Srishti Kumar

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Bizabode

A curated online marketplace specifically tailored for Indian consumers, focusing on homegrown brands that specialize in upcycled fashion and home decor. The platform aims to support the circular economy by promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste, particularly in the wake of increased environmental awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Year

2022

Problem Statement

Despite growing interest in sustainable products, Indian consumers often struggle to find curated platforms that focus solely on eco-friendly and upcycled goods. Many existing marketplaces do not highlight the sustainability aspect of products or lack a cohesive identity around upcycling. This gap presents an opportunity for Bizabode to cater to this niche market effectively.

Problem Statement

On-Ground Research

Humanity is facing a crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters. We spoke to Ashita Singhal about how her design studio, Paiwand, is using innovative methods to upcycle textile waste in order to extend the lifecycle of garments.

This short documentary is also a part of long-form multimedia piece, The 7,000-km Journey of Sustainable Fashion Innovation, produced in collaboration between Pearl Academy, India and Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.

On-Ground Research

Environmental Toll of the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry has a profound environmental footprint that includes:

Carbon Emissions: The sector contributes about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally, surpassing emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined. Projections indicate that if current trends continue, this could rise to 26% by 2050.
Water Consumption: The industry consumes around 215 trillion litres of water annually, making it the second-largest consumer of freshwater resources worldwide. For instance, producing a single pair of jeans requires approximately 10,000 litres of water.
Waste Generation: An estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste are produced each year, with less than 1% of clothing being recycled into new garments. This waste often ends up in landfills or is incinerated, contributing to pollution and resource depletion.

The fashion industry has a profound environmental footprint that includes:

Carbon Emissions: The sector contributes about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally, surpassing emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined. Projections indicate that if current trends continue, this could rise to 26% by 2050.
Water Consumption: The industry consumes around 215 trillion litres of water annually, making it the second-largest consumer of freshwater resources worldwide. For instance, producing a single pair of jeans requires approximately 10,000 litres of water.
Waste Generation: An estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste are produced each year, with less than 1% of clothing being recycled into new garments. This waste often ends up in landfills or is incinerated, contributing to pollution and resource depletion.

Environmental Toll of the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry has a profound environmental footprint that includes:

Carbon Emissions: The sector contributes about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally, surpassing emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined. Projections indicate that if current trends continue, this could rise to 26% by 2050.
Water Consumption: The industry consumes around 215 trillion litres of water annually, making it the second-largest consumer of freshwater resources worldwide. For instance, producing a single pair of jeans requires approximately 10,000 litres of water.
Waste Generation: An estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste are produced each year, with less than 1% of clothing being recycled into new garments. This waste often ends up in landfills or is incinerated, contributing to pollution and resource depletion.

Solution

Bizabode will provide a user-friendly platform where consumers can discover and purchase upcycled fashion and home decor items from verified local brands. Key features of the platform will include:

Curated Collections: A selection of high-quality upcycled products from various brands, ensuring quality and sustainability.
Brand Storytelling: Each brand will have a dedicated space to share its story, mission, and the impact of its sustainable practices.
Community Engagement: Initiatives such as workshops, blogs, and social media campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of upcycling and sustainable living.
User-Friendly Experience: An intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and enhances the shopping experience.

Bizabode will provide a user-friendly platform where consumers can discover and purchase upcycled fashion and home decor items from verified local brands. Key features of the platform will include:

Curated Collections: A selection of high-quality upcycled products from various brands, ensuring quality and sustainability.
Brand Storytelling: Each brand will have a dedicated space to share its story, mission, and the impact of its sustainable practices.
Community Engagement: Initiatives such as workshops, blogs, and social media campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of upcycling and sustainable living.
User-Friendly Experience: An intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and enhances the shopping experience.

Solution

Bizabode will provide a user-friendly platform where consumers can discover and purchase upcycled fashion and home decor items from verified local brands. Key features of the platform will include:

Curated Collections: A selection of high-quality upcycled products from various brands, ensuring quality and sustainability.
Brand Storytelling: Each brand will have a dedicated space to share its story, mission, and the impact of its sustainable practices.
Community Engagement: Initiatives such as workshops, blogs, and social media campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of upcycling and sustainable living.
User-Friendly Experience: An intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and enhances the shopping experience.

Rationale

Research indicates that 70% of Indian consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. This presents a significant opportunity for Bizabode to tap into a market that values ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly practices. Furthermore, the following market trends solidify our product market fit:

Growing Awareness: Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are actively seeking sustainable alternatives.
Rise of E-commerce: The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online shopping, making it essential for brands to establish a strong digital presence.
Support for Local Artisans: There is a growing desire among consumers to support local businesses, particularly those that contribute positively to society and the environment.

Growing Awareness: Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are actively seeking sustainable alternatives.
Rise of E-commerce: The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online shopping, making it essential for brands to establish a strong digital presence.
Support for Local Artisans: There is a growing desire among consumers to support local businesses, particularly those that contribute positively to society and the environment.

Rationale

Growing Awareness: Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are actively seeking sustainable alternatives.
Rise of E-commerce: The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online shopping, making it essential for brands to establish a strong digital presence.
Support for Local Artisans: There is a growing desire among consumers to support local businesses, particularly those that contribute positively to society and the environment.

Impact

The establishment of Bizabode is expected to have several positive impacts:

Support for Local Brands: By providing a platform for homegrown upcycled brands, Bizabode will help boost local economies and promote entrepreneurship.
Consumer Awareness: The platform will educate consumers about sustainability, encouraging them to make informed purchasing decisions that benefit the environment.
Reduction in Waste: By promoting upcycled products, Bizabode contributes to reducing waste in landfills and encourages recycling practices among consumers.
Market Growth: As more consumers shift towards sustainable consumption, Bizabode is poised to capture a growing segment of the market focused on eco-friendly products.

The establishment of Bizabode is expected to have several positive impacts:

Support for Local Brands: By providing a platform for homegrown upcycled brands, Bizabode will help boost local economies and promote entrepreneurship.
Consumer Awareness: The platform will educate consumers about sustainability, encouraging them to make informed purchasing decisions that benefit the environment.
Reduction in Waste: By promoting upcycled products, Bizabode contributes to reducing waste in landfills and encourages recycling practices among consumers.
Market Growth: As more consumers shift towards sustainable consumption, Bizabode is poised to capture a growing segment of the market focused on eco-friendly products.

Impact

The establishment of Bizabode is expected to have several positive impacts:

Support for Local Brands: By providing a platform for homegrown upcycled brands, Bizabode will help boost local economies and promote entrepreneurship.
Consumer Awareness: The platform will educate consumers about sustainability, encouraging them to make informed purchasing decisions that benefit the environment.
Reduction in Waste: By promoting upcycled products, Bizabode contributes to reducing waste in landfills and encourages recycling practices among consumers.
Market Growth: As more consumers shift towards sustainable consumption, Bizabode is poised to capture a growing segment of the market focused on eco-friendly products.