AGI Denim receives B Corp Certification

Pakistan’s vertical denim manufacturer, AGI Denim, is the nation of Pakistan’s first company to achieve B Corp certification.

The B Corp certification covers the 5 key impact areas of governance, employees, community, environment, and consumers, which addresses the entirety of a company’s operations. A baseline score of at least 80 is required for applicants, who must also provide proof of ethical business practices in the areas of worker remuneration, diversity, waste management, and corporate transparency. AGI had a B Impact score total of 91.4.

The vertical denim manufacturer started preparing for and responding to 200 questions regarding its business in 2019.

Ahmed Javed, AGI Denim executive director, said that the certification process required the business to make a few modifications to lessen its influence on the environment and society. Additionally, it encouraged the corporation to implement policies that center every choice it makes on the needs of people, communities, and the environment.

Javed added that over the last two years, AGI has worked to synchronize its vision and tactics in order to improve every day and do something that would set it apart from the competition. They looked at businesses like Patagonia and Athleta that have altered their business practices in order to have a good influence in their respective industries.

B Corp was one element that these ambitious businesses have in common. The more AGI looked into it, the more it discovered that the certification matched its goal.

Javed said that they have always put a lot of effort into joining something bigger than themselves. Even if it didn’t start out that way, denim may be a force for good. They now have the chance, thanks to B Corp, to change how the world perceives denim.

According to AGI, success revolves around the “triple bottom line” of profit, planet, and people. By offering free healthcare, interest-free microloans, and a secure workplace for minorities and persons with disabilities, the company reaffirmed its commitment to its employees and fostered an inclusive atmosphere that promoted learning and development.

AGI Denim was able to reduce waste by focusing more on circularity by introducing automation into the supply chain. AGI Denim is at the forefront of sustainability thanks to its water recycling facility, industrial park, and the first LEED-certified spinning mill in the nation, as well as new creative, responsible collections.

The mill’s collections show the results of these investments. Kaleido is a set of textiles from AGI Denim’s Fall/Winter 23–24 line that are dyed and cleaned with recycled water. Eight denim outfits from the collection Inhale are constructed of materials that investigate circular design and various methods for lowering microfibre contamination.

The organization has also been focusing on using regenerative business practices to transform its operations into forces for good. AGI has “adopted” two of The Citizen’s Foundation’s schools, from which 400 students graduate each year, and has planted mangroves to aid in the regulation and mitigation of climate change.

The certification is also a significant victory for Pakistan’s business sector. Being the first in Pakistan to pioneer positive change for the economy, the populace, and the environment makes them feel really gratified. They have raised the bar so that others would think critically about the environment, good governance, and their society in addition to the bottom line. To stay ahead of the curve, though, involves a lot of weight and duty.

Javed stated that the certification’s strict requirements necessitate dedication, financial investment, “a careful examination of your documents, and great attention to detail,” but AGI thinks they are a crucial step in the right direction. We want more textile businesses to strive toward it since difficulties facing the sector can only be solved by working together, he added.

AGI now counts Saitex, Good American, Unspun, and Outland Denim among the denim industry’s increasing list of B Corp-certified businesses. AGI Denim’s B Corp certification is a noteworthy development and signals a trend toward greater responsibility and transparency in the industry given the recent spotlight on the denim industry.

Chris Turner, B Corp executive director, said that they’re happy to welcome B Corps of all sizes and shapes to their community—from small businesses to multinational corporations and throughout a wide range of sectors. Business is a strong force, and B Corps show that you can do good in any industry. Welcoming AGI Denim is a moment to celebrate since they have the chance to set the standard for the denim industry. They are thrilled to help AGI Denim pave the way for a new way of doing things, along with the rest of the B Corp community.