From waste to wardrobe

Golden Feathers, a Jaipur-based startup founded by textile engineer Radhesh Agrahari, transforms chicken butchery waste into sustainable fabrics, paper, and bags. The company processes feathers through a 27-step sanitisation method using steam treatment and natural soaps rather than chemicals.

One kilogram of broiler chicken yields approximately 650 grams of edible parts and 350 grams of waste. Different feather types serve distinct purposes: tail feathers for fabric, body feathers for commercial paper.

Product and impact

The resulting feather shawls are priced at Rs 10,000 (versus Rs 1 lakh for pashmina) and provide superior warmth.

Since 2019 establishment, the company has recycled 500 tonnes of chicken waste and annually upcycles 57,000 kilograms of feathers. Nearly 1,200 tribal women have been trained and employed through the initiative.

Recognition and expansion

The company has garnered recognition at Lakme Fashion Week and Seoul Design Festival, with applications pending for carbon credits. Funding from Brij Incubator supports scaling and global expansion to US and European markets.