Textile waste used to make rugs and mats

Pakistani student’s idea becomes centre of attraction at German fair

FRANKFURT:

The largest global exhibition of textile products in Germany, called Heimtextil, has not only helped to increase exports of Pakistani products but has also become an effective platform to highlight the talent of Pakistani youth.

A Pakistani textile designer’s rugs and mats made from textile waste became the centre of attention for global brands and European designer companies at the trade fair.

Um-e-Kulsoom Ali Akbar, a graduate of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, has used her creativity to turn the leftover fabric after the manufacturing of T-shirts into charming handmade rugs and mats.

Her creative idea will help to reduce environmental pollution caused by the textile industry waste and earn foreign exchange for Pakistan.

Mats and rugs designed by Kulsoom were the focus of international brands, interior designers and designer companies at a special pavilion highlighting eco-friendly practices in the textile industry.

She was selected in a global competition for creative ideas on textile recycling and making the textile industry eco-friendly. In this competition, organised by New and Next University, 150 students from more than 33 universities of the world presented their projects and theses on textile recycling and making the industry environment-friendly.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, at her stall at Heimtextil, Kulsoom said, “Along with Europe, China and Japan, leading brands of Pakistan have also shown interest in her techniques”.

European and Japanese companies showed interest in introducing those rugs and mats to the world with their own brand identity, she said.

Similarly, a Chinese company has given them initial orders to manufacture small-size mats. A German wallpaper company has offered to adopt these patterns.

Kulsoom said that textile waste pollution in Pakistan had not received much attention so far because most people considered only plastic pollution as a threat to the environment.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2023.

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