Business

From waste to wardrobes

Subigya Paudel

Oct. 5, 2018, 7:31 p.m.

Seldom are Nepali startups based on original ideas. Taalo is an exception. Taalo is an upcycling startup that uses waste textiles from factories to make accessories. Unlike recycling, where finished goods are broken down into raw materials to make other finished goods, upcycling is a concept of using goods in their existing form to make other goods.

As Taalo is just two months old and is implementing a novel concept of upcycling, its accessories are limited to bowties, neckties and headbands. But there are plans to extend this list to other accessories like scarfs and gloves. The fabrics used to make the accessories depend on the products. For instance, the headbands are made of smooth cotton, Lycra, Sinker and Viscose, while the ties are made from silk and other scrap textiles obtained from saris.

When asked how such an idea came to his mind, Taalo’s founder, Sujhan Ghimire, replies, “When I paid a visit to my father’s factory two years ago, I realized that so much of the textiles were being thrown as waste. A day before I had learnt about the imminent problem of waste mismanagement in my school. This had a profound impact on me and compelled me to start Taalo.” Today Ghimire uses scrap textiles from that factory in an attempt to reduce waste. The firm is attempting to collaborate with many such factories, boutiques and leather workshops around Nepal to further push their campaign of waste reduction and upcycling.

Environmental conservation through waste management is not the only lofty ideal upon which Taalo is built. Ghimire also points out that Taalo employs emancipated “Kamlaris”, giving them decent wage, freedom, dignity and a chance to assimilate back into Nepali society. To make their products affordable to all Nepalis, Taalo has been selling at the lowest possible prices, between Rs 120 to Rs 200. There are six or seven options for each product, offering customers a wide range of designs to choose from. The products are intended for the age group 15-30 and those who follow formal trends, for both the sexes. (To view the options, visit Taalo’s Instagram or Facebook page.)

Currently, Taalo products have not hit the shelves of supermarkets or other clothing stores, but they can be purchased through their own website or Instagram. If you are uncomfortable with online shopping, you can also purchase them at Sujha Traders and Exports, Samakhusi Chowk, Tokha road. Payment options include E-sewa or Khalti or cash on delivery. There is no delivery charge if the products are to be delivered within the Ring Road, but an additional Rs 50 is charged for deliveries outside.

According to Ghimire, in the first week itself, Taalo managed to sell to 37 different customers. Their product called “Rabbit” is already sold out. This is indeed a feat considering that the firm is still in its infancy and that it sells upcycled products with a cheap price tag. The future of Taalo appears bright considering it plans to launch a new type of product in the coming month. Given the progress it has made in such a short time and the creative vision that it carries, Taalo is perhaps an ideal example of an emerging startup.