ABSTRACT
The growth in the apparel retail industry there are a large number of clothing that is discarded from households much earlier than its life. Indian traditions promoted the use of secondhand clothes from older members in the family to younger ones. Used clothing is reused when given in charity or sold as secondhand clothes for which there is a great demand owing to the large population in both rural and urban India. Whether used clothes are passed on for reuse, given in charity, or exchanged for economic gains, the key word is recycling. The process of reuse and redistribution of used clothes in India is underresearched. Earlier studies indicated that the homemakers, nowadays, lack time and motivation to develop products themselves from their discarded family clothing. With the aim of promoting recycling, products can be made using used clothing. An experimental design is used to explore the possibilities of getting the products made for the homemakers by women of self-help groups in Mumbai, thus providing opportunities for income generation. The purpose of this study is to understand the consumer acceptability of the products. The women trained who had received skill training in basic stitching and bag making were selected by purposive sampling to develop sample products. Additional training in sorting, color coordination, mix and match, and better finishing was given. Pricing and costing and inculcating a spirit of competitiveness were areas that needed to be developed. Additional inputs in sourcing for lining, interlining, canvas, fasteners, and trims were provided. Further support was required in developing of 14 utility products. The products were divided into two categories-miscellaneous products and bags. The products have been tested for consumer acceptability in terms of design details, price, and functionality. Six products in all received favorable responses. There is a need to diversify and customize products. Creating awareness of the recycling facility will be important more for the environmental concern than economic benefits.
