Welcome to the FIFTH episode of The Masters Edge, your go-to podcast where we bring you insights from Entrepreneurs, Professionals & Industry Leaders from diverse backgrounds.

In this episode of The Master’s Edge, we sit down with Senthil Sankar, Managing Partner of Shree Renga Polymers and co-founder of the sustainable clothing brand, Ecoline. From turning millions of plastic bottles into high-quality polyester fabrics to empowering his local community, Senthil’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a passion for sustainability. Born into a family of IIT-educated parents, Senthil took a different route, moving from a promising IT career to the world of recycling and manufacturing.

Through this conversation, we uncover the challenges Senthil faced while bootstrapping his company in a tier-three town in Tamil Nadu. He shares how he navigated financial struggles, including moments where all assets were staked, yet his determination never wavered. The perseverance paid off in an extraordinary way when Prime Minister Narendra Modi wore an Ecoline vest during a parliamentary session, a defining moment that catapulted the brand into the national spotlight. This incredible achievement is a testament to Shree Renga’s commitment to sustainable fashion and innovation, drawing the attention of top Indian officials and media alike.

Key takeaways from this episode: The importance of sustainability in the fashion and manufacturing sectors, as Senthil shares insights on recycling plastic bottles into wearable garments and how this impacts the environment. The journey from small-town entrepreneur to building a globally recognized sustainable brand, while facing financial and operational hurdles.

The story of how Prime Minister Modi’s choice to wear an Ecoline garment in Parliament became a significant turning point for the company. Senthil’s philosophy on perseverance, risk-taking, and his advice to young entrepreneurs on the value of bootstrapping and innovation.

The future of sustainable fashion and how Senthil is betting big on renewable energy and circular economies. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a sustainability enthusiast, or someone interested in how innovation is driving change in the textile industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Time Stamps:

(00:00:00) – Intro

(00:03:25) – Who is Senthil Sankar ?

(00:05:09) – His pursuit of Entrepreneurship

(00:18:55) – What is sustainability ?

(00:22:44) – Innovation and Birth of an Idea

(00:26:59) – From Plastics to Clothes – Ecoline

(00:32:53) – Overcoming Challenges

(00:37:54) – Managing your team

(00:41:03) – Tackling future problems

(00:43:42) – PM Modi Sustainable Clothing Story

(00:49:31) – Micro Plastics Handling Criticism & Ecoline Process

(00:56:21) – Importance of Family Support

(00:59:29) – Encouraging Startups & Social Initiatives

(01:09:06) – Final Note