Industry Report


25 years of transparency, trust and accountability


As Mantis World celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, founder Prama Bhardwaj reflects on her pioneering journey, the evolution of the industry, and her vision for the future.


B


ack in 2000 we were all feeling relief as the widely feared ‘Y2K bug’ passed with minimal


disruption, Britney Spears was topping the charts with ‘Oops!... I Did It Again’ and organic cotton, ethical and sustainable textiles were terms as yet unheard of in mainstream media. There was however a growing recognition of the importance of environmental sustainability and the need for concerted global action to address environmental challenges. September of that year saw the United Nations adopt the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), among which were targets relating to environmental sustainability and integrating the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs.


Enormous benefit


I was fresh out of my postgraduate studies in Development Economics and realised the enormous benefit that could be brought to the community associated with my family-owned textiles factory in Tanzania, by launching a stock-backed, white label clothing business. So, I teamed up with a childhood friend specialising in advertising and product development, to create Mantis World.


Textiles have historically been the cornerstone of economic growth, serving as a primary driver of development in many nations. A fully vertical factory – where every step from spinning to sewing takes place under one roof – anchors economic growth within the community, fostering skill development, value addition, and product innovation, while reducing reliance on the volatility of commodities-based markets. Launching Mantis World provided an extra outlet for production, directly benefiting the 3,000 strong team of workers there, as well as all the ancillary industries that rely on the factory. In turn, it also brought a more ethical, sustainable model of clothing production to UK & European markets.


www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


Prama aims to transform the fashion industry by setting an example of how businesses can be both profitable and responsible


Since then, much has changed, primarily with regards to consumer awareness and demand for greater sustainability and ethics in the production of the clothes they wear. High profile exposes on the working conditions for producers of high-street fashion brands brought the less savoury side of cut-price textiles production to our TV screen. As an antidote to this fast fashion model, Mantis World has always aimed to offer printers, resellers and consumers the opportunity to buy high quality, ethically made clothing that’s built to last.


We maintain complete transparency about our supply chain and manufacturing processes, educating and empowering customers to make more environmentally conscious choices. Since 2020 all products have carried a scannable QR code on the care label, allowing wearers and buyers to instantly see the impact of their choice to go organic. These codes also connect wearers to the complete supply chain


behind their clothing – a USP that acts as a vital tool in cutting through greenwashing, informing choice and also pre-empting future legislative changes in this direction.


Raising awareness


Prama Bhardwaj founded Mantis World 25 years ago


I remain dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of the fashion industry on the environment and encouraging more sustainable consumer choices. As highlighted in our recent three-part video filmed during the organic cotton harvest in Tanzania. There are only 60 years of topsoil left, making its preservation critical. Topsoil is a vital carbon sink in the fight against climate change. Organic farming is inherently regenerative – it restores soil health, boosts biodiversity, and safeguards ecosystems. My vision extends beyond simply creating sustainable clothing. I aim to transform the fashion industry by setting an example of how businesses can be both profitable and responsible. Mantis World’s defining milestone in 25 years of leading ethical and sustainable textiles was earning B Corp certification last year – the first plain-label clothing brand to achieve this prestigious recognition.


Aside from the garments and textiles, I am a passionate champion of female empowerment. Being the first and only female founded brand in the industry, Mantis World to this day continues to have a majority female management team, mentoring and driving development and staff growth.


Everything that has been achieved has been a result of pulling together, amazing teamwork with everyone dedicating their energies towards our shared goals. I believe in paying it forward. Use your voice not just to ask the difficult questions but to champion others who are on the journey. Be respectful to all your stakeholders – customers, suppliers, team, community and the planet. As Mahatma Gandhi said: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”


January 2025 | 35 |


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