Flagship project
Improving labour, social and environment standards in Pakistan
Supporting 40 partner textile and garment factories in Pakistan to strengthen sustainability, circularity and product innovation, while connecting them with international buyers and new market opportunities.
The challenge
Pakistan’s textile and garment industry accounts for more than 50% of exports and employs around 15 million people. Yet many manufacturers remain positioned as cost-competitive, high-volume suppliers. As EU buyers raise their sustainability requirements, factories need stronger know-how, compliance and infrastructure in areas such as wastewater treatment, chemicals, resource and energy efficiency, pre-consumer waste and decent working conditions.
Our goal
Helping selected textile and garment factories develop more sustainable products, improve production practices and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. The focus is on sustainable materials and packaging, reduced water and chemical use, better product development and stronger links with European buyers through trade fairs, matchmaking and cooperation with brands, importers, agents and retailers.
Our approach
We started with baseline assessments and individual action plans for each partner factory. Based on these plans, factories received group training, one-to-one coaching and practical support in production processes, product development, sourcing and export marketing. At the same time, we supported the development of sustainable product designs and prototypes, helping factories expand their product range and move towards higher-value markets. International trade fairs, study tours and matchmaking created direct contact with European buyers. To ensure lasting know-how, in-factory mentors were trained to pass on knowledge within their own companies and beyond.
Impact in numbers
The project has shown how sustainability and business success can go hand in hand in one of the country's most important export sectors. Working with partner factories across all key business areas, it helped management and factory teams build practical know-how in sustainability and circularity and apply it directly in their operations and product ranges. International exposure at Texworld Paris, buyer-seller meetings and matchmaking events connected Pakistani companies with international customers and strengthened their market positioning.
Key highlights
- More than 40 partner factories strengthened their knowledge and performance in sustainable production, product development, sourcing and export marketing
- Partner factories moved beyond low-price, high-volume production towards higher-value, more sustainable and circular textile products
- Products presented at the Sustainable Pakistan Pavilion at Texworld Paris in 2023 and 2025, with special presentations, panel discussions and visibility on the Texworld Econogy platform; participation is planned again for spring 2027
- Individual buyer-seller meetings with around 30 potential customers in Düsseldorf and Stuttgart
- A matchmaking session with more than 60 leading German brands in cooperation with the German Fashion Association
- In-factory mentors trained to pass on knowledge within their own companies and beyond
Voices from the field
The study tour and our participation at Texworld Paris gave me the opportunity to learn from global sustainability leaders, explore innovative textile solutions, and better understand the future direction of our industry. These experiences have broadened my perspective and continue to inspire me to create more innovative, responsible, and sustainable products at MG Apparel.
The project worked really well. I would summarize the results in a few words: Valuable networking, market trend analysis, technology & research awareness, increased product development capacities and realization of opportunities. This success resulted from the planning and dedication of the organizers, who never missed even minor details.
The support we received was invaluable to our growth. Specifically, Thomas was incredibly helpful in guiding us on the marketing side, providing insights that truly elevated our approach. Additionally, Dana helped us in a great way with our products, ensuring we met the highest standards.
Success story
Shereen's role in shaping sustainable textile innovation
For Shereen Wasiq, Head of Product Development and R&D at Kohinoor Textile Mills, sustainable manufacturing is not only about better products. It is also about innovation, international competitiveness and the growing role of women in Pakistan's textile industry. "I am honored to have been part of the Sustainable Textiles Project Pakistan, representing Kohinoor Textile Mills Ltd.," she says. "It is a privilege to also represent the growing role of women in leadership, innovation, and product development, demonstrating that women are making meaningful contributions to shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing."
Her work focuses on developing home textile products that are both commercially viable and environmentally responsible. By combining sustainable raw materials with responsible manufacturing practices, she helps turn new ideas into products that create value for customers while reducing environmental impact. The project gave Shereen a platform to develop market-ready solutions and present them internationally. Showcasing these sustainable products at Texworld Paris 2025 was an important opportunity to demonstrate Pakistan's commitment to sustainability and strengthen its position as a textile manufacturing hub.
Her story shows how targeted support can strengthen sustainable production, open doors to international markets and help women professionals shape a more inclusive, resilient and globally competitive textile sector.
I remain committed to driving innovation, developing sustainable textile solutions that create value for customers while reducing environmental impact, and inspiring the next generation of women professionals to lead with confidence, creativity, and responsibility.
Shereen Wasiq · Head of Product Development and R&D, Kohinoor Textile Mills
Impressions
