Project Details

General Information

Our proposal tackles the pressing issue of butchery chicken waste (BCW), a major environmental challenge. Millions of tons of feathers are discarded annually, leading to landfill overflow, methane emissions, and water pollution.

Golden Feathers, is a pioneering social enterprise redefining sustainability by inventing the world’s 6th natural woollen fiber—crafted entirely from upcycled butchery chicken waste. This eco-innovation is 10 times warmer, softer, and more durable than conventional natural or synthetic fibers. Through a 27-step natural sanitization process, chicken feathers are transformed into pulp and yarn used to create handloom cloth and wood-free handmade paper.

By upcycling 57,000 kg of waste annually and recycling over 1000 tons in three years, Golden Feathers has reduced its carbon footprint by over 7.76 billion kg. The project harmonizes people, society, and the environment by generating sustainable livelihoods for 2,000+ tribal women and upskilling 375+ semi-skilled workers, paying up to 20 times more than the average wage. From garments and quilts to stoles and stationery, each product reflects a commitment to circularity, craftsmanship, and ecological responsibility.

Creative Solution (Creativity/Innovation)

Golden Feathers takes a radically innovative approach by transforming one of the world's most problematic wet wastes—butchery chicken feathers, into the world’s 6th natural woollen fiber. Through 13 years of dedicated R&D, we developed a patented, chemical-free, 27-step natural sanitization process that converts waste into high-performance fiber, 10x warmer and more durable than traditional options. This biodegradable fiber is then used to craft handloom textiles and wood-free paper, replacing polluting synthetic & virgin materials. Our decentralized, craft-based production empowers tribal artisans, merging traditional skills with eco-innovation, offering a replicable circular model that simultaneously solves environmental pollution & unemployment in underserved communities.

Social Impact (Inspiration/Impact)

· Engaged over 150 rag pickers, integrating them into a sustainable value chain.
· More than 200 tribal women actively employed and empowered through dignified, skill-based work.
· Regular skill development programs conducted for tribal women to enhance craft and livelihood skills.
· A team of 60+ trained master artisans and weavers contributes to our product innovation and production.
· We follow the traditional practices through wet hand spinning, hand carding & handloom weaving.
· Our Muffler of only 65gm depletes 9kg of carbon footprint.

Participation/Cooperation

We regularly conduct skill development programs with self-help groups, NGOs, and marginalized tribal communities to enhance craft skills and create livelihood opportunities. Additionally, we collaborate with like-minded sustainable organizations on project-based initiatives to promote circular business models and drive inclusive, communitycentered, and environmentally conscious growth.

Vision for the Future

Our long-term vision is to build a craft village for tribal artisans, where traditional skills like spinning, weaving, dyeing, and handloom work are preserved and passed to future generations.By offering training and livelihood opportunities, we aim to ensure both cultural continuity and environmental sustainability. Golden Feathers’ circular, closed-loop model—rooted in upcycling poultry waste—is scalable, replicable, and socially inclusive. Having already upskilled 5,000+ tribal women, we’ve demonstrated how craft and climate action can go hand in hand. With minimal resource input and growing demand for eco-materials, we are poised to scale this model across India and global emerging markets.