Sustainable Practices in the Pakistani Textile and Fashion Sector: A Study on Environmental Impact and Ethical Consumer Behavior

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32350/jdt.52.01

Keywords:

consumerism, eco-friendly fabrics, ethical practices, green technology, sustainability, textile and fashion industry

Abstract

The textile and clothing industry in Pakistan is very important for the country’s economy. It is also hurting the environment very badly. The government is trying to make the industry more sustainable with policies like the Textile and Apparel Policy 2020-2025. The government needs to make rules and give more support to small companies. The textile and clothing industry in Pakistan needs to change the way it works. It needs to use water and energy and produce less waste. The industry also needs to be more transparent about what it's doing to help the environment. This qualitative study draws on semi organized talks with the representators of big Pakistani Textile brands like: Sapphire, Gul Ahmed and Khaadi, were studied to look on current sustainability projects. The numbers came after this research was that some of these companies are still polluting a lot and the government needs to do more, to help the industry become more sustainable. It needs to make rules that will help the environment and give companies incentives to follow these rules. Heightened environmental concerns are driving the need for increased sustainability in the textile and clothing industry of Pakistan. It is also a big polluter. Being one of the country’s largest foreign exchange earners, this sector is not only a major contributor to the economy but also a large repository for emissions and wastage of natural resources.  The textile and clothing industry in Pakistan needs to use energy and water. It needs to produce waste and be more sustainable. The government can help by making rules that will help the environment. The recommendations include stricter regulations, the introduction of targeted incentives, and investment in consumer education, as well as the balancing act between economic growth and ecological sustainability. Thus, the study demonstrates that while the market is taking some steps to pivot towards more responsible practices, actual change will require a more comprehensive and systematic approach.

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Published

2026-07-14

How to Cite

[1]
N. Zaidi, “Sustainable Practices in the Pakistani Textile and Fashion Sector: A Study on Environmental Impact and Ethical Consumer Behavior”, JDT, vol. 5, no. 2, Jul. 2026.

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