Sustainable Homegrown Brands from Namma Bengaluru to Check Out

There’s more to Bangalore than silk sarees, tree-lined streets and fabulous weather. A true mix of cultures, people and aesthetics, the city has seen an increase in conscious shopping. Homegrown brands are on the rise. Homegrown brands that minimise damage, or actively work to preserve and protect our resources have a cult following. Check out these sustainable brands that make shopping ethically easy!

1. Bluecat Paper

This handmade and 100% sustainable brand is a part of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a global membership organisation that drives sustainable transition to a bio-based materials and circular economy. The papers are lovingly created and designed with cotton, linen, coffee husk and other residual plant fibres such as lemongrass, corn husk, mulberry, banana, flax and elephant poo.

Bluecat Paper collects the cotton fabric that we call `chindi` left behind during manufacturing processes. And use it to make 100% sustainable, upcycled and recycled papers.

Where: C-26 Kumbalgodu 1st Phase, Near Pepsi Gate, Mysore Road.

2. The August Company

The brand started as a way to remove polyester garments, which releases millions of microfibres with every wash. Vidhi created environment-friendly and eco-conscious collections under her brand. The August Company offers classic, timeless, high-quality women’s wear with natural fibres only.

They utilize khadi, block print techniques, handloom ikats, tie and dye techniques, and cotton handloom fabrics for their products. The collections feature comfortable clothing such as jackets, dresses, co-ord sets, and more. Additionally, they repurpose left-over scraps to create fashion accessories like headbands, scrunchies, and potli bags.

Where: C/O Happy Wardrobe Pvt. Ltd., #40, Third Floor, 3rd Main Road, 8th Cross Road, Goraguntepalya, Yeshwanthpur.

3. Minimal Indian

If you believe ‘less is more’, then this space is just right for you. The brand was created out of admiration of the art of minimalism and love of ceramic by Adrita with a desire to celebrate handmade artisanal products. The products are to be cherished for years to come, eliminating the need for repurchases for a long!

Minimal Indian draws inspiration from travel stories, local crafts and cultures, landscapes, and simple details of Indian households. Get your hands on their tableware and serveware such as pasta bowls, teacups, tumblers, salad plates and dinner plates or grab flower vases, fridge magnets, planters, pen stands, jar candles and more. 

Where: 219, 2nd Floor, Brigade Arcade, Brigade Metropolis, Mahadevapura.

4. Studio Moya

Studio Maya has ethnic and traditionally made exclusive products that are single pieces only. The brand works with craftspeople across the country to create embroidered and hand-painted bags and laptop sleeves, sarees with traditional designs, and leather lampshades with scenes from Indian mythology. 

The products have a local flavour with a global appeal. They also highlight their artisans on social media, earning themselves some brownie points.

Where: Shop No - 4/5, Above Manjunatha Bakery, Nimbaikapura, Huskur.

5. Ethic Attic

Ethic Attic is a sustainable concept store that believes that fashion is slow and sustainable. Being a Fair Trade-certified organisation, all the products are friendly to the planet and people who make it. All their furniture is made from recycled pinewood crates, the carry bags are made of recycled newspaper and the tags are made out of paper made from cotton waste.

They offer apparel that’s Indo-Western and largely made with lotus fabrics, organic cotton and ahimsa silk. You can find other products like bags, beauty, stationery, home decor and more.

Where: Wework Galaxy, 43, Residency Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar.