Vishal Tolambia on a mission to revolutionise sustainable fashion

(November 15, 2024) In the bustling lanes of Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, artisans work with skill and heart, carrying on a tradition of creating textiles and garments with a story. Today, these very craftspeople are making an impact far beyond Indian borders, reaching the fashion hubs of the UK and beyond. Leading this movement is Vishal Tolambia, a 27-year-old visionary whose roots in Pushkar’s garment industry have grown into an international initiative for sustainable fashion. “Over 1,600,000 tonnes of textile waste is generated even before a garment reaches a consumer, and directly ends up in landfills,” says Vishal, the founder of Humanity Centred Designs.

Based in the UK, Vishal has developed an innovative technology to convert pre-consumer textile waste into a durable, flexible recycled material. His work earned him a spot on Forbes’ 2024 30 Under 30, but his journey began years earlier in the town of Pushkar, where his family’s deep ties to the garment industry shaped his values and ambitions.

A Legacy in Textiles and a Commitment to Sustainability

Vishal’s journey began at home, where textiles were part of everyday life. His grandfather was a tailor in a village near Ajmer, a skill passed down to Vishal’s father, who built a garment manufacturing and export business. Growing up, Vishal spent his afternoons at his father’s unit, learning the ins and outs of the trade. Inspired by these early experiences, he went on to study at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Jodhpur, where his talents blossomed, and his collection inspired by Gujarat’s Rabari community won him the Best Graduation Project award.

As he learned more about the industry, Vishal became aware of the waste and environmental impact caused by textile production. Since India is the world’s second-largest textile manufacturing hub, the issue of pre-consumer textile waste is particularly severe. “One of the biggest challenges the small-scale factories face is the accumulation of pre-consumer textile waste at the manufacturing level,” the Global Indian observed. Determined to address this problem, Vishal began researching ways to reduce waste and create sustainable solutions.

The Move to the UK and Founding Humanity Centred Designs

This commitment to sustainability led him to the University of Arts London, where he pursued a master’s degree in Fashion Futures. Though financial constraints nearly prevented him from going, his strong portfolio won him a scholarship, allowing him to continue his studies in the UK. It was while pursuing his master’s, Vishal began studying textile waste issues faced by small-scale manufacturers in his hometown, Pushkar. His solution was a circular recycling technology that turns waste fabric into new, durable materials. This idea became the foundation of Humanity Centred Designs, a material innovation hub that he launched after graduation.

“For us, sustainability means enabling sustainable operations. It also means that we care for the planet and protect it, by making sure that 80 percent of our production is through renewable energy sources, responsible consumption of water, and minimized resource utilization,” he explains. His goal is clear: “To make all fashion MSEs in India circular.”

Expanding Impact: From India to the UK and Beyond

In just one year, Humanity Centred Designs provided support to over 150 small and medium-sized apparel manufacturers in waste management and sustainable practices. Vishal’s circular recycling technology has enabled manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact and compete in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

“Our innovative solutions have not only helped manufacturers to reduce waste and environmental damage but also helped them to stay competitive,” said the social entrepreneur who won Global Citizen award. His work now reaches beyond India, with two retail stores in Bath and London, where he sells recycled apparel to customers in six countries. Through these stores, Vishal also provides a platform for over 3,500 artisans in Pushkar, connecting their work to an international market.

This commitment to sustainability and community support defines Humanity Centred Designs. The company has become a center for material innovation, helping micro, small, and medium-sized apparel businesses adopt circular recycling practices. Vishal’s broader mission is to reshape the industry: “The goal is to make the fashion industry more sustainable, ethical, and responsible by reducing waste, reducing pollution, and promoting fair labour practices.”

Scaling Sustainable Fashion Globally

While Vishal’s journey began in Pushkar, his vision now spans continents. In the coming years, he plans to open 15 flagship stores worldwide to showcase recycled textiles and promote ethical fashion on a larger scale. His ambition doesn’t stop there — he hopes to bring circular recycling technology to over 500 marginalised SMEs in India, empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. “This will foster community development and environmental sustainability,” he said, looking forward to a future where his efforts can reach even more people and reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.

As a member of the Indian diaspora in the UK, Vishal Tolambia brings his heritage into his work, bridging cultures and addressing global challenges. The Indian community in the UK has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and individuals like Vishal are leading efforts in technology, healthcare, and sustainable fashion. Through Humanity Centred Designs, Vishal shows how India’s innovation and talent can solve global challenges in waste and sustainability.

A Balance for the Future

For Vishal Tolambia, sustainability is more than just a strategy—it’s a way to create lasting change. “For me, sustainability means creating a balance between the needs of the present and future generations. I believe that a sustainable mindset and practices can benefit both the environment and society, and I strive to incorporate these principles into every aspect of our business,” he explained. His work with Humanity Centred Designs is a model for how fashion can evolve responsibly, reducing environmental impact, supporting artisans, and building a circular system that benefits everyone.

Today, Humanity Centred Designs stands as a powerful example of what can happen when one person’s commitment to change is backed by community values and clear purpose. Vishal Tolambia’s journey from Pushkar to the world’s fashion capitals is a story of dedication, creativity, and a vision for a future where fashion is sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.