Home-grown indigo and women’s empowerment focus for US Denim Mills
US Denim Mills, part of Pakistan-based manufacturer US Group, is preparing to cultivate its own supply of natural indigo in collaboration with WWF as part of a plan to expand its use.
This shift promotes local agriculture, supports sustainable farming communities and also offers a non-synthetic and biodegradable dye, which will be used for the next chapter of its ROOTS project.
Natural indigo, sourced from India, was also used for the ROOTS project in collaboration with House of Denim that was presented at Kingpins Amsterdam in October. This project had a strong focus on female leadership, being organised by Maryam Amin, US Denim Mills' creative head in research and business development, alongside Mariette Hoitink and female students from the House of Denim.
Ms Amin told Inside Denim there are several ongoing initiatives that support female workers within the group. Last month, the mill organised a training session to empower women with workplace confidence, as well as health sessions and events to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The company also recently created a dedicated female hostel, providing secure and modern living facilities for workers.
Continuing this theme, the mill is preparing to launch a project to highlight local craftswomen and artists.
Ms Amin added: “As representatives of our country, we are partnering with local women artisans to showcase the craftsmanship and creativity of Pakistani women. This initiative will soon launch as a dedicated project promoting women-led artisanal work on an international platform.
“We also have something very exciting in the pipeline that will be launched at the upcoming Kingpins Amsterdam edition.”
Image: A look from ROOTS Chapter 3, designed by Maryam Amin
