Interview With Bilal Saleem, Director at Rajby Textiles Pvt. Ltd.
Founded in 1972, Rajby Textiles is a leading independent denim mill based in Karachi, with a production capacity of 3.2 million meters per month. Their facility seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to sustainability. They operate on four key pillars: innovation, eco-friendly products, circular economy practices, and climate-conscious strategies.
The approach of Rajby Textiles is holistic, encompassing everything from water conservation and responsible chemical use to ethical sourcing. They’re not just addressing current industry needs, they’re proactively shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
Time to sit down with Bilal Saleem, Director at Rajby Textiles Pvt. Ltd. to talk more about their denim company and their activities.
Bilal Saleem, Director at Rajby Textiles Pvt. Ltd.
LJ: Rajby Textiles is known for its strong commitment to sustainability. Can you share some of the recent initiatives the company has taken to enhance its eco-friendly approach?
BS: Absolutely. At Rajby Textiles, we’re constantly working to strengthen our holistic sustainability strategy across every stage of production. Recently, we’ve introduced several key initiatives, such as a CO2 recovery plant and a caustic recovery plant, alongside generating steam through heat-recovery boilers. Right now, 80% of our steam comes from biomass boilers, which are fueled by dried banana leaves and agricultural waste, significantly reducing our CO2 emissions. Our goal is to achieve 100% steam generation from biomass by 2025, marking a big step toward a greener future.
Additionally, we’re focused on clean energy. We currently generate 1,000 KWh of solar energy, which accounts for 16% of our total electricity consumption. By 2030, we aim to source 100% of our energy from renewable resources, making our entire operation powered by clean energy. These initiatives are part of our ongoing mission to secure a sustainable future for both the industry and the planet.
LJ: How has Rajby Textiles expanded its market presence, and can you share any notable collaborations that have influenced your growth?
BS: At Rajby Textiles, we’ve made great strides in tapping into new markets over the past few months, which has played a pivotal role in driving our product development and keeping us aligned with current market trends. A particularly exciting highlight has been our collaboration with Kelly Harrington. Working with her has been an incredible experience for our Vintage Reborn collection, offering invaluable insights that have deepened our understanding of denim’s rich history and future potential.
LJ: What are your future plans for expansion?
BS: We’re actively working on expanding our vertical capabilities, which will give us greater control over raw materials and further strengthen our sustainability efforts. On the business front, we have a global presence in South America, Spain, Bangladesh, and Turkey. These strategic locations allow us to deliver exceptional service to our customers while staying closely connected to the evolving needs of brands. This not only amplifies our reach but also enhances our impact across key regions worldwide, enabling us to support growth and innovation in a more sustainable and efficient manner.
LJ: Can you tell us about your upcoming collection and what makes it unique?
BS: This season, we’re thrilled to introduce our “Back to the Future” collection, designed to meet the needs of all five generations. The collection celebrates denim’s rich legacy by seamlessly blending its past, present, and future. From Boomers to Alphas, denim has proven to be a timeless favorite, and this collection reflects that. We’ve incorporated everything from iconic vintage styles to cutting-edge innovations, ensuring that each generation finds something to connect with. “Back to the Future” is more than just a collection, it’s a tribute to denim’s enduring appeal across the ages.
You can see more details of the ”Back to the Future” collection at Kingpins Amsterdam on the 23rd and the 24th of October.
All the images in the article are provided by Rajby Textiles.