Shikha Shah, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Ahmedabad, founded AltMat. The company buys agricultural residue from farmers and converts it into fiber to prevent them from causing toxic emissions that happen due to burning. Each year, AltMat makes eco-friendly fibers worth Rs 30 crore and sells them to 500 companies in Europe and the USA.
Early Life and Education
Shikha was born into a family that was deeply involved in recycling. Since childhood, she used to see her father, Vishnu Shah, transforming automobile waste into metals.
She graduated from Nirma University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and further pursued her Master’s in Entrepreneurship from Babson College in the US. During her academic pursuits, she learned about textile pollution and agricultural residue which inspired her to create AltMat.
Environmental Impact Due to Polyesters Textile
Sikha points out that 57% of textiles are made from polyester, which is a type of plastic. She notes that when these polysters textiles are washed, they release microplastics that are not just harmful to marine life but also affect human health.
Laying the Foundation: AltMat
In 2019, inspired by her father’s recycling work, Shikha decided to start her own company, AltMat (Alternative Materials), which converts agricultural waste into eco-friendly fibers. This innovative solution solves both the issue of waste disposal for farmers and the environmental impact of the textile industry. AltMat is now also a part of an initiative called Fashion for Good in Amsterdam.
Innovative Processes: At AltMat, Sikha has developed a new way to recycle agricultural waste into an innovative fiber called Altag. This fiber is made from materials like banana and hemp, which are blended to make yarn used in textile production.
The company has also partnered with other companies to produce the fabric and byproducts to manufacture eco-friendly paper and packaging. This process maximizes the use of resources while minimizing waste.
Patented Innovations: AltMat has developed patented innovations. The company buys agricultural waste from crops grown for food and medicinal purposes. The waste is then converted into a fibre that is similar to cotton which is then spun into yarn. These products include accessories like bags and shoes, as well as home decor items like carpets and upholstery.
The prices of AltMat fibers are between Rs 330 and Rs 650 per kg. Thus, making them more affordable than wool and silk.
Support Farmers: By promoting sustainable practices Sikha AltMat not only reduces pollution but also empowers local economies by supporting farmers.
Achieving Success
Shikha became one of the 40 young leaders in India who are dedicated to fighting climate change under the India Climate Collaborative supported by Tata Trusts, CII, and Wildlife Conversation Trust. Shikha has been recognized for her efforts and has received awards like the Atal Innovation Medal and the Women Transforming India Award.
Furthermore, AltMat has been successful in producing enough fiber to manufacture 40 lakh garments annually and has formed partnerships with over 30 global brands.
Future Plans
In the future, Shikha is looking ahead to expand AltMat. She aims to scale up production by 25 times within five years by introducing more products and collaborating with popular brands. Sikha’s story is an inspiration for many other entrepreneurs who aim to reduce pollution and create sustainable products in innovative ways.
Picture Credits: AltMat
