Punarbhavaa Sustainable Products (PSP) leads the charge in revolutionizing eco-friendly packaging for the fashion industry. As global fashion brands intensify their commitment to sustainability, PSP delivers innovative solutions that merge environmental responsibility with premium packaging.
The company’s product lineup includes recycled cotton paper labels, tags, boxes, organic cotton and recycled bags, biodegradable poly bags, and clothes hangers. Crafted from tree-free materials, these products utilize paper pulp sourced from apparel industry off-cuts and feature soya oil-based ink printing. By transforming textile waste into high-quality packaging, PSP not only minimizes environmental impact but also drives a circular economy.
Operating from a solar-powered production facility with zero water discharge, PSP sets a benchmark for green manufacturing. Its unwavering commitment to sustainability is reinforced by certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Through its eco-conscious packaging solutions, PSP empowers fashion retailers to adopt responsible practices, fostering a more sustainable industry.
At Bharat Tex 2025, The Interview World engaged in an exclusive conversation with Sarath Kumar, Director of Punarbhavaa Sustainable Products Pvt. Ltd. He delved into the company’s core offerings, discussed its certifications, explained the waste collection process, and outlined PSP’s pricing strategy. He also shed light on the company’s expansion plans and vision for waste management in the textile sector. Here are the key takeaways from this insightful discussion.
Q: How does Punarbhavaa embody the essence of its name through its core offerings in the textile industry?
A: Punarbhavaa—a Sanskrit word meaning rebirth—embodies the very essence of our company. We give discarded cotton textile waste a new life by transforming it into high-quality paper products. Our flagship offering is 100% cotton waste-based paper, completely free from trees and chemicals.
Over the past 12 years, our sustainable approach has saved approximately 1,25,000 trees. Traditional paper production relies on wood pulp, leading to large-scale deforestation. By choosing our eco-friendly alternative, we have significantly reduced this environmental burden.
Water conservation is another crucial aspect of our process. Conventional paper manufacturing consumes nearly 300 liters of water per kilogram of paper. In contrast, our innovative method requires just 4 liters per kilogram, dramatically cutting down water usage.
To date, we have successfully recycled 5,000 tons of textile waste, preventing it from ending up in landfills. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to redefine packaging solutions while minimizing environmental impact.
Q: What certifications does Punarbhavaa hold, and what range of products does it manufacture?
A: We pioneered the development of certified sustainable packaging solutions. As the world’s first GRS-certified cotton paper factory, we set the global standard for eco-friendly innovation.
Our product portfolio includes hang tags, boxes, individual packaging boxes, band rolls, stationery items, notebooks, bags, cots, and envelopes—all crafted from 100% cotton waste. We even produce cardboard-based packaging made entirely from recycled cotton fibers.
Beyond cotton-based products, we manufacture FSC-certified conventional paper and specialized garment labels, including those made from recycled polyester. Our innovative bonding labels eliminate the need for multiple stitched labels, offering a seamless booklet-style alternative that enhances both efficiency and sustainability.
Q: Do you source waste directly from individuals, or do you collaborate with other manufacturers for collection?
A: No, we do not source materials from individual waste collectors. Currently, we primarily work with pre-consumer waste and collaborate directly with brands for post-consumer waste.
Our main raw material comes from pre-consumer waste, which refers to fabric cuttings and scraps generated during the production process. By repurposing these discarded materials, we ensure a sustainable supply chain while minimizing industrial waste.
Q: How do you position the pricing of your products across different market segments?
A: Our products typically cost only 5% to 10% more than conventional alternatives. For smaller items like hang tags, the price difference is minimal—just 1% to 2% due to their compact size.
However, with large-scale production in the millions, we can match the cost of traditional packaging, making sustainability an economically viable choice.
Q: What are your strategic plans for waste management over the next five years?
A: Right now, we are focused on expanding our product range to deliver a complete sustainable packaging solution. Our latest addition, glassine bags, is FSC-certified, 100% recyclable, and entirely plastic-free, reinforcing our commitment to eco-friendly alternatives. We also produce recycled poly bags as a sustainable replacement for conventional plastic packaging.
We are steadily scaling up production capacity to meet growing demand. Recently, we have also begun collaborating with government sectors, further extending our impact. Our ultimate goal is clear—when the world thinks of sustainable packaging, Punarbhavaa should stand as the industry pioneer.
Q: Are there any plans to expand your manufacturing operations in the near future?
A: We operate from Tamil Nadu and supply our products worldwide. Currently, we source materials locally and collaborate with brands committed to circularity. These brands provide us with textile waste from their production facilities, and in return, we supply them with high-quality recycled materials, closing the loop on sustainability.
Our manufacturing operations remain focused on Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, ensuring efficiency and seamless production within India’s textile hub.
