The Colours of Nature
History and today’s organisation
Spanish Jesus Ciriza Larraona created the unit at Auroville’s Aurobrindhavan community in 1993. Now based at Auroshilpam, it has grown steadily over and provides an eco-friendly dyeing alternative in order to protect the environment.
Natural dyeing covering the entire palette, using not only the indigo plant but many different plants and processes. 80 people working (depending on lockdown rules less) at the site near Kottakarai, industrial zone. Some major brand clients (e.g. conscious label Story Mfg.) as well as small-scale local dyeing. Showroom on site as well as outlet in Kuilapalyam and selling at Boutique d’Auroville, Visitor’s centre. Large installation of natural indigo fermentation vats supported by Levi Strauss & Co., who chose Jesus to be a part of their first Collaboratory water saving program along with nine other people from across the globe.
Vision and Mission
To provide an eco-friendly dyeing alternative to disrupt the polluting supply chain of synthetic dyes.
Leaders & Team
Jesus Cirriza Larraona remains the Executive since 1993, now joined by Tom Mo as co-executive with a Hemplanet fabric and dyeing link. Jesus’ wife Aurovilian Joana is also very actively working with the unit. Whilst Jesus has the oversight and continues to experiment to improve the processes, Joana coordinates much of the tailoring, embroidery, and dyeing work, including quality control. 80 people working (depending on lockdown rules less) at the site near Kottakarai, in Auroville’s industrial zone.
Opportunities at The Colours of Nature
- Organize workflow by assigning responsibilities and preparing schedules
- Oversee employees
- Ensure the safe use of equipment and schedule regular maintenance
- Check production output according to specifications
- Submit reports on performance and progress
- Identify issues in efficiency and suggest improvements
- Train new employees on how to safely use machinery and follow procedures
- Enforce strict safety guidelines and company standards
Support the unit with any ad hoc tasks, from lead to sales and from order to end product and beyond