Erode's eco-friendly mannequins replace fiberglass alternatives

In Erode, India, an entrepreneur named S P Mani is gaining attention for creating eco-friendly mannequins. Mani, 57, has spent 25 years making handmade paper and recently shifted his focus to biodegradable mannequins made entirely from textile waste. His company, Jothi Speciality Papers (JSP), produces these mannequins at their factory in Kaliyanoor village. The idea for the mannequins emerged after Mani and his wife, Amutha, noticed how much textile waste contributed to landfills. They have developed a process to turn this waste into paper and now into mannequins. Each mannequin is made using a five-day process that includes sludge from paper production. Everything used in making the mannequins is biodegradable. JSP has already partnered with Tanishq, a jewellery retailer, to create 1,500 display busts. This collaboration has helped increase demand for their products by 40%. Currently, JSP produces about 200 mannequins a month, serving clients in India, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The company is also looking to enter the Australian market. Mani's mannequins range in price from 5,000 to 15,000 Indian rupees and weigh between 20 to 50 kg. Each mannequin is made from around 40 kg of textile waste. In addition, Mani is also exploring other sustainable products like clothing hangers and eco-friendly clothing racks. The traditional mannequin market, primarily made from non-recyclable fibreglass, is worth an estimated $800 million in India. This type of mannequin often ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. Eco-friendly alternatives, like those produced by JSP, can decompose in about three months. While there are few makers of sustainable mannequins in India, the demand for greener options is growing. Other companies, like Kolkata-based Kirti Jalan Design Studio, are also making eco-friendly mannequins from materials like cane. Despite the higher costs and longer production times, these manufacturers believe every effort contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry.