Misconception Around Cotton’s Water Usage Has Created Ripple Effects on Denim Industry

Some 10–11 months ago, Soorty relaunched the website with the tag "a kinder version of denim". Now, that's a very emphatic assertion to make. In today's world, you need to substantiate and provide evidence for everything. Or else, it is nothing more than just a claim. So, how do you justify that "kind" assertion?
Our phrasing—"a kinder version of denim"—is deliberate and reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation. In a system that still has a long way to go before it can be considered truly inclusive for all stakeholders—our kindness is reflected in the way we source materials, produce our products, and engage with our communities.

First, our environmental practices provide clear evidence. Our LEED Platinum-certified facilities offered the highest safety tier for our workers. We use advanced wastewater recycling systems that recover up to 80% of water, significantly reducing our reliance on freshwater sources. We’ve also transitioned to on-site solar, wind and biomass energy, reducing our carbon footprint by millions of kilograms of CO₂ annually. Our Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated targets underscore our efforts to align with global climate goals, aiming for a 54.6% reduction in GHG emissions by 2033.

Second, our material innovations bring kindness to the forefront. We prioritise using organic, regenerative, and recycled cotton through projects like SOCI and the RegenAgri Initiative, which enhance soil health and reduce water usage. We are the first organisation in the world to be C2C validated across the entirety of our verticality. Our efforts contribute to a circular economy by minimising waste and promoting sustainability at every stage.

Finally, "kindness" extends to people. Our worker wellbeing programmes, including initiatives like PRISM and SEWS, uplift thousands of employees and their families by focusing on health, education, and gender inclusivity. Additionally, we collaborate with local farmers, equipping them with training and resources to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that improve their livelihoods and reduce environmental impact.

In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a business necessity. Through verified practices, global certifications, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we substantiate our claim of creating a "kinder version of denim." It’s more than a tagline; it’s the ethos that drives everything we do.

Only a few weeks ago, Soorty received validation from the SBTi on its climate goals and measures. How are you planning to cut down on Scope 1/2 emissions? What does your own Scope 3 emissions look like, and where do these come from?
Yes, Soorty was the first large-scale textile manufacturer out of Pakistan to be SBTi-validated. For us, this reflects our commitment to leading the denim industry toward a sustainable future. To achieve our ambitious goals of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 54.6% by 2033, we’ve implemented a comprehensive roadmap.

Scope 1 and 2 Emissions Reductions: For Scope 1, which includes direct emissions from our operations, we are transitioning away from fossil fuels by adopting biomass boilers and expanding our solar energy projects. We already utilise energy-efficient machinery and high-efficiency motors, across our Spinning, Weaving and Garments divisions, which significantly reduce our carbon footprint. In Scope 2, we aim to reduce emissions from purchased electricity by increasing our reliance on on-site renewable energy generation. Our current solar generation of 7.6 MW will increase to nearly 12 MW by mid-2025. We are also setting up a 4.8 MW wind turbine at our Nooriabad Fabric Mill. 

Understanding Scope 3: Scope 3 emissions represent the majority of our carbon footprint, encompassing purchased goods and services, upstream transportation, and business travel. Our base year (2021) emissions in this category saw a 7% reduction in just one year. 

Strategies for Scope 3 Reduction: To tackle Scope 3, we’re focusing on supplier collaboration and sustainable sourcing. Our initiatives include using organic and regenerative cotton, which have lower associated emissions due to minimal use of synthetic fertilisers and improved soil management. Additionally, we are exploring low-carbon logistics solutions and recycling programmes to close the loop in our supply chain.

By integrating these targeted actions across all scopes, we are confident in our ability to meet both our near-term and long-term SBTi commitments, ultimately achieving a 90% reduction across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2050. We’ve also partnered with the NetZero Pakistan Coalition to develop a Scope 3 mitigation roadmap for the entire sector. 

Addressing Shared Challenges: While Soorty is committed to transformative action, it’s important to recognise that we are just one actor within a vast and interconnected value chain. The challenge of Scope 3 emissions is inherently a shared one, involving multiple stakeholders across different regions and sectors. No single organisation can control the entire spectrum of emissions, especially when it comes to suppliers and logistics partners.

This challenge is compounded by the ambitious Net Zero targets set by some brands for 2035 or 2040, which, while commendable for their climate focus, often overlook the disparities between the Global North and Global South. In countries like Pakistan, where we operate, value chains face systemic barriers—limited financial resources, inadequate policy support, and gaps in technical expertise. These disparities hinder our ability to meet accelerated timelines and transition equitably.

Moreover, emerging regulations like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) add another layer of complexity. While these frameworks aim to promote sustainable practices, they risk imposing additional financial burdens on suppliers in developing nations without providing the necessary support to address the root causes of emissions. This risks exacerbating existing inequalities instead of fostering a truly global, inclusive approach to climate action.