ARIFF FAISAL AND HARIS KAMAL
Founders of Kualesa
After working in the corporate world for several years, Ariff Faisal looked for a purpose and a means to change the world. He found his true calling during a snorkelling trip when he was shocked to see an entire coral reef dead. Ariff later learned about the harmful effects synthetic fibres had on the environment.
Cheap synthetic materials have long been a staple in the fashion industry. They take a long time to decompose, while creating long-term pollution. What’s more, washing such clothes releases microplastics from the fibre which eventually ends up in the ocean.
After looking through his wardrobe, Ariff discovered that many of his clothes contained polyester; at that moment, his eco-conscious side woke up and he dove headfirst into the world of sustainable textiles.
Ariff recruited his best friend, Haris Kamal, to start Kualesa, a brand offering batik-printed polo shirts and solid-coloured polos and T-shirts for men; women’s wear is on the cards, too. This direct-to-consumer online apparel business uses bamboo lyocell, an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to the textiles most commonly used in the fashion industry.
The brand’s founder and chief executive says it made sense for the two friends to work together as Haris, the co-founder and chief operating officer, had experience working in the e-commerce industry and was familiar with setting up an online business.
The pair decided to use bamboo lyocell in their apparel because bamboo is a sustainable source due to its rapid regeneration: new bamboo shoots can reach their maximum height in just eight weeks, so there is already a recent shoot standing in the place of harvested bamboo.
Kualesa garments are soft and comfortable, and the fabric has temperature-regulating properties. “It is great for those who lead an active lifestyle; it is also biodegradable and crease-resistant,” says Haris.
To make the fabric, Haris explains that harvested bamboo is pulverised into pulp, then spun into textile fibre before it is woven into the final product, bamboo lyocell fabric. For Kualesa, the material is then printed or dyed with unique designs. Adding to the fabric’s sustainability is the fact that 99 per cent of the water and non-toxic chemicals used are processed, and recycled to use again. Thus, significantly reducing water consumption.
The two co-founders have also made it their mission to restore the rainforests of Malaysia by planting one tree in the rainforest for every order. Kualesa is working with the Orang Asli in Kuala Tahan in Pahang to strategically plant a variety of tree species while providing the people with meaningful work opportunities.
Just as the fashion industry constantly evolves, sustainable clothing is also changing. Ariff says they are exploring sourcing from other plants besides bamboo, including coconut husks, pineapple leaves, banana leaves and food waste. “The plantation industry is producing a lot of waste, and we see an opportunity to use excess material and turn it into clothes. We hope more brands will do the same in the future.”
He believes the market is ripe in Malaysia as many members of younger generations are eco-conscious and more informed. “There is a lot of information online on social media that exposes people to the message on how we all need to live a more sustainable life.”