Entrepreneur Uses Natural Fibres to Create Sustainable Design

FDT Bureau

At first glance, the list of greens might seem like Shruthi Prakash’s favourite plants for a garden, but a deeper look reveals a different story. Shruthi, a 28-year-old entrepreneur from Chennai, has been building a remarkable eco-friendly home décor and sustainable furniture brand since 2022. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

Founded with the vision of integrating sustainability into everyday life, Ombak, which translates to a large wave in Bahasa, offers decor that rivals mainstream options often made from plastic, finished wood and treated fabrics. Shruthi’s narrative is beautifully reflected in the items around her, crafted from natural fibres like banana fibre, water hyacinth and seagrass. These materials are not only aesthetically pleasing but also eco-friendly, addressing the growing consumer demand for sustainable products.

Shruthi’s transition from a business development professional to an entrepreneur involved significant changes. Her interest in home design was sparked while managing design and marketing for real estate brands within her family’s advertising business. Her passion for natural fibres led her to establish Ombak, inspired by the eco-friendly practices she encountered in Indonesia.

Ombak is a blend of her love for design and commitment to social impact. According to her, the brand is not positioned as a gold standard but as an effort to incorporate sustainability in everyday life. The brand sources materials from both India and Indonesia. While rattan is procured from Indian artisans in Kerala, banana fibres, seagrass and water hyacinth are sourced from Indonesia. This choice is driven by both aesthetic considerations and the practical availability of these materials. For instance, water hyacinth, often deemed a weed due to its rapid growth, is used to create beautiful and functional decor.

Shruthi’s commitment to exploring sustainable materials continues as she looks into the potential of paper and raffia palm. Her journey reflects a dedication to valuing and repurposing what others might discard, and her experiences underscore the importance of integrating sustainability into design practices.

Ombak’s creations, including baskets, mirrors, lamps and furniture, all reflect this commitment. Shruthi’s goal is to establish a studio that serves as a one-stop destination for natural fibre products. Despite the challenges of changing consumer mindsets and competing with unsustainable alternatives, she advocates for a more mindful approach to home décor, aiming to make sustainability a habitual choice rather than a distant goal.

Image credit: Ombak