At YogaKargha, sustainability is not a trend — it is the foundation of why we exist.
We create products that honour nature, uplift communities, and support mindful living. Every mat, cushion, or accessory is a testament to our belief that wellness must be gentle on the planet and empowering for the people who make it.

YogaKargha was born with a clear purpose:


to bring handcrafted, natural-fibre yoga products to the world while preserving India’s artisan heritage and enabling sustainable livelihoods.

 

What Sustainability Means to Us

We define sustainability through three core pillars:

1.Planet-Positive Materials

We choose fibres and processes that tread lightly on the earth. 

a wooden structure with a yellow rope hanging from it

  • Organic cotton sourced without harmful pesticides

  • Banana fibre, jute, and other natural fibres that are biodegradable

  • Plant-based dyes and zero-plastic packaging (transitioning to 100%)

  • No PVC, TPE or synthetic chemicals anywhere in the supply chain

Outcome:
Products that decompose naturally, leave no microplastics, and reduce carbon footprint compared to conventional yoga mats.

2. People-Centred Craftsmanship

Our products are handwoven by women and small artisan families across India.

Woman weaving fabric on a traditional loom.

  • Partnerships with 150+ artisans across 15 states of India

  • Prioritising women-led microenterprises

  • Fair wages, flexible work-from-home weaving, and skill training

  • Revival of traditional weaving techniques through modern design

Outcome:
Every purchase supports financial independence, dignity, and skill continuity for artisan communities.

3. Responsible Production & Circularity

We intentionally design for low waste and long life.

a woman in a red top is doing yoga

  • Zero-waste weaving practices

  • Use of production scrap for smaller accessories

  • Longer-lasting natural mats that can be repaired, reused, composted

  • Small-batch manufacturing to avoid overproduction

  • Thoughtful, recyclable packaging

Outcome:
Lower environmental impact and products designed for circularity.

Our Sustainability Framework (Founder-Led)

YogaKargha’s sustainability initiatives are guided by our founder, Neha.  

Her mission is to merge Indian craft heritage with global sustainability principles.

Neha’s approach integrates Systems thinking, Life-cycle awareness, Material innovation research, Women-led community development, Responsible product design, Global sustainability frameworks (SDGs, circular economy, low-carbon design), This framework ensures that sustainability is embedded at every stage.

Environmental Impact Highlights

100% natural, biodegradable fibres

Eliminates microplastic pollution caused by PVC/TPE yoga mats.

Craft-based production (handloom)

Zero electricity usage during weaving → dramatically lower carbon footprint.

Minimal-waste process

Scraps repurposed into coasters, straps, fillers and accessories.

Plastic-free packaging

Transitioning fully to recycled paper and jute solutions.

Social Impact Highlights

Women artisan empowerment

Consistent income, home-based work, families supported.

Skill preservation

Traditional weaving supported across clusters.

Ethical sourcing

All yarns purchased from small mills and cooperatives.

Inclusive growth

Urban, semi-urban and rural artisans working together.

Why Sustainability Matters to Us?

Because yoga is not just a physical practice — it is a philosophy rooted in non-harm (ahimsa), balance, and awareness.

Our products are a reflection of this philosophy:
gentle on the body, gentle on the earth, and empowering for the hands that craft them.

We’re on a journey and we are constantly learning, improving, and integrating global sustainability best practices into our work.

If you have suggestions, collaborations, or want to join our mission, we would love to hear from you.

care@yogakargha.com