AGI Denim is to combine its advanced denim manufacturing technologies with American-grown industrial hemp processed and cottonized at Panda Biotech’s state-of-the-art facility in Dallas, Texas – believed to be the largest in the world.

Karachi-headquartered AGI has already made great strides in developing alternatives to traditional denim manufacturing and processing methods and this year has been awarded Gold Level Cradle-to-Cradle Certification for its latest hemp-based fabric material, Hemp X.

“Hemp, especially in its cottonized form, is an emerging champion in the world of fibres that can be made to create denim jeans,” said AGI product director Henry Wong, introducing Hemp X at the Kingpins Exchange online event on Wednesday (April 21^st). “Regulatory changes have opened up access and acceptance to growing hemp as a crop, with a range of commercial and consumer uses.”

As a perfect blend with cotton and other fibres, industrial hemp offers a host of environmental benefits that make it an exciting option for future use within the industry. It is proven to absorb more CO2 per acre than any forest or commercial crop and requires a fraction of the water needed by most major crops. In addition, it can grow in a wide variety of climates and soil types, is naturally resistant to most pests, and grows very tightly spaced – allowing it to even outcompete most weeds.

Panda Biotech’s hemp is an easily traceable, US-grown product that offers complete visibility and quality assurance within an industry that is still trying to address the issue of transparency within its supply-chain. The collaboration allows both companies and their brand partners to identify, track and trace the hemp fibre as it moves along the supply chain from raw to finished goods.

With its exclusive one-year deal with Panda for the Pakistan denim industry, AGI Denim expects to now further scale its use of sustainable raw materials.

“This partnership with Panda Biotech is an excellent opportunity for AGI,” said executive director Hasan Javed. “What we found most compelling about this ground-breaking, female-led company is the traceability angle that goes right back to the American farmer.

“Given hemp’s incredibly positive impact on the environment, we strongly believe that it is the future and the way forward.

“We are excited to work with AGI, and applaud their commitment to implement transformative processes that will better both the environment and the jeans they manufacture,” said Dixie Carter, president of Panda Biotech. “The pace of fashion is unsustainable and we are on the cusp of great change as brands and manufacturers make increasingly aggressive commitments to producing sustainable products with renewable processes. Industrial hemp will play a pivotal role in satisfying this growing market demand.”

www.pandabiotech.com

www.agidenim.com