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ARKA FAQ's
WEGANOOL™ is a PETA award-winning natural 100% plant-based warm fabric, that offers a sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional wool and man-made textiles.
At the core of WEGANOOL™ fabric lies the remarkable Calotropis hollow cellulose fibers, which serve as its key component. These fibers, found in both the pod and stem of the Calotropis plant, possess insulating properties comparable to high-end wool fibers, such as alpaca and angora. Notably, the hollow structure of these fibers contributes to their excellent thermal performance, making them a perfect alternative for warm wool fibers.
Throughout the entire manufacturing process, from fiber extraction to finishing, WEGANOOL™ is produced without the use of any harmful chemicals, implementing the highest environmentally-conscious practices.
"WEGANOOL™" derives its name from the harmonious fusion of two significant words: "vegan" and "nool." In the Tamil language, "nool" carries a dual meaning, signifying both "book" and "thread." This name beautifully encompasses WEGANOOL™'s purpose as a comprehensive guidebook, leading the way to the pinnacle of sustainability in textile production, achieved through the exclusive utilisation of 100% natural threads.
By blending these elements, WEGANOOL™ embodies its core values of being plant-based, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly, thus presenting an ethical and compelling alternative to conventional warmth-retaining fabrics. This unique fabric serves as a testament to our commitment to a sustainable future, where every thread weaves together a story of conscious choices and responsible practices.
WEGANOOL™ stands out among other natural fabrics with its lightweight, soft, and temperature-regulating properties. This unique characteristic is attributed to the fine warmth-generating hollow cellulose structure of Calotropis fibers, measuring only 10-20 microns in diameter. Comparatively, Merino wool fibers are 21-24 microns in diameter, and cashmere averages 14-15 microns.
Unlike wool, which has scales that may cause skin irritation and allergies, Calotropis fibers are smooth and soft, making WEGANOOL™ gentle and non-irritating to the skin. Additionally, WEGANOOL™ exhibits antimicrobial properties.
Moreover, WEGANOOL™ offers a sustainable alternative to wool and cashmere, as it is sourced from Calotropis plants that help revive barren lands and promote reforestation, mitigating deforestation and climate change.
The combination of Calotropis and cotton cellulose fibers ensures breathability and easy maintenance. Unlike cotton fibers with twists on their surface, Calotropis fibers remain straight and smooth.
The adaptability of Calotropis fibers, with an average length of 3.5 cm for pod fibers and 4 cm for stem fibers, allows seamless integration into existing cotton yarn manufacturing processes. This versatility enhances the feasibility of incorporating Calotropis fibers into a wide array of textile applications.
The manufacturing process of WEGANOOL is designed to be waste-free, which sets it apart from traditional textiles that often generate effluent and sludge as byproducts.
WEGANOOL™ proves to be highly versatile, suitable for an array of end products, ranging from scarves and shirts to jackets and sweaters, and beyond. However, due to the absence of twists or scales in Calotropis fibers, the fabric may be prone to pilling, similar to to cashmere or angora fibers. To maintain the fabric's integrity, it is essential to follow the care instructions diligently.
Calotropis holds a significant place in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic Panchakarma, where it is utilized to address various ailments. Managed appropriately, the plant's toxicity brings medicinal benefits.
As a result, Calotropis fibers exhibit remarkable anti-microbial properties. Numerous research papers highlight the plant's antibacterial effects on E. coli, pneumonia, and more. Test done on WEGANOOL fabric on Staph bacteria revealed positive results in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, known for causing skin infections and presenting clinical challenges globally.
In Tamil Nadu, the tradition of using a half-belt made of Calotropis stem fiber for newborns is deeply rooted. Half-belts made from Calotropis are contributing to the prevention of urinary tract infections in babies. Typically half-belts are made by newborn grandfathers, this process is beautifully captured in a short video available HERE.
Rest assured, our fiber extraction process meticulously removes the toxic sap, repurposing it into pest-repellent AARKA. Additionally, the toxicity in the sap naturally degrades as the Calotropis extract dries. Dry Calotropis leaves even find utility as animal fodder in deserted regions.
The WEGANOOL™ fabric is distinguished by its antimicrobial properties and offers a unique texture and sensation, thanks to the remarkable characteristics of Calotropis' hollow cellulose fibers, which provide exceptional warmth, insulation, and antimicrobial benefits. The inclusion of cotton further ensures breathability and effective moisture-wicking, resulting in a well-balanced and comfortable fabric.
With its softness and relatively lightweight nature, wearing the fabric is a delightful experience. in its undyed form, WEGANOOL™ a beautiful natural ecru color. To enhance its softness even further, the woven and knitted fabrics undergo a meticulous brushing process, adding to the overall luxurious feel.
Being sourced from plant-based Calotropis fibers, WEGANOOL™ stands as a 100% biodegradable fabric, naturally breaking down over time.
The fabric's softness and relatively lightweight nature make it a delight to wear, and it looks beautiful even in undyed state. WEGANOOL™ proves to be highly versatile, catering to a wide range of end products, from scarves and shirts to jackets and sweaters, and more.
To enhance its softness further, the woven and knitted fabrics undergo a brushing process, adding to the luxurious feel. However, it is important to note that due to the absence of twists or scales in Calotropis fibers, the fabric may be susceptible to pilling, similar to cashmere or angora fibers. To preserve the fabric's integrity, it is crucial to adhere to the care instructions diligently.
Currently, woven, jersey, and fleece WEGANOOL™ fabrics are available, with ongoing research and development efforts aiming to refine and expand the fabric options further.
As for the pricing, it depends on the specific construction of the fabric and the quantity you require. If you are interested in the availability and pricing of our products, please don't hesitate to contact us through the website contact form or via email at info@faborg.in.
Before we proceed, we would like to get to know you better. Please share a brief introduction about yourself, and if you have any specific WEGANOOL™ end-products in mind, we would love to hear your ideas.
On a side note, we want to emphasize that WEGANOOL™ fabric is not an "off-the-shelf" product. Instead, it is meticulously crafted from scratch, starting from the fiber level. Both woven and knit fabrics require entirely different yarns, and as an ongoing research project, we continuously strive for improvement in each spinning and fabric development process.
Unlike mainstream fabrics like cotton, the production of WEGANOOL™ demands suppliers with technical expertise. Fortunately, we have competent supply partners who excel in handling this unique fabric. However, we kindly request our clients to keep an open mind regarding certain aspects, such as the final GSM (grams per square meter) and width of the fabric, as slight variations may occur.
Our ultimate goal is to establish long-term collaborations with clients who share our passion for re-emerging sustainable fabrics. It requires genuine interest, commitment, and a willingness to understand the fabric's social, environmental, and economic impact. In return, we promise transparency throughout the production process and offer insights into other potential developments that align with our shared values.
At the heart of WEGANOOL™'s dedication to sustainability lies its steadfast reliance on natural dyeing techniques. By exclusively employing natural dyes, the fabric adheres to rigorous ecological standards, embodying its environmentally conscious ethos. Impressively, the residue produced during the fiber extraction and natural dyeing processes serves a purposeful second life as valuable resources for farming sector. These remnants are ingeniously repurposed into beneficial substances like manure and an affordable insect repellent for farmers, aptly named "AARKA."
Through this innovative approach, WEGANOOL™ continues to exemplify its commitment to harmonious and responsible practices, creating a fabric that not only enhances our lives but also nurtures the environment and communities around us.
Please reach out to info@faborg.in with a brief introduction about yourself and your brand.
In the future, WEGANOOL™ fibers may be blended with other naturally processed plant-based fibres.
However, FABORG remains firmly committed to its ethical principles and does not support blending natural fibres with polyester or regenerated cellulose (viscous fibres ) such as bamboo, TENCEL, etc.. These materials often require intensive chemical processing, pose risks to traditional farming livelihoods, and can mislead consumers about their true sustainability. Additionally, even a 1% addition of elastane makes a fabric non-recyclable.
FABORG upholds genuine sustainability, transparency, and the responsible use of natural resources, continuously striving to set new standards for eco-friendly practices in the textile industry.
Currently, our primary focus and expertise lie in the production of WEGANOOL™ fabrics. We offer a small range of sustainable and eco-friendly fabric options - wovens and knits, with a commitment to preserving their integrity throughout the entire process, including post-knitting/weaving steps like bio-scouring and natural dyeing.
While we do not presently offer WEGANOOL yarn, we will certainly consider the possibility of providing yarn in later stages as we continue to expand our offerings.
To ensure the lasting beauty of WEGANOOL fabrics, specific care measures are essential when dealing with their natural dyes:
Hand washing is recommended for optimal results, but if machine washing is necessary, use a gentle, short cycle at room temperature.
Separate colors during the initial wash to prevent color bleeding.
Preserve the fabric's surface by washing clothes inside out, minimizing friction.
Use pH-neutral detergents, natural soaps, or delicate wash soaps like Amway SA8, SPAR pH-neutral liquid detergent, Genteel, Ezee, or any wool wash soap to maintain color vibrancy.
For stains, soak the fabric in cool water with pH-neutral soap before washing.
Avoid bleach, as it may damage the fabric and cause color fading.
Limit washing to when necessary to prevent excessive wear and maintain color richness.
If tumble drying is required, opt for low temperatures.
Dry the fabric in the shade, as natural colors are sensitive to light.
When wearing naturally dyed garments, avoid contact with lemon or citrus fruits, as citric juice may act as a natural bleach and affect the fabric's color.
By adhering to these careful care instructions, owners of WEGANOOL garments can effectively maintain their impeccable condition, ensuring the fabric's softness and vibrant colors remain intact for an extended period.
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We mainly dye WEGANOOL™ fibers and fabrics. We can also dye organic unbleached cotton.
Yes! All of them are from natural sources like barks, seeds, roots, food waste, etc.
Harmful metals or chemicals are not allowed in our process. In fact, all the water used for dyeing goes for organic farming purposes through ARKA.
There are testing standards available for 6 raw materials:
Rhubarb- IS 17214:2019 Catechu-IS 17211:2019 Lac dye- IS 17212:2019 Pomegranate: IS 17213: 2019 Natural indigo- IS 17084:2019 Madder- IS 17085:2019
Authentification of natural dyes can be done according to the BIS standard.
Natural dyes have unique pigments that are easily recognized by the experienced eye. But there is a lemon test that anyone can run. Most of the colors made from natural ingredients (indigo being an exception) will bleach when lemon juice is applied on it.
Curently GOTS or any other certification are not relevant to natural dyes.
No. Natural dyes have various types of color components in a single raw material, therefore the dye will look unique.
Sampling is done by the bucket-dyeing technique and production in machines. So yes, there will be a mild color change from sampling to bulk.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the lead time is long from sampling to order placement, sometimes even 6 months. So seasonal changes will result in a change of color in the natural sources.
Natural dyestuff grown in different geographical locations will also result in small color changes.
Very minor variations can be expected. In melange yarn, we can provide yarn without any variation for the full order qty of yarn.
No chemical or certified prints are allowed on WEGANOOL™. We collaborate with artisans who are a reliable source for block printing.
No, we don't. We only provide the dyeing service.
Color fastness to washing is 3-4, some colors 4-5, based on our recommended testing methods. Testing needs to be done with pH-neutral soap.
Please check out our care instuctions.
Bulk order for melange dyed yarn starts from 150 kg/color. Garment and fabric dye from 25 kg/color.
Bleached fabric dye intake is poorer than bio-scoured fabrics. We can pre-treat your fabric with our organic scouring agent.
Bio-scouring is the most sustainable and efficient replacement for bleaching. This also helps in absorbing the natural dye pigments better.
Most commonly used hydrogen peroxide, considered an eco-friendly option, is obtained unethically and we do not support it.
Yes, we can apply organic softener to improve the hand feel of the fabric/garment.
Synthetic dyes are manmade and have created more than enough damage to our planet. The natural dyes are all 100% bio-degradable in nature. They are safe for the environment and people working with it.
You can purchase swatch set from the SHOP or download free PDF on NATURAL DYES page.
ARKA is a natural replacement for pesticides and fertilizers. It's a concentrated extract of calotropis and other herbs that needs to be diluted with water before use. This liquid does not kill any insects and is completely safe for pollinating bees, pest-eating predators, and our beloved pets. One stop solution, that makes organic farming much easier!
Calotropis has over 100 different documented uses in Ayurveda. Under the guidance of an ayurvedic doctor, calotropis can be used for fever, decreasing sugar, spleen, and liver disorders, all the way up to treating heavy metal poisoning.
Poison and toxic are two very different concepts. Poison can kill but toxicity in small quantities can be medicinal.
It's as toxic as water if consumed in the wrong quantities.
ARKA is not toxic and washing the produce like normal is more than enough.
The alkaloids which are present in ARKA are biodegradable in nature and are not toxic or harmful for pets. In deserted areas, dried calotropis leaves are used as fooder for goats.
ARKA has anti-microbial properties so isn't even dangerous for the people who spray or come in contact with it. No problem for any creature more than a centimeter.
In fact, it's beneficial for the animal if it licks something with ARKA as it will deworm them.
Not at all. That's the amazing part - once you spray ARKA and it gets exposed to the sun the toxins that are repelling the insects start to biodegrade. It only biodegrades in the heat and sunlight. Once you wash the vegetable you can use it directly. There won't be any difference in the taste.
Wherever sprayed, ARKA repels all insects that are feeding off the plants as well as mosquitoes. Once the alkaloids reach the roots, ARKA even repels root borers.
This repellant doesn't repel just one specific insect but acts as a holistic protective shield for the plants.
ARKA doesn't repel cockroaches and rats.
For most of the crops except some like coconuts and cashew groves the dilution is very less- 1:60, ARKA to water. Other natural methods like cow urine and ash work well with ARKA too.
You can watch this video for more information on application.
The dilution varies from 1:60 to 1:200 depending on the crop, spraying equipment and the pest issues. So please reach out to us on +91 9790 7777 40 to know the specifics.
For vegetable crops, you have to apply every week. For seasonal crops like cashew, mango, and coconuts it's mostly during the fruiting season.
The frequency of all depends on the problems present on the farm. For example, if you have stem borers, root borers, and root fungal issues it's good to do soil drenching.
Results can't be seen after one or two sprays because nature never works like that. The point is to trick the insects into thinking the farm isn't fit for food or breeding and this requires regular spraying. This way a long-term solution against any insects is achieved.
ARKA can repel insects and boost immunity and growth but the nutrients present in the land are very crucial. If the land has been sprayed with chemicals for 30 years then everything helpful is eradicated. There is nothing called 99% organic, the minute a bit of pesticide is sprayed, the soil health is compromised. The same thing applies to fungicides as they kill mycelium network. If the land doesn't have mycelium there is no nitrogen-fixing happening. If your land is not getting nitrogen then your trees won't get a yield. Most people don't know this.
Check out this video about mycellium to know more.
If your soil is healthy it's probably root fungal issues or nematodes which are root borers. They basically suck on the roots to tap into the sugar stores the plant is making, completely destroying the root. Soil drenching should solve the problem easily. Please read the FAQ on root drenching below.
If it's a white bug then there are 2 possibilities.
Firstly it could be white mealybugs- Spray ARKA once a week will keep them away. If they are present on your farm it's very crucial to make sure the mealybugs get wet when spraying.
Secondly, there are whitefly vectors that spread a virus just like how dengue is spread by mosquitoes. They jump from leaf to leaf, staying under a leaf, contaminating from there and the microbes grow. Soon the top of that leaf will become black, the whole photosynthesis will be cut off and the production from that leaf stops.
In both cases the problem can be eliminated with 3 continuous sprays. With regular spraying they will not come back. This way breeding on the farm is stopped.
We don't use cow urine in ARKA.
At this point in India, almost 99.9% of farmers in India have cows on their farms using the urine and manure. Normally pesticides applied with cow urine might end up harming the crop so it's important for us to inform our customers that the same will not happen with the mixture of ARKA and cow urine.
Crops like rice, vegetables, cotton, brinjal, and other shorter crops would require a maximum of 1.5 liters per spray. Compared to the chemicals available in the market, farmers will find ARKA 10 times cheaper.
Bigger trees like mangoes, coconuts or cashews are sprayed with tank tractor sprays. A dilution of 1:200 for a 1000 liter tank will only require 5 liters of ARKA. One 1000 liter tank can be used to spray about 2 1/2 acres.
Younger trees are very receptive to pests and diseases so 1:60 dilution on a regular base will keep them safe.
Soil drenching is done to prevent nematode infestations and root fungal diseases. Nematodes and other root sucking pests are a prevalent problem with cotton, brinjal and many other crops. Nematode infection spreads very fast and can destroy a whole farm.
Pour 200 ml per plant as when the ground is wet it will stay active in the roots.
It's common, even with chemical pesticides, to lose about 10 percent of the crop every year. Regular practise of soil drenching will help reduce this percentage.
Check out how this farmer saved his almost dead tree using ARKA.
Alkaloids are preserved in wet conditions. So spraying during the rainy time will have a longer effect because ARKA seeps to the ground. This gives extra protection and boost to the roots for almost 30 days or whenever the soil gets exposed to proper sun. Generally, the ARKA sprayed during summer will evaporate fast- within 12 days or so.
One common fungal infection problem that coconut farmers face - saplings planted will grow for 2 years and then get completely rotten from the bottom up. This kind of preventive spraying is very crucial to stop this.
Nature doesn't have any side-effects. So ARKA, a completely natural product wont have as well.
Check for breeding areas on the premises. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in even a little drop of water.
ARKA is deflecting the mosquitoes from the sprayed property. It's like applying odomos everywhere, they cannot sit wherever sprayed.
Their only job is to wake up, drink blood and lay eggs so spraying ARKA breaks this habit in that area.
First, it's very important to understand that ARKA will not kill any mosquitoes. We are just outsmarting them.
Find the breeding areas i..e. stagnant water bodies. Like a soaking pit that is damaged, small crevices in your septic tank, tires, coconut shells, and any other place where water could collect. It's very important to first stop the mosquitoes from breeding in the premises. If this is not possible to eradicate then ARKA cannot be effective. Find out more here.
Female mosquitoes do not go beyond 100 meters from a water body. Small mosquitoes show that the breeding area isn't more than 20-50 meters.
Spraying regularly and removing stagnant water bodies prevents any mosquitoes from coming.
During the monsoon, female mosquitoes can travel much more so post the first rain you might have a flood of mosquitoes. But if you are constantly spraying and keeping the area clean then they will come, check and leave. It might take 2-3 sprays to get the effect of ARKA again.
Find out more here.
ARKA can be bought from the online shop.
The point of making ARKA so cheap was to make the product more accessible to all farmers. This way farmers can not only change to organic faster but also save money while doing so.
A farmer generally has to make frequent visits and purchases to pesticide companies. With ARKA a small rice farmer with a 1-acre farm will only have to buy once a year. It's cheaper and because of its high concentration and holistic approach to pest repelling will last long too. Affordable with high-quality standards.
Even big farmers with more land, who generally spend a lot on pesticides, will end up saving a significant amount of money by switching over to ARKA.
In our vision, farmers will grow their pesticides. We can change the system by cultivating calotropis on drylands and the repellant residue used for wetland farming
Water knows no boundaries and we are all connected so there's no point in having small patches of organic land. Completely throwing pesticides out the window is very crucial.
Yes, ARKA is available to order on the online shop.
Feel free to reach out on +91 9790 7777 40
There are conditions and minimum order quatities so connect with us to know the details.
The 20 L pack's cost is subsidized by FABORG. It might cost a farmer or any other company a lot more to create ARKA at such a high concentration.
We are giving ARKA at almost the cost price for the small-time farmers (with 5 - 6 acres max) that India is filled with. Our product will help save them save money while becoming organic and make farming more comfortable and affordable. With ARKA farmers could probably finish the whole season with just one 20L pack. We even put a little extra in this pack!
With such a small quantity only spraying once is possible. Effectiveness of organic products can only be seen after 2-3 sprays as they are completely different from chemical pesticides..
Additionally we want to avoid the use of small disposablepackaging.
Please find information about our shipping and delivering here.
ARKA is already heavily discounted when compared to the chemical or even natural alternatives available in the market
This includes mosquito-repelling alternatives like fumigation too.
We use only high-density recyclable polymer cans that can be used as storage containers on the farm.
A coconut farmer can store his coconut oil after washing our containers.