Panda Biotech's state-of-the-art plant in Dallas, Texas – thought to be the world's biggest – will merge AGI Denim's patented denim processing technology with American-grown organic hemp harvested and cottonized.

AGI, based in Karachi, has also made significant progress in creating alternatives to conventional denim production and processing processes, and its new hemp-based fabric fiber, Hemp X, was recently granted Gold Level Cradle-to-Cradle Certification.

AGI product director Henry Wong, who introduced Hemp X at the Kingpins Exchange online event on Wednesday (April 21st) said that hemp, especially in its cottonized form, is a rising star in the world of denim fibers. He adds that regulatory developments have made it easier to cultivate hemp as a commodity, with a variety of industrial and consumer applications.

Industrial hemp, as a perfect mix of cotton and other fibers, is a perfect blend of environmental advantages, making it an enticing choice for potential use in the sector. It has been shown to consume more CO2 per acre than any forest or commercial crop while using a fraction of the water that most large crops need. It can also thrive in a wide range of climates and soil types, is naturally resistant to most pests, and grows very densely, allowing it to outcompete most weeds.

Panda Biotech's hemp is a traceable, US-grown product that provides complete transparency and quality assurance in an industry that is still grappling with the issue of supply-chain transparency. Both companies and their brand partners will be able to identify, track and trace hemp fiber as it passes through the value chain from raw to the finished product as a result of the partnership.

AGI Denim plans to expand the use of sustainable raw materials now that it has an exclusive one-year contract with Panda for the Pakistan denim industry.

president of Panda Biotech, Dixie Carter said that they're excited to collaborate with AGI and admire their contribution to implementing innovative processes that will benefit the world as well as the denim they produce. He adds that the current rate of fashion is unsustainable, and they are on the verge of a major shift as brands and suppliers commit to manufacturing organic goods using green processes. Industrial hemp would be critical in meeting this rising consumer demand.