THE PLANT
Calotropis Gigantea & Calotropis Procera are Ayurvedic plants which grow abundantly all over India. The unique characteristics of Calotropis plants are:
For the growth it does not need water, attention or pesticides
It is a pioneer plant that revives biodiversity and ecosystem and enables forest canopy to grow back
It is a perennial plant that does not need replanting or yearly irrigation
It grows back in 6 months after harvesting– gives a yield 2 times per year
It is an age-old fertilizer, fungicide and pest-repellent that farmers have been using for ages
It provides two unique hollow cellulose fibres that has wool-like characteristics
POD FIBRE
LUXURIOUS
LIGHT &
SOFT
THERMAL
REGULATING
ANTI-
MICROBIAL
⌀10
MICRONS
FIBRES
Unique quality of Calotropis fibre lies in natural hollow cellulose structure which is similar to hollow protein fibres like the finest cashmere.
The pod fibres are extremely soft and light in weight. Since these fibres are hollow, they behave like tiny air balloons and are able to carry the heavy seeds far away from the plant. Because of their softness and natural shine, fabrics made from these fibres have a very luxurious feel and are often compared with cashmere.
STEM FIBRE
ANTI-
MICROBIAL
STRONG &
DURABLE
ABRASION
RESISTANT
THERMAL
REGULATING
⌀20
MICRONS
The stem fibres are immensely strong and almost impossible to break with bare hands. The function of stem fibres is to carry and distribute acidic sap to the pods and leaves. The milky sap is widely used in Ayurveda to cure numerous diseases, but can be toxic in large quantities.
While our scientific research confirmed our fabrics are suitable for human use, the tests also indicated that these fabrics have antimicrobial properties against most common skin disease created by staph bacteria read more...
Both fibres are hand processed by women from local community with a lot of care and love to ensure that strength and quality of the fibres are retained.
Residue from fibre extraction is concentrated and converted into highly potent natural fertilizer and pest-repellent called ARKA to cater the need of local organic farmers.
FABRICS
Carefully extracted Calotropis fibers are mixed with 70% of organic rain-fed cotton and spun into delicate WEGANOOLⓇ yarn. The yarns are fine-tuned up to 30s count and can be customized for wide varieties of fabrics - from simple knits to high-end Jacquard weaves.
By look and feel alone the fabric stands out among other natural fabrics. The hollowness of the fibers creates air pockets within the fabric, making it light-weight and also bringing thermal-regulating properties.
100% plant-sourced chemical-free WEGANOOL™ is FABORG's proof of concept of how fabric manufacturing can have a highly positive impact, with processing and end-use of the product adhering to cradle to cradle standards for bio-degradation, fair trade, and cruelty-free.
INNOVATION
In January 2020 WEGANOOL™ was presented in London at the Future Fabric Expo- the world largest showcase of sustainable materials and received special spotlight on the Expo Innovation table.
Search for the wool alternatives isn’t anything new in the textile industry. Several brands have attempted to imitate the texture and warmth of the material, and some would argue that polyester and acrylic have the same qualities as wool. The main difference between those fabrics and WEGANOOL™ is, of course, the fact that the latter is plant-based, zero-waste, 100% eco-friendly and empowers rural communities in India.
Since then, WEGANOOL™ fabric is gaining rising attention in Europe not only from brands who are thriving for sustainability but also by reputed wool manufacturers who are looking for wool alternatives to cater to the need of the growing conscious consumer market.
BENEFITS
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Calotropis plants are collected locally, close to the extraction unit
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Production of WEGANOOL™ helps the rural economy in dry parts of the country where jobs are unsecured
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Calotropis thrives on barren lands. Multi-cropping Calotropis plant can convert dry, unusable terrain into profitable land for farmers
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No chemicals are allowed to be used in any process of manufacturing (extraction, spinning, dyeing, finishing, etc.
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Zero waste is produced during the processing
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WEGANOOL™ fiber extraction produces valuable multi-purpose residue: highly effective and affordable natural fertilizer & insect repellent for the local farmers that can replace various chemical fertilizers and pesticides
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Production of 1 kg of WEGANOOL™ with regenerative rain-fed cotton yarn saves 27000 L of clean drinking water compared to 100% cotton yarn
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WEGANOOL™ fabrics are dyed only with high-quality natural plants, flowers roots, and seeds
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WEGANOOL™ if 100% plant-based hence friendly to the animals
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WEGANOOL™ fabrics are sustainable at every stage of their life cycle - from production and processing to ultimate disposal
ZERO WATER
ZERO HARM
ZERO WASTE
TRANS SEASONAL
WEGANOOL™ SHIRT