Remember how, a few months ago, we told you about the genesis of the Kimood and Kariwala partnership?
An ambitious Franco-Indian project, led by Matteo Borri (Brand Manager for KARIBAN BRANDS) and the Kariwala plant in Calcutta. The raison d’être of this alliance? Shared values based on ethics and eco-friendliness which gave rise to the Conscious by Kimood collection … and many other great initiatives! Since then, the partnership has continued, with ever greater and more enduring ambitions. So now it’s time to give you an update on this fantastic adventure!
Women, men and the environment: Kariwala Industries Ltd’s 3 priorities
Remember, what’s special about Kariwala is that it employs women, and above all, looks out for their well-being. Nursery, medical care, training, leisure activities… the whole team at Kariwala Industries Ltd is committed to supporting its employees, to offer them and their families a more comfortable everyday life. Strong commitments, officially recognised by the UNGC, United Nation Global Compact (or UN Global Compact), demonstrating the plant’s concrete commitment to the well-being of its employees.
For example, to promote a fulfilling working environment, the plant offers its female employees group yoga classes.
This discipline, rooted in India’s rich spiritual tradition, is of vital importance in the daily lives of Indians. In fact, yoga is a way of merging body, mind and soul, and achieving a state of physical and mental well-being.
The teams also organise festivities to mark the highlights of the Indian calendar, such as Basant Utsav, which celebrates the arrival of Spring. Vibrant, colourful moments that give employees the opportunity to relax and have fun.
In short, great ways of proving to these women that they are part of a community in which they, their health and their balance count! While the comfort of our teams is one of Kariwala’s cornerstones, the ecological impact of our activities is just as important. Organic cotton with the Fairtrade, GOTS and OEKO-TEX® labels, recognition by an Amfori audit and ISO 9001 certification: the CEO of Kariwala knows that efforts must be verifiable and long term to be truly effective.There is no doubt that the members of the Kariwala Industries Ltd management committee will persevere in implementing initiatives, supported by official accreditations.
A reduced ecological footprint, and efforts rewarded
In fact, the plant has recently launched a number of new projects, with the support of Kimood’s teams, all with a view to respecting and preserving the resources around us. And the least we can say is that these projects are a real success!
Reused water
One of these projects focused on water recycling: this precious resource is necessary for the operation of the plant and the manufacture of products. So the Kariwala teams have set up a wastewater treatment process to limit the amount of “polluted” water discharged into rivers (in this case, the Ganges). The wastewater is first filtered and then biologically treated. Lastly, products are added (chlorine and alum), to produce water of high quality, suitable for irrigation. A powerful gesture to limit the discharge of polluted water in the Ganges, and so preserve the local aquatic fauna and flora! Thanks to its exemplary actions, the Kariwala plant won the SME prize at the Sustainability Innovation Awards 2022. This award has enabled them to apply for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, testifying to the high environmental quality of its buildings.
Trees planted
In partnership with the Gram Samriddhi Foundation, Kariwala and Kimood have come up with a remarkable idea: $1,000 in sales = 1 tree planted! The Gram Samriddhi Foundation (GSF) works to promote rural prosperity in India, by committing itself to various projects: the economy, education, health… an ideal partner, then, to bring this wonderful initiative to fruition. Kariwala and Kimood offer their joint support. The foundation will train, monitor and support the local workforce responsible for planting the trees.
By the last quarter of 2023, over 440 trees had been planted and almost 10,000 jobs created!
The Conscious and Handloom collections: the fruit of the Kimood / Kariwala collaboration
As you know, Kimood uses Kariwala to manufacture some of its products. Luggage and accessories for sport, work and travel, Kimood offers a wide range of customisable products, designed to be practical, sturdy and attractive.
Above all, the brand pays particular attention to the material used in the design of these products, and more generally, to the manufacturing process. OEKOTEX, GOTS, OCS or even EVE VEGAN, Kimood ensures that its products are certified as often as possible, proof of their ethical and ecological commitments.
Unsurprisingly, the shared values between Kariwala and Kimood have sealed a fantastic, lasting partnership! The plant manufactures parts for the Kimood brand that have as neutral an environmental impact as possible. This is the case of the Conscious collection which needs no introduction! Backpacks, tote bags, pencil cases and other key accessories for professional customisation, all made from the finest 100% natural materials (cotton, organic cotton, jute or Juco).
KI0369
Cotton cooler bag
KI0603
Travel bag
KI0722
Cotton canvas pouch - large size
Other sustainable range, the result of a partnership between Kimood and Kariwala: the Handloom collection. 100% eco-designed, this collection is made up of items that are entirely handmade. Seaweed fibres or yarns made from recycled materials. All woven or braided in the traditional way in Bangladesh: yet another committed and totally unique collection!
KI5208
Hand-woven basket
KI5205
Hand-woven shopping bag
KI5207
Hand-woven canvas shopping bag
From the outset, the Kimood and Kariwala partnership was intended to be a long-term project. After a number of successful trials, new collections and regular meetings, the conclusion is clear: this collaboration has a bright future ahead of it. Other initiatives are already in the pipeline… so count on us to keep you up to date!