reCharkha: Making Sustainability Fashionable

The brainchild of an IT engineer turned CSR & Sustainability professional, reCharkha is dedicated to tackling the challenge of waste management, particularly that of non-biodegradable and hard-to-recycle plastics. 

reCharkha transforms waste plastic into handcrafted fabric using traditional Indian charkha and handloom techniques. Their range includes handbags, fashion accessories, office essentials, and home decor. Additionally, this initiative empowers tribal women and youth by offering livelihood through craftsmanship.

We make beautiful products for conscious consumers to use as alternatives to what they would otherwise purchase from conventional markets

Amita Deshpande, Founder- reCharkha

During the transition from offline to online operations, reCharkha recognised the importance of a reliable payment solution. This led to their partnership with PhonePe Payment Gateway.

Exploring reCharkha’s Pre-Pandemic Path & Challenges

In the pre-pandemic era, reCharkha’s sales heavily relied on offline channels, representing a significant portion of their total revenue—around 70%. Operating without a website, their business centred around selling at exhibitions, stalls, and their physical store. However, post-COVID-19, the necessity to pivot became apparent. Recognizing the need to adapt and ensure business continuity, reCharkha began its online operations. 

As the popularity of offline card payments decreased, reCharkha acknowledged the growing preference for UPI and other online payment methods among its target demographic. Thus, they wanted to adopt an online payment solution that enabled multiple payment methods to help scale their business further.

We appreciate solutions such as PhonePe Payment Gateway, which have simplified the process for businesses like ours to sell products online. With just a click on their phone, buyers can make their purchases seamlessly.

Amita Deshpande, Founder- reCharkha

reCharkha’s Shift to Success with PhonePe Payment Gateway

By integrating PhonePe Payment Gateway, reCharkha enabled multiple payment methods to cater to the varied needs of their customers, facilitating a seamless transition to accepting online payments with ease.

Additionally, by leveraging PhonePe PG’s Payment Links feature, reCharkha increased their conversions at offline events. This feature enabled buyers to pay via their preferred mode of payment, whether it be UPI, debit/credit card, wallet, or net banking, ensuring convenience for them.

With Payment Links, businesses can easily collect payments through links generated and shared with customers via any communication channel.

Presently, we are empowering over 25 women by offering them means of livelihood. These women come from diverse backgrounds including rural farming communities, various tribes, and urban underprivileged areas. For some, the prospect of leaving their homes was previously unimaginable, but now they are earning and contributing to their households.

Amita Deshpande, Founder- reCharkha