For material health assessment, chemicals and materials are evaluated on how they prioritise the protection of human health and the environment. AGI uses Oeko-Tex standard chemicals, and processes water through its effluent treatment plant to ZDHC standards.

For material reutilisation, a product is evaluated based on how it is designed for its next use and "cycled in its intended pathway". AGI says it “makes every effort to recycle waste materials and use recycled materials wherever we can”.

HempX is made using 50% renewable energy; and the company will install solar panels at the factory by the end of this year, with a view of phasing out fossil-fuel based energy in the future.

The material is also processed used Double Zero technology, which AGI claims saves 85% water compared with conventional indigo dyeing and finishing processes. 

On the social side, AGI funds schools and clinics, invests in employee development and says it pays a fair wage. “We also ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees through initiatives such as providing employees with access to free medical services on-site,” it said.

Cradle to Cradle encourages continuous improvement by requiring certification renewal every two years.

Hasan Javed, executive director at AGI Denim, said: “After months of research and hard work, we're excited to be sharing our latest developments. Hemp, especially in its cottonised form, is an emerging winner in the world of fibre that can be used to create denim jeans. 

“AGI has invested in new state-of-the-art facilities designed to maximise yarn and fabric quality with inputs like cottonised hemp and recycled fibres.” (See ‘Building resilience at AGI’ in our features section.)