To advance sustainable practices within the textile industry, Soorty announced the launch of the Soorty Regenagri Initiative (SRI), a landmark project in collaboration with the Rural Education & Economic Development Society (REEDS), aimed at revitalizing agricultural ecosystems through regenerative farming. This return to harmony with nature promises to restore soil health, rebuild climate resilience, and create a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
“The goal of regenerative agriculture is to actively enhance soil health and biodiversity rather than merely upholding the status quo. The Project Lead for Soorty’s SRI, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf, says, “With SRI, we’re proving that ecological restoration and premium cotton production are not mutually exclusive goals.”
At its core, SRI is driven by the philosophy that coexistence with nature can lead to more sustainable outcomes for the environment. This approach not only enhances soil health, conserves biodiversity, and bolsters climate resilience but also fosters community well-being. SRI benefits the agricultural community by promoting farmer health and facilitating ecosystem restoration which is vital for ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability, and the textile industry at large. By implementing regenerative agricultural practices, SRI focuses on enhancing soil health, conserving biodiversity, reducing chemical dependency, and promoting water conservation. With the initiative, Soorty not only seeks to produce cotton in a more environmentally friendly manner that fosters transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain but also aims to uplift local farming communities by providing them with the knowledge and resources needed for sustainable cultivation.
The effort, which began in April 2023 and has partnered with over 1100 small-scale farmers over an area of over 5000 acres, has already made considerable progress. Regenerative farming techniques, which promise long-term prosperity and sustainability in addition to immediate environmental benefits, are being taught to these farmers. As part of its all-encompassing strategy, SRI sets out demonstration plots that function as living classrooms for farmers, create an environment conducive to learning, & promote the wider adoption of sustainable methods.
“SRI’s commitment to empowering farmers and sustainable practices aligns perfectly with REEDS’ mission. Together, we’re fostering a future where healthy ecosystems & thriving communities go hand-in-hand”.
A pioneering aspect of SRI is its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, especially among female farmers, as women are often the backbone of rural economies. SRI lays special emphasis on their inclusion and women’s empowerment ensuring that the initiative’s benefits are shared widely and equitably. Furthermore, the collaboration with REEDS Pakistan and the oversight by Control Union certifications emphasize the initiative’s adherence to the highest standards of regenerative agriculture.
“With SRI, we’re not just sourcing better cotton, we’re investing in the well-being of entire communities. This ethical approach resonates with our customers, who understand that true sustainability extends beyond the product”.
SRI integrates a sophisticated digital framework that tracks and documents the journey of cotton from seed to fabric, aiming to enhance transparency in the textile supply chain. This system not only facilitates detailed monitoring of agricultural practices but also enables the journey tracking of cotton bales and the geolocation of farms, enhancing accountability and traceability. This allows Soorty to share the story of each garment’s origin with its customers.
As Soorty launches the Soorty Regenagri Initiative, we remain dedicated to making sustainable changes in fashion accessible, inspiring a transformation that goes beyond our industry’s boundaries. Through innovation, collaboration, & transparency.
About Soorty
Soorty is a family of engineers and designers who are passionate about creating denim that makes people look and feel good by imbuing its core values of innovation, design, & sustainability. Believing that sustainable denim needs to be manufactured at scale, Soorty is using its comprehensive vertically integrated infrastructure spanning Pakistan, Turkey, and Bangladesh to do just that.
Soorty is the only company to have LEED Platinum and Cradle2Cradle Gold certification across both its denim fabric mill and garment factory, a testament to its commitment to the circular economy & mass sustainable production.
