Fine Thread’s Journey Towards Sustainability in Pakistan’s Textile Industry

The textile industry is notorious for its environmental impact, contributing 10% of global carbon emissions annually, according to a 2020 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. In Pakistan, the situation reflects global trends, with many textile companies lagging in the adoption of eco-friendly practices. This gap in sustainability presents a significant challenge, particularly given the increasing international demand for environmentally conscious products.

Founded in 2000, Fine Thread has established itself as a quality-driven brand in Pakistan’s textile sector. However, in 2020, after completing his education, Ali Asghar envisioned a new direction for the company. He recognized the urgent need to align with global shifts toward sustainability in response to rising consumer demand. “The world is evolving,” notes Ali. “International buyers increasingly seek sustainable materials, and our reliance on imports from China was both costly and inefficient.”

To bridge this gap, Fine Thread developed an innovative blend of 50% PET fiber (recycled plastic) and 50% polyester, thereby reducing reliance on virgin materials without compromising quality. However, bringing sustainability to the forefront was no easy task. Traditionally, dyed threads were sourced from expensive multinationals, but Fine Thread made the bold decision to in-source their dyeing process, ensuring control over both quality and sustainability.

Fine Thread became Pakistan’s first company to achieve OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Appendix 6 Class 1 certification, guaranteeing that their threads are free from harmful substances, a critical requirement for baby garments. The company also made significant investments in wastewater treatment to ensure that no toxic chemicals are discharged into the environment.

Despite these milestones, promoting sustainable practices in Pakistan remains challenging. Sustainable materials can be up to 90% more expensive than conventional alternatives, making cost a significant barrier. Fine Thread also invested 15 million rupees to obtain sustainability certifications.

Fine Thread’s transformative journey has been significantly boosted by the National Incubation Center, Faisalabad. Mentorship from industry leaders like Umair Sheikh, their startup coach, has been instrumental in scaling the company’s operations. As Fine Thread continues to innovate, it is setting a new standard for sustainable textile production in Pakistan, demonstrating that profitability and environmental responsibility can coexist.