Neela Blue Shares the Secret to Pakistan’s Denim
Though the average Levi’s, Kiabi or Inditex jeans wearer may not know the name Neela Blue, the two-year-old Pakistan-based denim mill counts these key companies among its clients.
With a full state-of-the-art denim mill, and a track record for meeting its clients’ textile demands, the Sapphire Fibres–owned company is poised for continued success.
The Neela Blue team joined Carved in Blue for a chat about why Neela’s Australian cotton collection has been considered the best in the world, how its partnership with Lenzing is contributing to its green efforts and the secrets behind Pakistan’s bright future in the textile industry.
Carved in Blue: Tell us a bit about Neela Blue.
Neela: Neela Blue is a state-of-the-art denim fabric mill established in 2016 under Sapphire Fibres Limited in Lahore, a fully vertical operation with an initial annual production capacity around 20 million meters. With 40 years of experience in textiles and know-how. As Neela we are humbled to present novelty, trends and outstanding products to all our customers.
Carved in Blue: How is the current textile market in Pakistan?
Neela: This is the fourth largest cotton producing country. In the last two decades export of cotton fibers shifted to yarn, fabric and finished product. This country has a bright future in the textile industry due to domestic and international investments in textile finish production houses in the last decade, along with transfer of skills and technology.
Pakistan has the right connection with the world, having the deepest seaport, the highest roads and the oldest trading routes. And 60 percent of its youths have a passion to learn and a desire to discover.
Carved in Blue: What are some of the things Neela’s working on when it comes to sustainability?
Neela: At Neela, our vision is to contribute the best for nature. With this in mind, we have started our journey, designed and developed one of the first LEED (Gold) certified denim plants to ensure a minimum carbon footprint and to give our workers a healthy workplace. Our product development process is also engineered to ensure we adopt sustainable fibers, practices and processes to create a winning culture that can fulfill the needs of the future with minimum impact on nature.
Lenzing being our partner in the supply chain has been a guiding force in this regard. And our partnership with them is the manifestation of our core belief.
We have developed Australian cotton collection. It has been considered the best cotton in world with respect to sustainable farming practices.
Carved in Blue: How has TENCEL™ Lyocell supported your sustainability efforts?
Neela: We consider Lenzing to be a partner of Neela Denim in our sustainability model by providing sustainable fibers. We have developed TENCEL™ certified products and are promoting them.
Carved in Blue: What would you say is missing from the denim industry today?
Neela: Performance fabric and garments are missing in the fashion industry. There are more disposable garments on store shelves ever in our age.
Carved in Blue: Do you remember your first pair of jean?
Neela: Yes, it was a Levi’s jeans.
Carved in Blue: What city do you love most for denim inspiration?
Neela: Tokyo. We always find authentic denim jeans in the city, with nice detailing.
Carved in Blue: Where can brands and retailers find you?
Neela: We participate in Kingpins Amsterdam/New York/Hong Kong. Colombiatex.
Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?
Neela: Carved in Blue to us means timeless