Is handloom a sustainable and ethical manufacturing process?

Posted by Nadia Winget on December 15th, 2021

Handloom is a manufacturing process which uses the simplest and most traditional of tools; hand, shuttle, and loom. It is one of the oldest ways to make cloth. The earliest evidence for it dates back to prehistoric times when people wove textiles by hand with animal hair in small groups or as individuals. It is difficult to say whether handlooms are sustainable and ethical because there are so many different types of looms that use different materials and techniques. For example, some weavers prefer natural fibres whereas others want synthetic ones because they are easier to dye.

What is handloom and how does it work?

Handloom is an ancient form of weaving which originated in Indonesia, but is now used in many countries in Asia including India and Sri Lanka. Handmade items in Sri Lanka and other countries have become very popular among tourists, paving the way for more and more such industries. The handloom works by interlocking the warp threads, which are vertical strands of thread connected to the frame. The weft or woof is then passed under and over these strings using a shuttle or rapier before being beaten into place with a beater stick.

Every time you lift your finger off one string, another moves up in its place; this allows for an amazing variety of patterns without having to pull any extra strings through at all. Many people think that handlooms use natural fibres, but actually some prefer synthetic ones because they are easier to dye. For example, wool is very hard to clean whereas acrylics can be easily washed even though it doesn\'t look as nice when it is weaved into a fabric.

Why are handlooms sustainable and ethical, when compared to other manufacturing processes?

Traditional handlooms which are made using cotton and natural fibres are considered to be sustainable and ethical as opposed to mass-produced clothes which are made using synthetic materials. This is because the former two can be reused many times, whereas the latter cannot be recycled thus posing a threat to our environment. However, not all cotton used in making traditional garments is organic as most conventional cotton manufacturers still use pesticides during the production process which means even if they sell clothes made from traditionally sourced materials, they might contain traces of chemicals found in synthetic clothing too. In addition, many handloom items such as clothing like handloom sarongs or home decor items are made by small businesses run by women from rural areas who are trying to earn an income for themselves, when they have no other opportunities to do so.

The benefits of buying handmade products

Buying handmade natural products can be very beneficial to consumers. They offer benefits such as:

-      Affordability.

-      Eco-friendly materials.

-      Sustainable production process.

-      Supporting small businesses.

-      They can also often be tailored for you or your family\'s own unique sizes and needs making them more affordable than buying mass produced products which are typically made according to average sized measurements.

-      Handmade items offer a personal touch not found in mass manufactured goods, allowing the consumer to feel like their purchase is truly helping someone else, rather than just playing into the system of mindless consumption that has been created by capitalism.

-      Buying handmade products helps support local artisans who create incredible pieces that reflect their culture better than anything else.

How to find a reputable seller for handmade goods

There are many online stores that help small businesses to market and sell their products, including handloom items, which helps ensure the product is created ethically and sustainably. In addition, these handmade items in Sri Lanka are also sold in small boutique stores in tourist areas where they can get more sales, marketing their wares to visiting tourists.

Examples of the different types of products that can be manufactured using handloom techniques

There are many items that can be made using handloom, including:

-      Clothing.

-      Bags and accessories.

-      Home decor items, including pillows, rugs, wall hangings etc.

There are so many different products that can be created using handloom techniques. It is up to the creator of each product to determine what type of item they would like to create and sell through an online store or in a small boutique shop near tourist areas. While clothing may seem like one of the most popular options for handmade goods sales these days, there are still plenty of other choices available when it comes time for consumers looking for something unique and special to purchase as gifts (or even just because!). Handloom items make very unique gift ideas and souvenirs for family and friends.

By purchasing these handmade items, you can support small businesses, as well as provide job opportunities for many others in small villages and communities. While the large demand for \"fast fashion\" is a growing concern in terms of how quickly our clothes are thrown away, supporting small businesses and handmade goods can help to reduce waste while increasing awareness about these issues.