In the vibrant and bustling streets of Chile, amidst the flurry of traditional textile factories, a remarkable story of sustainability and innovation is being woven. Meet Hilana Upcycled Cotton, a Chilean-founded company born out of a chance encounter and a shared passion for a greener future.
Five years ago, co-founders Pía Aspillaga and Francisca Sánchez embarked on a mission to breathe new life into solid waste by transforming it into everyday objects. What began as a venture into the unknown has since evolved into an inspiring journey that challenges the traditional narrative of the textile industry.
Hilana, with its unwavering commitment to sustainability, embraces an innovative approach: upcycling cotton waste, a byproduct of the textile industry. In doing so, they have sparked a transformation, proving that high-quality home textiles and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand.
From a humble beginning to its current position as a trailblazer in the textile industry, Hilana’s story serves as a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for our planet. Each product that comes from Hilana is not just a piece of cloth, but a piece of their journey, woven with stories of sustainability, responsibility, and a profound dedication to our world.
From Chance Encounter to Purposeful Venture
The inception of Hilana Upcycled Cotton was as serendipitous as it was purposeful. While on a family trip to Russia, Pía had an enlightening encounter with a Mexican family that shared their experience with textile recycling. Moved by their story and the potential of upcycling, Pía visited a textile recycling factory in Tlaxcala upon moving to Mexico City for work.
The visit was an eye-opener. Pía saw not only the overwhelming abundance of textile waste but also the enormous potential it held. The first collection was a custom project for a Chilean retail chain, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Buoyed by this success, Hilana decided to take the leap and expand internationally, relocating their production to Turkey to enhance quality and diversify their product range. The move also brought them closer to their goal of recycling more tons of cotton waste.
More than Just Textiles, It’s a Tradition
Hilana’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the choice of raw materials. Every aspect of their operation is designed to minimize environmental impact, from sourcing materials to production methods. This meticulous approach has seen the creation of a range of eco-friendly home textiles that are beautiful, functional, and incredibly durable. But Hilana is not just about transforming waste into wonders. They are also about preserving traditions. In the city of Denizli, they found a family of skilled Turkish artisans with a 40-year legacy in weaving. Working with these artisans brought Hilana closer to a traditional craft, which they now strive to preserve.
Over the years, Hilana’s relentless pursuit of their mission has led to significant recognition. From being finalists in CLIIQ 2019 to becoming a part of the fifth cohort of the Google Accelerator for Impact Ventures, the company has made its mark in the industry. They are also proud members of the Female Founder Collective and the Entreprenista League.
Recognition and Challenges
Perhaps the most rewarding recognition for Hilana, however, is the B Corp certification. This certification audits a company in five different areas, reinforcing Hilana’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The Canadian company GreenStory has also helped Hilana measure their impact.
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Hilana has shown resilience, experiencing significant growth. They are continually innovating, with plans to expand their product range to children’s bathrobes, kitchen cloth, and hand towels, proving that the future of textiles is not just in the fresh cotton fields, but also in the waste that has long been discarded.
Every Thread Counts
Hilana’s journey illustrates that with a little creativity and a lot of commitment, waste can be transformed into wonderful, functional products. More than just home textiles, Hilana’s creations are stories of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Each towel, robe, and blanket serves as a reminder that in the quest for a greener world, every thread counts.
