In an inspiring partnership, three design enthusiasts have turned half a ton of pharmaceutical waste into beautiful, durable fabric used in furniture, marrying sustainability with striking aesthetics.
- Pharmaceutical waste upcycled into intricate fabric for furniture
- Collaboration sparked by shared passion for sustainable design
- Collection features minimalist silhouettes and subtle hues
What happened
The story began with three creative minds—Jannat Gill and Sharon Sethi of Daera, and architect Mallika Reddy of Cancelled Plans—who converged over a love of sustainable design and a desire to repurpose materials destined for landfill. Daera, a Delhi-based interior and product design studio, was founded in 2018 with a commitment to crafting stylish, eco-conscious furniture. Together with Mallika, they developed a unique collection that uses fabric made from 500 kilograms of pharmaceutical waste.
Their collaboration officially kicked off after an inspiring conversation during a wedding ceremony in Thailand in 2019. Jannat and Sharon’s expertise on colour and silhouette combined seamlessly with Mallika’s background in healthcare and passion for texture and pattern design. This fusion led to the launch of the Daera X Cancelled Plans collection, characterized by its minimalist furniture and upcycled materials.
Why it feels good
The initiative exemplifies how sustainability and design can go hand in hand to create not only beautiful but also ethically conscious pieces. By upcycling pharmaceutical waste—a highly specialized and otherwise difficult-to-recycle material—they tackle environmental challenges in a novel way, reducing landfill burden while advancing modern interior aesthetics.
This project also reflects the power of friendship and shared vision in turning small ideas into impactful ventures. Starting from a chance meeting and a genuine passion for art and design, the trio’s work demonstrates how creative recycling fosters hope for a future where waste is seen as a resource, inspiring consumers to think differently about their furnishings.
What to enjoy or watch next
Explore Daera’s wide range of furniture and home decor that reflects a careful balance of heritage inspiration and contemporary trends, including spaces reminiscent of Indian palaces and vintage art accents. The Daera X Cancelled Plans collection offers those looking to refresh their interiors a chance to own pieces with a story—furniture that is not only thoughtfully designed but made from materials that once might have been discarded.
Keep an eye on this trailblazing collaboration as it continues to innovate in sustainable design. Future collections promise to expand on their commitment to turning waste into wearable art and functional furnishings, encouraging more eco-friendly choices within the home décor market.