Handlooom.com: Unveiling the Dhoti’s Story with Blockchain

In a groundbreaking move, Handlooom.com, a handmade clothing’s brand,  is set to become the pioneering handloom brand globally to incorporate blockchain technology into its products. This innovative step aims to enhance transparency, traceability, and trust in the handloom industry, starting with the onboarding of a cooperative society from Chendamangalam, Cochin, Kerala.

This region has prospered as the handloom center of the Devang Chettiar community since the 17th century. The story of Chendamangalam handlooms officially began at the Paliam Palace when a trader from the Chaliyan lineage presented the finest fabric to the king.

Chendamangalam faced devastating floods in both 2018 and 2019, leaving its weavers and artisans in dire straits. Numerous celebrities lent their support, championing Chendamangalam’s weaving heritage and aiding in the reconstruction of destroyed looms. Their united efforts resonated across India, bolstering cooperative societies and weaving communities. However, just as the looms were on the path to recovery in 2021, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic dealt another blow. With limited offline avenues, we stepped in, purchasing their products and showcasing them on Amazon India and Amazon North America, including the US, Canada, and Mexico.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with Chendamangalam dhotis emerging as top sellers for three consecutive quarters with Amazon India. Encouraged by this success, we expanded our focus to the broader handloom industry, establishing our company and a public charitable trust. Our mission extended beyond Chendamangalam, encompassing other cooperative societies, self-help groups, and established charitable organizations. Through our D2C and B2B endeavors, we aim to promote and uplift these artisans, fostering sustainable growth and celebrating their craftmanship.

Chendamangalam, renowned for its handmade dhotis, holds a prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) certification. This certification signifies the unique qualities and reputation of the handloom products, especially dhotis originating from this region.

Unveiling the Dhoti’s Story with Blockchain

Through blockchain, every stage of your dhoti’s creation will be meticulously documented and securely stored. Here’s a glimpse into the remarkable journey:

  1. Source: We begin at the heart of Chendamangalam, collaborating with a weavers’ society. This region boasts several such societies, some exclusively women-run, all contributing to the vibrant textile tradition.

  2. Yarn Procurement: The high-quality yarns for our dhoti are sourced directly from government co-operative societies. This ensures fair trade practices and supports the local economy.

  3. The Art of Dyeing: Witness the magic unfold as weavers meticulously dye the yarns using specific dyes (details revealed on the blockchain ledger). This traditional process imbues the dhoti with its vibrant colors.

  4. A Looming Masterpiece: Immerse yourself in the artistry through a captivating video showcasing the weavers diligently crafting our dhoti on their looms. Each intricate movement speaks volumes about their time-honored skills.

  5. Material Matters: Rest assured, our dhoti is crafted from 100% pure cotton, as verified on the blockchain. The yarn count, another crucial quality indicator, will also be transparently documented.

  6. The Mark of Authenticity: Look for the prestigious Handloom Mark on our dhoti, a symbol of genuine handloom craftsmanship and a commitment to supporting Indian weavers.

  7. Peace of Mind: Our dhoti comes with a one-year warranty, details of which can be accessed on our website and verified on the blockchain.

Once the successful pilot run of our blockchain technology is completed for Chendamangalam coop society’s products , we are excited to extend our platform to include various other handloom weaving societies across India which are tied up with us and in that many of which currently lack a substantial online presence will be prioritized. Additionally, we will integrate products sourced from Master Weavers and Self Help Groups, who specialize in crafting exclusive handmade items for our marketplace.

We are currently working on launching marketplace feature also on our ecommerce platform, Handlooom.com, where these societies, self-help groups, and other charitable organizations dedicated to uplifting weavers and artisans can register as sellers. Our dedicated tech team will implement blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain of these products as well. This means capturing comprehensive details from the origin of raw materials to the final product, including weavers’ information and fair wages.

This initiative aims to combat the issue of counterfeit products prevalent in the market. Customers will have access to the entire supply chain of each product on our marketplace, providing them with peace of mind. Additionally, we offer a one-year warranty on our products. If within this period customers suspect any discrepancy regarding authenticity, they can return the product. Verification can be done through lab tests to confirm if the product is indeed handloom and made of 100% natural fibers.

We prioritize customer trust and satisfaction. By allowing customers to experience the product over time up to 1 year, they can discern the authenticity of handloom craftsmanship versus machine-made items. We guarantee that our platform will not endorse the sale of fake handloom products at inflated prices, often marketed as authentic.

Furthermore, this initiative benefits weavers and artisans by generating more opportunities for work as demand for genuine handloom products increases in the market. By digitally capturing and presenting the entire weaving process and supply chain journey through a simple scan of a chip & QR code, customers can make informed purchases, thereby fostering a mutually beneficial ecosystem for all stakeholders involved.

Why Choose Blockchain?

Lot of counterfeit products flood both offline and online markets, with sellers falsely claiming their goods originate from renowned GI certified regions. These deceptive practices extend to high prices, duping customers into believing they’re purchasing authentic handloom items from esteemed locales like Chendamangalam. This illicit trade not only deceives consumers but also undermines the integrity of genuine products and the efforts of legitimate artisans. Efforts to restructure and combat this fraudulent activity are imperative to safeguard consumers and preserve the authenticity of traditional crafts.

So, here blockchain technology utilizes a secure and tamper-proof digital ledger to record every step of our dhoti’s creation. This ensures:

  • Unmatched Transparency: Gain complete confidence in the authenticity and ethical sourcing of your dhoti.
  • Empowering Weavers: Blockchain empowers weavers by showcasing their skills and fair trade practices to the world.
  • Sustainable Practices: Track the origin of raw materials and ensure eco-friendly processes are followed.

With Handlooom.com‘s blockchain initiative, you’re not just buying a dhoti; you’re acquiring a piece of cultural heritage, woven with transparency, sustainability, and empowered craftsmanship. Handlooom.com‘s pioneering initiative sets a new standard for transparency and sustainability in the handloom industry. By embracing blockchain technology, they not only preserve age-old traditions but also propel them into the digital age, ensuring a brighter future for artisans and consumers alike. Join us on this transformative journey as we weave together tradition, innovation, and empowerment at Handlooom.com.

In our upcoming product line, each item will feature an NFC chip, enabling customers to effortlessly scan them with their smartphones. Through this innovative technology, you will gain access to a comprehensive overview of the entire supply chain journey, from raw materials to the finished product displayed in our store. We are currently in the final stages of implementing this groundbreaking approach to establish secure Digital Product Passports for every unique handcrafted item in our inventory. This initiative embodies our unwavering commitment to transparency, authenticity, traceability, and sustainability—core pillars of our ethos.

Stay tuned for further updates as we unveil the exciting world of handloom through the revolutionary lens of blockchain technology!

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