Pakistani textile innovation shines at Heimtextil 2024

Eco-friendly fabric made from maize waste captures global attention

FRANKFURT:

A Pakistani textile firm’s collaboration with a Danish material science company has resulted in the production of eco-friendly yarn and fabric from maize waste. The prototype was initially unveiled at the Heimtextil exhibition, a global textile fair. Towel products catering to newborns, infants, and individuals with skin sensitivities will be crafted from these sustainable materials. Following a successful trial, commercial production of yarn from corn and sugarcane waste is slated to commence in Pakistan.

At Heimtextil 2024, the world’s largest home textile industry exhibition, the fabric created from bio-engineered yarn by Pakistani textile firm Feroze 1888 Mills Limited, in partnership with Danish material science company Pond, stole the spotlight. Bioengineering textile fabric is a burgeoning trend globally, with a focus on creating sustainable products for the environment, businesses, and consumers. The demand for fabric made from natural ingredients, particularly organic and agricultural products, coupled with recycling, is rapidly increasing.

To maintain its standing in the global market, the Pakistani textile industry must diversify into new materials beyond traditional options like cotton and polyester. The production of yarn and fabric from corn and sugarcane waste by a Pakistani firm indicates a proactive approach by major players in Pakistan’s industry, showcasing an awareness and embrace of global market trends that surpass competitors.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Martin Jensen, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Pond, elucidated the collaboration at the Heimtextil exhibition. He said Pond’s focus on producing bio-engineered yarn from natural ingredients and agricultural waste like grasses, coffee plants, sugarcane husks, and corn husks. Jensen highlighted the global recognition received by big brands utilizing Pond’s fabric in clothing and joggers.

Read Pakistan to shine at Heimtextil 2024 trade fair

Jensen noted the keen interest shown by Feroze 1888 Mills Limited in Pond’s technology, leading to the production of a special fabric in Karachi under a joint project. This fabric, derived from corn husks, stands out for its softness, suppleness, and skin-friendly qualities, coupled with a significantly low electrical charge compared to polyester fabric.

Attributing the preference for Pakistani firms over those in India and Bangladesh to Pakistan’s prominent position in the home textile industry, he expressed satisfaction with the positive reception of the new fabric at Heimtextil. He anticipates further collaboration phases, including the production of bio-engineered yarn in Pakistan and partnerships with additional Pakistani firms.

Deputy General Manager of Planning, Development, and Innovation at Feroze 1888 Mills Ltd., Aamir Shabbir Ansari underscored the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The collaboration with Pond aligns with the company’s sustainability goals. Ansari shared that the fabric from corn waste, produced in collaboration with Pond at the Karachi facility, marks a significant contribution to Pakistan’s positive global image.

As a pilot project, the fabric has been developed from corn waste, blended with 50% cotton. Following the successful trial, commercial production is planned under favourable business conditions, with a flexible blend of 10% to 50% bioengineered yarn based on product and customer demand.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2024.

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