It began with a broken tote bag and a search for a more sustainable alternative. Green Hermitage founder Gayatri Varun says the experience led her to explore plant leather after finding that workplace bags were largely made from animal leather or PU, a plastic-derived material. That search eventually became the foundation for the sustainable accessories brand she launched with her husband, Anubhav Pratap Rai, in 2021.
From climate work to sustainable fashion
Gayatri's interest in sustainability developed through her work across East Africa, where she worked on climate projects, grassroots initiatives and government programmes. After completing a Master's in Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the University of Leeds, she returned to India and continued working on climate campaigns and sustainability projects.
Her research into plant-based leather involved testing materials made from cactus, apple, banana and other plants for resistance to moisture, water and temperature changes. During the pandemic, the founders began working with migrant artisans in Delhi to develop prototypes.
Green Hermitage eventually built a seven-member artisan team in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. The company now sources about 95% of its materials from India, using materials including apple, banana, cactus, eucalyptus, coconut, cork, canvas and hemp.
Building sustainability into the supply chain
The company evaluates materials through bio-composition, laboratory reports and durability testing. Its sustainability approach also covers sourcing, transportation, manufacturing, water and electricity consumption and product design.
Green Hermitage operates an end-of-use programme through which customers can return products. The company dismantles returned bags and reuses components where possible, while some remaining materials are biodegradable.
Its products include bags, wallets, backpacks and other accessories. The brand sells through multiple marketplaces in India and has expanded into international markets including the US, Middle East and Australia. It has also entered B2B sustainable procurement and is a registered vendor for the Taj Group of Hotels.
Scaling a sustainable business
The company remains bootstrapped and is targeting profitability by the end of the current financial year while exploring external funding. Customer education remains a key challenge, particularly around questions of durability and performance compared with conventional leather.
Green Hermitage says its next goal is to make its operations more sustainable while expanding its customer base and impact.
Related link: Green Hermitage
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