Initiative will train women from waste-collector communities in tote-bag making, using discarded textiles and seeking market linkages to create additional livelihood opportunities
The Body Shop India and Plastics for Change have joined hands to launch a 60-day skill development programme for women from waste-collector communities, aimed at creating additional livelihood opportunities through textile upcycling and tote-bag making.
The initiative will provide hands-on training in stitching, embroidery, design, finishing, quality control and product development, equipping participants with practical skills that could help them generate additional household income.
The programme builds on the partnership between The Body Shop and Plastics for Change, established in India in 2019 under the brand’s Community Fair Trade programme. While the existing collaboration focuses on supporting waste collectors through the sourcing of recycled plastic for product packaging, the new initiative expands its scope to include women’s skill development and the productive reuse of discarded textiles.
Focus On Market Linkages
As part of the programme, discarded textiles and waste cloth will be used as raw materials to manufacture functional tote bags. Plastics for Change is also working to establish market linkages through institutional and bulk buyers, retail channels, exhibitions and corporate partnerships to help participants find potential buyers and sales opportunities.
The effort is aimed at building a sustainable model that combines skill development with market access, enabling women to explore alternative income streams while contributing to a circular economy.
Commenting on the initiative, Rahul Shanker, Group CEO, Quest Retail, said the partnership with Plastics for Change had focused on recognising the people behind the materials used by the company and supporting better livelihood opportunities for waste-collector communities.
“With this initiative, we are building on that commitment by creating space for women to develop new skills and explore additional income-generating opportunities. By bringing together skill development, the reuse of discarded textiles and access to potential markets, we hope to support a model that creates value for both people and the planet,” he said.
Shifrah Jacobs, Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer, Plastics for Change, said the programme aims to go beyond immediate support by helping communities build skills and explore new avenues for income generation.
She said the initiative would equip women with practical tote-bag-making skills while working towards connecting their products with potential markets.
The collaboration reflects The Body Shop India’s efforts to combine environmental responsibility with community development, while giving discarded textiles a productive second life and creating opportunities for greater economic participation among women.
