Rajby Sets Sights on Becoming the Most Responsible Denim Manufacturer
While consumers keep snapping up denim, brands are working to figure out how to keep their supply chains ethical, responsible and sustainable—and this is where Rajby comes in.
The Pakistan-based mill wants to be the industry’s most responsible source for denim supply chains, from spinning to finished product, all the while following environmental and social compliance practices. The aim, for Rajby, is to support buyers in their sustainability goals, cater to their individual sourcing and production needs and be their first choice supplier in the current denim market for both quality and value.
Circularity rounds out Rajby’s mission, as the mill works to see beyond the current timeframe of the denim industry and analyze how the industry’s carbon footprint will affect Earth’s future. To accelerate that circularity, Rajby implemented a myriad of “green” initiatives, including installation of effluent treatment plants (ETPs), installing solar panels for a zero pollution impact and conducting energy audits to increase energy conservation. Lastly, the mill’s newest project is to become a “Green Factory,” which entails achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Carved in Blue caught up with Mudassir Nafees, Rajby’s CEO, to discuss the company’s responsible manufacturing approach, why ethics and sustainability matter for the denim supply chain and what it’s really going to take for the industry as a whole to embrace circularity and implement greener practices to protect the planet in coming years.
Carved in Blue: Can you tell us a little more about your company? What’s the company’s main mission for the denim industry?
Mudassir: In 1972, largest diamond “the Star of Sierra Leone” was unearthed, Munich Olympics were in full swing, NASA was launching satellites to observe earth from space, Cameroon was gaining independence from France. Meanwhile, two young enthusiastic men were sowing the seeds of a dream called “Rajby Industries.” Who knew that this seed of few stitching machines will blossom into this mega setup we see today. This is the result of our teams’ constant efforts to achieve excellence in all field related to our product, the real diamond of fashion industry, Denim. Rajby not only pride itself on its 2 million+ garment capacity with a support of 3 million+ fabric production capacity, but on ethical business practices, gender equality, equal opportunity and constant strive for innovation.
Our missions are as follows: Leading manufacturing setup with the best state of the art facility having complete process from spinning to finished product in house with the most ethical & responsible manufacturer in the areas of social and environmental sustainability compliance, and support buyers in their sustainability vision. The most advanced facility with in house Product Development and R&D teams to cater buyers with fabrics & product development in line with trends, with full capability of working with collection. Being the most flexible & efficient organizational model which caters buyers for their unique sourcing models and to the growing demands of speed to the market and the first choice supplier in the country for securing the “best deal.”
Carved in Blue: What sets Rajby apart from other denim mills in the market?
Mudassir: Rajby culture is designed to be structured in how we operate, yet entrepreneurial in how it encourages its employees to think, act and innovate. They encourage transparency and open-mindedness. Our strategies are based on circular vision: vision with the capacity to see around, beneath and beyond, to anticipate change and cope with disruptive changes in our industry. What sets us apart is the implementation of “green supply chain” program, which covers every aspect of the product we produce, from fiber to the way we design our production facilities with having the most modern and ethical organization, which offers best deal for product, quality, price and delivery in the most sustainable way and with speed to the market.
Carved in Blue: How do you incorporate sustainability into your products?
Mudassir: Sustainability is the core of any business. Being an important factor, we at Rajby believe in conducting our business operations without compromising on natural resources. We are committed to drive change and prosper, while leaving a smaller footprint on Earth for the generations’ to come.
We have implemented the following measures for a sustainable future: Installation of efficient treatment plants (ETPs) to minimize soil and water contamination. It is a 100% biological sustainable treatment for the removal of pollution load from wastewater with a treatment capacity 2200 m3/day.
We are also focused on solar energy. While generating energy, solar panels produce virtually zero pollution. Realizing their environmentally-friendly nature and with a focused sustainable approach, sonar panels have been installed in our factories.
We conduct regular energy audits at out laundry and based on the results, take all possible measures for energy conservation.
We, being a socially responsible organization, have earned a sound reputation by carrying out meaningful CSR activities that has helped communities to improve their quality of life that sustains. Our efforts were well acknowledged, as Rajby Industries was awarded for Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices at the prestigious 10th Annual CSR Awards 2018 Ceremony organized by the National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH) for strengthen its workers & communities in the health and education sector.
Carved in Blue: What’s next for Rajby this year?
Mudassir: Our new Upcoming Project: Green Factory – A major milestone for our upcoming factory is to be awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification: Spinning plant is in planning stage, capacity expansion, taking product development to the next level, collection capability and better capacity utilization with strategic planning and consistency.
Carved in Blue: What trade shows will you be exhibiting in for the coming year?
Mudassir: Rajby will be in the following trade shows: PV, Texworld and Kingpins.
Carved in Blue: A little about you now—when did you first know you were a blueblood?
Mudassir: In 1972, realizing the changing lifestyles and emerging fashion trends worldwide, the company shifted its focus to denim.
Carved in Blue: Do you remember your first pair of jeans?
Mudassir: The first pair of jeans was made in 1992. It was a basic five pocket jeans for a potential buyer.
Carved in Blue: Where do you find your denim inspiration?
Mudassir: We have an office in U.K. The team over there constantly seeks out gems for our inspiration in Pakistan office. Team of designers also visits denim hubs like Amsterdam, New York and Los Angeles frequently. We have a collaboration with a leading trend forecasting website. Instagram also provides a sense of consumer insights and street style.
Carved in Blue: What’s missing from the denim market today?
Mudassir: Denim is missing its soul right now: Earth. Constant pressure to produce low priced product with shorter lead times is taking a toll on the environment. Even though brands are working on this problem, for some it’s just a marketing gimmick and for others they are not doing enough.
Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?
Mudassir: It’s the engraving of indigo and cotton on each and every fragment of our DNA. The ‘Carved’ for us refers to something that has been artistically handmade such as a pattern or design. The ‘Blue” refers to pure Indigo. Carved in Blue is a perfect combination of Denim in today’s time for the perfect pair of jeans with every factor enhanced.