Since 2019 we have been running a series of features on the climate, where we chat with different Croydon businesses and individuals about the ways in which they combat the climate crisis. This time we catch up with Anna Pappachan K, who is just about to launch a business called CottonNest.UK, which creates artisan-made, sustainable, 100% pure cotton home textiles.

Croydonist: First of all are you a Croydon native or convert and what area do you call home?

Anna: I’m originally from South India, specifically Kerala, but Croydon has been home since 2021. Right now, I live in Purley, Croydon with my husband and our one-year- old baby. As a working mother, life is beautifully busy, and over the past few years Croydon has truly grown to feel like home for us, a place where we’ve built connections and become part of a vibrant, welcoming community.

Croydonist: Tell us about CottonNestUK and why you decided to launch the business.

Anna: CottonNest is a small initiative I started for myself. As a mother of a one-year-old, alongside my daily job and motherhood, I felt the need to do something more, something that truly reflected me. I didn’t want to look back in 10 years and regret not starting. From childhood, I’ve always loved pure cotton home decor, especially bedsheets, duet covers, bath towels, table cloths etc.

When I moved to the UK, I found it really hard to find pure cotton pieces. I often had to bring them back from India during vacations or order them online, especially from Jaipur: a place I admire deeply for its beautiful prints and artisan work. For me, it’s not just about home decor, it’s also about preserving and sharing a piece of our culture here in the UK. Whenever I searched in local shops, pure cotton items were either too expensive or replaced with synthetic blends that just didn’t feel as comfortable. Before I even thought of launching the brand, I asked our wholesale team to send me a few pieces for personal use. Only after I was fully satisfied with the quality did I decide to move forward. And that’s how Cotton Nest was born, from a mix of passion, personal need, and the wish to bring authentic, affordable, and cultural cotton decor into more homes.

Croydonist: How important is sustainability in your business, and how do you reduce your environmental impact?

Anna: Sustainability is really important to me, both personally and as part of CottonNest. That’s why we work only with pure cotton and focus on creating products that last. All of our block printing and stitching is done by hand, which naturally reduces machinery use and energy consumption. We also try to minimise waste at every step, even the small offcuts of fabric are given a purpose instead of being thrown away. I’ve also kept our packaging eco-friendly and plastic-free from the very beginning. For me, it’s all about making mindful choices that care for both the planet and the artisans behind each piece.

Croydonist: Tell us more about where the cotton is made and CottonNestUK’s connection with the craftspeople?

Anna: At CottonNest, our products are crafted from pure cotton sourced in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, a region renowned for its rich textile traditions and skilled craftsmanship. We work closely with local artisans who have spent generations perfecting their techniques in weaving, dyeing, and tailoring. Each piece is thoughtfully made, combining authentic craftsmanship with modern design to bring you products that feel as good as they look. Our connection with these craftspeople is built on mutual respect, fair working practices, and a shared passion for quality and creativity. By partnering directly with artisan communities in Jaipur, we’re proud to support traditional skills, ensure fair livelihoods, and celebrate the artistry behind every CottonNestUK creation.

Croydonist: How do your products differ from other cotton products you might go and buy in the Whitgift Centre?

Anna: CottonNest products stand apart because of the quality, craftsmanship, and fabric that go into every piece. Unlike mass-produced cotton items you might find at a shopping centre, our products are handcrafted in Jaipur, Rajasthan, using pure percale cotton — a fabric known for its crisp, cool, and breathable texture. Percale cotton is woven with a tighter, one-over-one weave, giving it a smooth matte finish and exceptional durability. It stays fresh and comfortable, wash after wash, making it perfect for those who value both comfort and longevity.

Each item is made by skilled local artisans who take pride in their work, ensuring every detail meets the highest standard. With CottonNest, you’re choosing authentic craftsmanship, fair production, and premium cotton that truly feels different.

Croydonist: What three things would you encourage Croydon residents to do when shopping for home textiles to help minimise their impact on the planet?

Anna: Choose natural and sustainable fabrics: opt for materials like pure cotton, organic cotton, or linen instead of synthetics. These natural fibres are biodegradable, breathable, and much gentler on the planet.

Buy quality over quantity: Invest in well-made, long-lasting pieces that you truly love and can use for years. Durable textiles, like our percale cotton range, reduce the need for frequent replacements and help cut down on waste.

Support ethical and local brands : Look for companies that work directly with artisans, ensure fair wages, and are transparent about their sourcing and production. Supporting responsible brands helps sustain both communities and the environment.

Croydonist: Your business is launching in time for Diwali – how will you be celebrating Diwali in Croydon this year?

Anna: As South Indians, we usually celebrate Diwali in a simpler, more personal way compared to the grand celebrations often seen in North India. For us, it’s a time to connect with friends and family. Friends come over with sweets, we sit together, talk, share meals, and enjoy those warm, relaxed moments. We also love a bit of festive shopping to make the day feel special. This year’s Diwali is extra meaningful for us because we’re also launching CottonNest during the festival. It feels like the perfect time to begin something new, a celebration of light, creativity, and craftsmanship. So, while our Diwali in Croydon will be simple and full of togetherness, it will also mark an exciting new beginning for CottonNest, bringing a touch of Indian artistry and tradition to our community here.

Thank you to Anna for chatting with us. You can follow CottonNestUK on Instagram.

Images and footage courtesy of CottonNestUK.

Posted by Julia

If you missed the other features in our Croydonist climate series you can read them below.

First in our Croydonist climate series was fashion, with Croydon Community Clothes Exchange – read it again here.
Second in our Croydonist climate series was travel, with eco-conscious luggage brand OneNine5 – read it again here.
Third in our Croydonist climate series was pets, with eco pet food brand Scrumbles – read it again here.
Fourth in our Croydonist climate series was art, with Tina Crawford’s ‘What a Waste’ exhibition – read it again here.
Fifth in our Croydonist climate series was shopping, with refill shops ‘Pedrick’s Zero Waste Shop’ and ‘Roots & Cycles’ – read it again here.
Sixth in our Croydonist climate series was party gifts with Plastic Free Party bags – read it again here.
Seventh in our Croydonist climate series was eco textile plant pot brand Knttd – read it again here.
Eighth in our Croydonist climate series was climate-smart coffee company Coromandel Coast – read it again here.
Ninth in our Croydonist climate series was local environmental group Croydon Climate Action – read it again here.
Tenth in our Croydonist climate series was the eco-community art project Norwood Junkaction – read it again here.
Eleventh in our Croydonist climate series was the eco-friendly wrapping paper company Deleco – read it again here.
Twelfth in our Croydonist climate series was Aycorn Garden Design – read it again here.
Thirteenth in our Croydonist climate series was microgreens business Hamsey Greens – read it again here.
Fourteenth in our Croydonist climate series was about Sustainable Thornton Heath – read it again here.
Fifteenth in our Croydonist climate series was about Arcadia – the arts festival that responds to the climate crisis – read it again here.