Strengthening Existing Investments for Good Practice in the Apparel Industry

In conversation with Prisila, correspondent Asia Business Outlook Magazine, Farah highlights the advantages manufacturers gain from eco-friendly innovations via responsible sourcing and sustainable production practices. She addresses the challenges and obstacles currently faced by the denim industry to adopt this shift. Furthermore, Farah sheds light on the factors influencing the role of women leadership in the apparel industry.

Farah Iqbal Baig Muhammad, a premier denim supplier, is specialized in sustainable practices. She leads a female-majority board company, driving innovation in recycled yarn, denim fabric production and eco-friendly garment solutions. Since 2006, she has spearheaded a transformative journey fostering a greener future through relentless commitment to innovation, sustainable business practices, community upliftment and a progressive outlook.

Impacts of organic cotton production on the livelihood of smallholders and  socio-economic and environmental analysis.

In 2022, AFM achieved a major milestone with the launch of an organic cotton farming project in collaboration with WWF. The primary goal of the project is to cultivate sustainable cotton in a system that nurtures a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, enhancing soil quality, carbon storage and climate change responses, while prioritizing biodiversity. The initiative engages 1600+ farmers in ecological practices on over 8000+ acres of land in Baluchistan, Pakistan.

The project targets all the stages of the farming process: pre-harvest, harvest, and post-harvest where we administer quality parameters to establish an ecosystem. This means that all the stakeholders of the cotton supply chain, including women cotton pickers, ginners, brokers, and agents are involved. We work to impart knowledge about production of globally standardized top-tier organic cotton, empowering farmers of all categories. This effort results in a sustainable and scalable supply chain, enhancing product quality and securing farmers' livelihoods, thus yielding positive economic impacts for the community. An example of the economic impact on the community is that, when harvesting is done, AFM bids for the produce alongside other consumers so that the farmers earn a premium for their hard work. Hence, the project works to upgrade farming techniques, enabling improved pricing, and international market access. Fields that have adopted organic farming practice successfully demonstrate the project’s influence. An interesting by-product of this initiative is that not only the worked fields but, also the neighboring fields are positively impacted through organic practices.

Addressing the urgency to tackle the issues regarding climate change, focusing on and continuously redesigning our processes to decrease our carbon footprint by bringing sustainable products and becoming more circular. We are proud to tell you that in our current afm.Organic cotton project we are also working with our farmers to get regenerative cotton certifications.

Apart from agriculture, it empowers women cotton pickers offering income stability and endorsing education. We are increasing their skillsets so that during the off-season, i.e., when they are not working in the fields, they have alternate income sources. The initiative also supports schooling so that the children can work towards a better future and improve their livelihood. The organic cotton project is a fusion of socio-economic and environmental progress through the sustainable initiatives it is adopting. We feel strongly about it, and the inaugural harvest is going to come this year, so we have our fingers crossed about how it will go.

Latest developments and applications of enzymes in processing cellulosic textiles.

Cellulosic textiles encompass both natural cellulose-based fibers like hemp, linen, and cotton, as well as man-made variants such as viscose, lyocell, and modal. Their market share has become the third largest globally in a valuable surge. The demand for these fibers has doubled over the past three decades and further increase is projected. Enzymes are used in the textile industry to achieve sustainable and eco-friendly production processes. They offer a greener alternative to conventional chemical-based processes leading to positive outcomes such as reduced water consumption, energy efficiency, and lower environmental impact. Enzymes are employed in various stages of the process; for instance, when de-sizing they remove starch applied to bolster fabric integrity during weaving; bio-polishing eliminates protruding fibers that cause roughness, yielding a smoother texture; and bio-stoning imparts a distressed look mimicking wear and tear.

 Additionally, enzymes are employed to enhance dye absorption and ensure color uniformity on a cellulosic textile. Enzymes also play a role in waste treatment and sustainability ensuring compliance with regulations; for example, they help treat wastewater generated during textile processing. They emerge as pivotal agents fostering sustainable practices within the cellulosic textile industry.

Driving factors for companies of eco-innovation through responsible and to lead their business to be more successful

The denim industry is a huge contributor to global waste, and we must change that through recycling, innovating production methods and waste management. There are challenges to producing recycled denim fabric, from cotton staple lengths to innovating dyeing techniques, and producing durable and captivating merchandise for the end customer; navigating through these is a major part of establishing a system.

Through our recycling plant, we have developed various fabrics using recycled cotton which saves the water and energy during the dye and finishing process when compared to virgin cotton. It’s a holistic endeavor towards sustainable practices with a vision and a roadmap towards the goal of adopting sustainability and actively working to combat climate changes.

Sustainable solutions and responsible sourcing are a big investment, but the aim is for it to have a scalable impact with the support of all the stakeholders in the supply chain to build a connected community committed to reducing the climate crisis. The company’s efforts are grounded in transparency, education, and ethical benchmarks to create a better future for the coming generations.

Amplifying existing investments foster positive change in the apparel industry.

In the South Asian denim industry, addressing environmental concerns brings about substantial challenges. The manufacturing of sustainable fabric, recycling processes, and waste management all lead to increased production costs, decreased machine efficiency, and intricate processes; it requires thorough working and testing.  Apart from the production aspect, other challenges are sometimes lack of customer support and education of recycled product, lack of guidance from regulatory authority, high implementation and maintenance cost, and lack of green raw material suppliers. It is crucial to invest in technological advancement and consumer awareness, to propel the process, as a nation. Shifting towards eco-conscious strategies demands collaboration between manufacturers and brands to attain feasible circular practices. This collective approach involving all stakeholders sets the stage for revolutionized practices.

Factors influencing female progression in leadership positions in the apparel industry.

An empowered environment and shift in the mindset of people and culture of the company are vital for fostering female leaders. Companies must provide motivating settings and support; mentoring, training, educational programs, and workshops are a step forward to enhance this landscape with recognition and encouragement of their efforts following suit. For example, our organization currently holds workshops for both, men and women to hone teamwork and leadership qualities. This kind of training is important to change the mindset and the company’s environment. 

Conclusion: The business landscape is evolving, urging a collective shift towards responsible practices. Hence, our focus should align with a sustainable mission, mindful of the world we bequeath to future generations. Holistic strategies, encompassing production, community engagement, and inclusivity, are paramount; and unity is pivotal to inspire meaningful change on this journey.