The first-year students of the Bachelors in Business Administration (Travel & Tourism) programme at Don Bosco College Panjim, embarked on a field visit on March 12 to No Nasties, a sustainable clothing brand located in Panjim. The objective was to observe and understand the practical application of ethical and sustainable business practices within the textile industry.
Established in 2010 by Apoorva Kothari, No Nasties originated as an organic T-shirt brand and has since expanded to offer a full range of men's and women's apparel. The name ‘No Nasties’ reflects the company's commitment to avoiding harmful chemicals and animal products in their clothing. Guided by lead designer Ruchika, we learned that the brand prioritizes 100 per cent organic and vegan materials.
No Nasties utilizes a variety of sustainable practices, including working with organic cotton and original linen fabrics, ensuring no pesticides or harmful chemicals are used. All products are plant-based, avoiding any animal materials. A sizeable amount of their garments are made from deadstock yarns, minimizing carbon footprint. The use of local products reduces transportation-related emissions. The company uses coconut shell buttons and has transitioned to corozo buttons. They have collaborated with brands like Ero Ero to create recycled and naturally dyed garments. The company plants three trees for every purchase. They meticulously calculate their carbon footprint, focusing on factory processes and transportation. No Nasties offers a diverse range of clothing, with prices varying based on fabric, design, and embellishments. They utilize three main fabric types: knitted (stretchable), woven (non-elastic), and flat knit (winter wear).
The company faces the challenge of minimizing its carbon footprint throughout the design and production process. Their dedication to using dead stock materials and prioritizing local manufacturing highlights their commitment to sustainability. The visit provided valuable insights into the practical application of ethical and sustainable business practices.
The field visit to No Nasties provided a real-world example of how a business can successfully integrate sustainability into its operations. The store's commitment to organic materials, vegan products, and minimizing its environmental impact serves as a benchmark for other businesses in the textile industry. Student Mazz delivered a vote of thanks, and a token of gratitude was presented to the store executive.