Rajiben Vankar’s journey is an inspiring tale of triumph over adversity and her dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of other women. As the driving force behind her eponymous brand, Rajiben has transformed discarded plastic into exquisite works of art, exemplifying the spirit of sustainability and creativity.
Rajiben’s exceptional work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with the prestigious President’s Award and the Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman for her exceptional contributions to the environment. These accolades stand as a testament to her passion and commitment to upcycling discarded plastic and turning it into beautiful utility products.
Rajiben Vankar’s life journey began in Kotay village, Gujarat, where she faced early challenges due to societal norms that hindered her access to education. Despite these obstacles, Rajiben’s resilience and determination led her to discover her passion for weaving khadi and later, upcycling plastic waste. Through her enterprise, Rajiben has not only empowered herself but also transformed the lives of other women while making a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution.
Rajiben’s Upcycling Enterprise
Encouraged by positive feedback, Rajiben decided to start her own enterprise, focusing on upcycling plastic waste and empowering women from her community.
With the backing of Kaarigar Clinic, a platform connecting rural artisans with urban buyers, Rajiben established her craft enterprise. She trained women from various villages to clean, cut, and weave plastic, creating an array of innovative products like bags, trays, and planters.
Rajiben’s enterprise has embraced a zero-waste approach to its operations. Annually, it upcycles around 400 kg of plastic waste through skillful weaving techniques, with the remaining unusable plastic responsibly sent to recycling units.
Rajiben’s enterprise has witnessed remarkable growth, with an impressive annual turnover of 17 lakh rupees. Through her relentless efforts and creative approach to upcycling, she has managed to upcycle an astounding 3,00,000 plastic bags, diverting them from landfills and giving them a new life as functional and stylish products. Her dedication to sustainability and environmental preservation has made her a trailblazer in the fight against plastic pollution.
About Greenpreneur
Greenpreneur, the Sustainability Leadership Development wing of VyapaarJagat.com, is a transformative digital platform that has impacted thousands of entrepreneurs’ lives since 2017. With a remarkable track record of 10,000+ Business Stories, 400+ Eminent Speakers, 400+ Entrepreneur Awards, and extensive media coverage, it has nurtured a vibrant community of sustainability-driven entrepreneurs.
The platform aims to enhance the lives of over a million entrepreneurs worldwide. Greenpreneur fosters connections and empowers decision-makers to drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities, guided by the principles of sustainable development and a commitment to the environment and society at large.