GURUGRAM, 13 October 2026: The Body Shop India, in partnership with Plastics for Change, is supporting a skill development initiative aimed at creating additional livelihood opportunities for women from waste-collector communities. The programme will equip women with practical skills in tote-bag making, while exploring opportunities to connect their work with potential markets.
Building on the partnership between The Body Shop and Plastics for Change, established in India in 2019 under the brand’s Community Fair Trade programme, the initiative extends the collaboration’s focus on community livelihoods and environmental responsibility. While the existing partnership supports waste collectors through the sourcing of recycled plastic for product packaging, this initiative explores a complementary approach through skill development and the reuse of discarded textiles.
Over 60 days, participants will receive hands-on training in stitching, embroidery, design, finishing, quality control and product development. The programme is designed to help women develop practical skills that could support additional sources of household income and open up further economic opportunities.
The initiative will use discarded textiles and waste cloth as raw materials, transforming them into functional tote bags. Alongside training, Plastics for Change is working to develop market linkages through institutional and bulk buyers, retail channels, exhibitions and corporate partnerships. These efforts aim to create sales opportunities for the products and support the longer-term viability of the initiative.
Commenting on the initiative, Rahul Shanker, Group CEO, Quest Retail, said, “Our partnership with Plastics for Change has always been about recognising the people behind the materials we use and supporting better livelihood opportunities for waste-collector communities. With this initiative, we are building on that commitment by creating space for women to develop new skills and explore additional income-generating opportunities. By bringing together skill development, the reuse of discarded textiles and access to potential markets, we hope to support a model that creates value for both people and the planet.”
Shifrah Jacobs, Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of Plastics for Change, said, “For us, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities means going beyond immediate support to helping communities build skills and explore new avenues for income generation. Through this initiative, we aim to equip women with practical skills in tote-bag making while working to connect their products with potential markets. By bringing skill development and textile upcycling together, we hope to create opportunities for women to participate in a more circular and inclusive economy.”
The initiative reflects The Body Shop India’s continued commitment to connecting environmental responsibility with community development. By supporting practical skills and working towards stronger market linkages, The Body Shop and Plastics for Change aim to help women explore new economic opportunities while giving discarded textiles a productive second life.
About The Body Shop
Founded in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is a global beauty brand. The Body Shop seeks to make a positive difference in the world by offering high quality, naturally inspired Skincare, Bodycare, Haircare, and Makeup produced ethically and sustainably. The Body Shop India operates in India through its partner Quest Retail, A leading Beauty Specialist Omni Channel Retailer and Brand development company in India. Quest Retail has been a pioneer in bringing Beauty Retail and Brand concepts to India since 2006.
About Quest Retail
Founded in 2006, Quest Retail is the leading, beauty-focused, specialty retailer in India – bringing the most loved global brands alive through the multi-channel expertise, powerful storytelling and deep community connect. For over 20 years, we have launched and scaled leading global beauty and retail brands in the dynamic Indian subcontinent. Our entrepreneurial agility and commitment to exceptional service have fueled high growth for global brands in our markets. From the start, we’ve been at the forefront of the fast growing Indian retail industry, building innovative services, omni-channel distribution, robust store networks, and engaging online presence. With a deep commitment to sustainability, everything we do aims to make a positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve. Our key verticals include House of Beauty – a new age beauty division with expertise in scaling global prestige beauty brands via premium distribution. Our expanding portfolio includes The Body Shop, Avon, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner, among others.
