.
Currently, EcoKaari does not offer pickup services for individual plastic donations.
You can send suitable plastic to us as described on our Donate Plastic page. Please refer to the page for the latest donation process and address details.
Yes. Companies can explore plastic-waste donation and Waste-to-Wealth (WoW) opportunities with EcoKaari.
Through the WoW Project, suitable company-generated plastic waste can be transformed into products for corporate gifting and other organisational requirements.
Yes, we can explore this through the Waste to Wealth (WoW) Project, depending on the type and quantity of plastic waste, its suitability for our process, and the product requirements.
Our team can discuss the material, quantity, design and intended use with you.
EcoKaari products are designed for regular use and handcrafted from carefully prepared upcycled materials.
Durability varies by product and intended use, so we recommend checking the individual product page for specifications such as material, capacity, and construction.
Carrying capacity depends on the product design, construction, and intended use.
Please check the capacity specification on the relevant product page instead of applying a single weight limit to all EcoKaari bags.
EcoKaari products are handcrafted using upcycled materials, so variations in colour, weave, texture and pattern are natural. These variations are part of each product's handmade character and mean no two pieces are exactly alike.
For regular online products, colours and patterns may vary depending on the available handcrafted materials.
For bulk and customised orders, you can discuss colour and design requirements with our team, subject to feasibility, material availability, and order quantity.
EcoKaari products are designed for everyday use. Follow these simple tips to keep them looking great for longer:
Yes. Repair is an important part of EcoKaari’s Closing the Loop approach. We offer lifetime free repairs for EcoKaari products so you can use them longer.
Customers can contact our team for guidance on sending a product for repair.
EcoKaari believes in keeping products in use for as long as possible. Where appropriate, products can be repaired, repurposed or responsibly handled at the end of their useful life.
Our Closing the Loop approach focuses on extending product life rather than treating a damaged product as immediate waste.
EcoKaari products are handcrafted by upcycling existing waste plastic into durable fabrics using traditional Charkha and Handloom techniques, without melting, chemical processing, or electricity. This gives plastic a second life that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.
Under normal use, everyday items are not designed to shed microplastics. In fact, by converting discarded single-use plastic into long-lasting products, we help prevent it from breaking down into smaller plastic fragments in the environment.
Like any material, excessive abrasion, cutting, or damage over time may cause wear. To maximise the product’s lifespan, we recommend using it as intended and repairing it wherever possible; we offer free lifetime repair services.
We focus on creating durable products that extend the life of existing plastic while reducing demand for virgin materials.
Yes, they are. EcoKaari products are designed for their stated intended uses. Because products have different materials and constructions, please refer to the individual product description for specific material information.
Do not assume products are suitable for direct food contact, high heat, or specialised applications unless the product is specifically designed and stated for that purpose.
You can purchase products directly through our online store.
For corporate gifting, weddings, events, bulk orders, or customised requirements such as CSR donations, contact our team through the relevant enquiry page.
Yes. We accept bulk orders for corporate gifting, events, weddings, conferences, employee gifting, CSR initiatives and other requirements.
Pricing and production timelines depend on the product, quantity, customisation and delivery requirements.
Bulk pricing may be available depending on the product and order quantity.
Please share the products you are interested in, approximate quantity, budget and delivery timeline with our team so that we can provide a suitable quotation.
Yes. We offer customisation for eligible
bulk orders. Depending on the product and quantity, customisation may include
branding, logo placement, colours, dimensions or other design requirements. All
customisation is subject to feasibility and production requirements.
Yes. Logo branding can be explored for
corporate and bulk orders. The branding method, placement and any additional
charges depend on the product and order requirements and will be confirmed in
the quotation.
For eligible corporate projects, EcoKaari provides measurable impact metrics, such as environmental, social, and CO₂ impact metrics, to help your organisation communicate the measurable sustainability impact of your gifting initiatives.
Available metrics depend on the product, quantity, and project methodology. If impact reporting is important for your organisation, please mention it when requesting a quotation.
Yes. EcoKaari products can be used for
conference kits, employee gifting, client gifting, event gifting, wedding favours and other bulk gifting requirements.
Our team can help you shortlist products based on your budget, quantity, purpose and delivery timeline.
We don't have a fixed MOQ; we're flexible based on the client's requirements. The minimum order quantity depends on the product and the type of customisation required.
Please share your preferred product, quantity, budget and delivery date with our team, and we will confirm the applicable MOQ and pricing.
You can pay for online orders using the payment options available at checkout.
For bulk and corporate orders, we share payment terms in the quotation and order confirmation.
If your payment does not go through, please try again after checking your payment method and account.
If your account has been debited but your order hasn't been confirmed, please contact us with the transaction details so our team can check the payment status.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel an order.
Once an order has entered production, been customised or shipped, immediate changes or cancellations may not be possible. Our team will review your request based on your order status.
Yes. EcoKaari ships products across India.
Shipping charges and delivery timelines depend on the order and destination.
Please refer to our Shipping Policy for the latest information.
Yes. EcoKaari ships internationally. International shipping timelines and charges vary by destination, product, and shipment.
Customs duties or taxes, where applicable, are determined by the destination country. For international bulk orders, please contact our team directly.
Yes. Once your order ships, we'll share tracking details so you can follow your shipment's progress.
EcoKaari offers exchanges subject to the applicable Return and Exchange Policy.
Products must meet the eligibility conditions stated in the policy. Please review the latest policy before initiating an exchange.
Please contact our team as soon as possible after delivery with your order number and clear photos or videos of the product and packaging.
Our team will review the issue and guide you through the appropriate next steps.
You can contact the EcoKaari team through the contact details provided on our Contact Us page.
For order-related queries, please include your order number so that we can assist you more quickly.
Yes. Visitors can visit the EcoKaari workshop to explore opportunities and learn more about our Charkha and Handloom processes and artisan-led work, subject to prior coordination.
We also conduct upcycling experience tours and workshops for suitable groups. Please get in touch with us before planning a visit.
If you would like to contribute your time or skills, you can explore current volunteering and collaboration opportunities with EcoKaari.
Availability depends on our current programmes and requirements.
Yes. Opportunities may be available across areas relevant to EcoKaari’s work, depending on our current requirements.
Please visit our Careers page for current openings and application information.
Yes. EcoKaari conducts upcycling experience tours and workshops for suitable groups.
These sessions can introduce participants to plastic upcycling, Charkha and Handloom processes, traditional craftsmanship and the broader idea of circularity.
You can collaborate with EcoKaari through corporate gifting, CSR initiatives, plastic-waste upcycling, Waste to Wealth projects, workshops and awareness programmes, events and exhibitions, bulk or customised products, and retail or wholesale partnerships.
Share your requirement with our team, and we can guide you on the most suitable approach.
Donation opportunities may also be available at selected EcoKaari exhibitions and events.
Please check our Events page and the Donate Plastic page for the latest information before bringing or
sending material.
