Innovation

Jenny Rasija shared with us the story of their authentic collection:” The primary goal of Razafindrabe Collections is to produce biodegradable handcrafts with natural materials such as raffia palms, corn, and leather”. The process consists of transforming those materials into beautiful, innovative and inspirational items. “Our creations are the evidence that it is possible to create something luxurious out of natural materials while keeping innovation at the heart of every single item”

The collection embodies an innovative spirit, brought to life by combining a variety of natural products in ways that meet contemporary needs and expectations. Historically, cow’s horns served as tools and ornamentation for craft. Today, the collection extends beyond horn and includes leather and aluminum too, they have also engaged in creating items that could be used to make the home interior smell good.

Uniqueness and innovation inspire every chapter of the collection’s success. While most businesses today use fabricated materials to manufacture their products, Razadindrabe stays authentic and environmentally friendly using unique and distinctive approach with natural and pure materials.

Inspiration

The idea of transforming natural raw materials into innovative and beautiful inspirational items comes from the old tradition of producing Raffia baskets in Madagascar. However, the idea was then improved by Razafindrabe founders as they observed a new trend of producing Raffia baskets with different features and colors, so they noticed that many other products can be produced by the same raw materials used for baskets production. Consequently, the firm has grown to become a great inspirational exporter of luxurious handcraft items in Madagascar.

Overall impact

The Madagascar Artisanal business Razafindrabe provides an example of how social entrepreneurs can keep the balance between making sustainable profit and being socially responsible. By transforming biodegradable raw materials into luxurious decorations, the handcraft design business not only creates value within the nation’s economy, but also inspires local business owners to use environmentally friendly raw materials in their production process. The primary raw materials used by the firm are leather, corn, cow’s horns, and especially Raffia palms which grow heavily in many tropical African countries including Madagascar and Mozambique. In addition, one of the main objectives of Razafindrabe is to raise awareness about environmental protection in the region and promote peace in the country. Razafindrabe’s Raffia use encouraged local producers to improve their cultivation practices too. Now the Raffia palms in Madagascar can be used for more purposes than just making baskets.

Business benefit

Razafindrabe Collections launched in 2010. It has developed a good reputation for its natural products and ensures a substantial profit, which allows it to expand and offer more than 20 jobs for underprivileged people within the village. Its quality products have also gained a loyal and trusting customer base.

Social and environmental benefit

Razafindrabe’s primary concern is to use 100% natural, biodegradable and reusable materials. The company is committed to positively impacting the environment from the procurement of the raw material to the shipment of the final products. Moreover, Razafindrabe reduces water consumption in the production process whenever possible. Razafindrabe employs many deprived people from the same village where the factory is located. The company also supports primary schools. Knowing that many people in Madagascar cannot afford to live, parents push their children to work, even if in critical conditions. In fact, during the previous years the company used to give 10% of its profits to primary schools, but since 2016 it went beyond this reaching 20% of the company’s profits.

Interview

Jenny Rasija, Razafindrabe collection