The Circular Plastics Institute (CPI) at KSBL recently convened a focused group discussion on “Mapping Pakistan’s Textile Value Chain and Cotton Dynamics” to explore the links between cotton farming, textile manufacturing, and the growing second-hand clothing market.
In 2024, Pakistan became the world’s largest importer of used clothing, bringing in nearly one million metric tonnes. With global trade rules shifting toward carbon accountability and product traceability, this discussion came at a crucial time.
The session brought together experts from industry, agriculture, and policymaking to explore:
- How cotton farmers are struggling with outdated seeds, limited support, and high input costs
- Gaps in tracking materials across the textile supply chain from farms to finished products
- The rapid growth of second-hand clothing markets and their lack of integration with the formal textile sector
- Ways to boost sustainability and create economic value through better coordination and carbon labelling
Key insights from the discussion included:
- Cotton area has dropped by 30% since the early 2000s due to poor seed quality, extreme weather, and weak policy focus.
- Competing countries import cotton inputs duty-free, while Pakistan faces an 18% tax on seeds and machinery.
- There is currently no national system to trace cotton from field to factory.
- Consumer interest in branded second-hand clothing is growing, especially online—presenting new business and sustainability opportunities.
Participants proposed a way forward that includes:
Tax reforms, better seed development, testing labs, and digital traceability tools. These steps aim to improve exports, support farmers, and prepare for new global carbon rules.
We thank all our participants from Alkaram, Utopia Industries, Sindh EPA, Gadoon Textiles, Artistic Milliners, and NCGL
We extend our sincere gratitude to all who joined us in shaping a more connected, resilient, and climate-ready textile sector for Pakistan. Our forthcoming white paper will be released shortly.
