Consumer-Waste Textile Art

Consumer-waste textile art is being advanced in Pakistan through the work of Dhundli Zameen, an initiative founded by academic and designer Sana Khan. The concept emerged in 2019, following the government’s ban on single-use plastics, which initially inspired the production of sustainable bags and later expanded into a made-to-order clothing line.

At the core of Dhundli Zameen’s work is the revival of traditional craft practices and the promotion of a zero-waste fashion movement. Cotton fabric scraps are repurposed into 'Rilli,' a traditional patchwork quilt or bedspread characterized by vivid geometric patterns and vibrant colors. This artisanal practice is deeply rooted in rural culture, where women often gather in household courtyards after working in the fields to create these textiles collectively.

By reimagining waste as a resource, the initiative not only preserves cultural heritage but also challenges prevailing practices in Pakistan’s fashion industry, fostering sustainability through community-based craftsmanship and circular design principles.

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