The world’s most sustainable fabric
7WEAVES produces hand-spun, hand woven Eri silk fabric in partnership with indigenous forest communities in Assam’s Loharghat Forest Range, part of the Indo-Burmese ecological region.
We are a small social experiment creating economic opportunities based on the traditional cultural knowledge of forest-dependent families in Assam, home to some of the world’s most beautiful wild silks and natural dyes.
Every piece of cloth produced helps restore the rich bio-diversity of the area. As more and more plants are identified for their economic value and sustainable use, conservation becomes integrated as an important part of the local people’s livelihoods. Through this model we are on a mission to show that production can benefit not just those making it, but the environment they live in and in turn the health of the planet.
Our Values
Biodiversity
Our environment is key to our future survival, therefore all our decisions focus on the question, “is this sustainable?”.
The Indo-Burmese region is currently one of the planet’s most biologically rich — but also heavily threatened regions.
7Weaves creates opportunities for forest communities to integrate into the world economy, preserving forest eco-systems through traditional knowledge whilst sustainably using natural resources and conserving the balance of nature.
Our model is unique in that with an increase in production comes an increase in environmental protection. Mosaic planting for both fodder and natural dye plants is interspersed with traditional crops and forest on tribal land. This fulfils the needs of farm families whilst preserving native plant species and discourages a harmful single-species agro-industry.
Indigenous Communities
Sericulture has been an important part of life in North East India for countless generations.
Although the tradition is in decline, every village in the Loharghat Forest is home to many skilled artisans who have the knowledge to farm, cultivate, spin, dye and weave Eri silk.
From worm to weave, our production is carried out by forest community members in centres on their own land or in their own homes, without the use of industrial processes.
Moving away from factory based models, we utilise methods with minimal disruption and maximum benefit to the communities. In doing so, we can provide full traceability to our clients whilst offering a wide range of options and fabric choices.
Economic Freedom
These rural indigenous communities hold few rights over their forests, which are at risk from encroaching development.
Ensuring a strong, sustainable economic system is paramount in ensuring a future for the people, the knowledge they hold and protecting their land and their culture.
Working closely with the artisans in a collaborative manner allows us to strengthen our relationship with the whole community. This supports the preservation of traditional weaving techniques whilst celebrating cultural knowledge.
We provide guaranteed, salaried work for artisans year round and distribute 50 per cent of our profits annually to our workers, creating a living wage for artisans and other participants in the supply chain. By such ‘profit re-distribution’ we hope to create a new model of ethical business, where workers are the beneficiaries of profit orientation.