KARACHI: The Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (TMA) held its Sustainability Reporting & Award Ceremony on 28th January, highlighting the successful completion of EU-aligned sustainability reporting by eleven TMA member companies under the Green Pakistan Project, launched in January 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ather Bari, Chairman TMA, welcomed distinguished guests, including Dr Michael Arretz - Managing Director, German Importers, Anja Klos - Consul, Commercial & Economic Affairs, Shazia Shaikh - Commercial Officer, and Sarim Mehmood - CEO, Fruit of Sustainability. He emphasized the growing importance of international collaboration in building responsible, transparent, and resilient global supply chains.
“Through the Green Pakistan Project, our member factories have aligned with European sustainability frameworks such as the EU Green Deal, EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and the German Due Diligence Act. This is a critical step not only for compliance but also for enhancing Pakistan’s credibility as a reliable export partner,” Bari stated.
He extended special appreciation to Dr. Michael Arretz for representing over 300 German importers, Fruit of Sustainability for providing technical expertise, and Sequa gGmbH and the VFI - German Importers Association for their unwavering support in implementing the project locally.
The Green Pakistan Project has gone beyond reporting to strengthen transparency, governance, and buyer confidence across the towel and home textiles sector, future-proofing Pakistan’s export continuity and enhancing its global reputation. With the successful completion of the first phase, TMA has invited all remaining members to join the next phase, ensuring sustainability becomes the standard across the industry.
The ceremony also highlighted TMA’s appreciation for the support of the German Consulate General, particularly in facilitating Pakistani participation at Heimtextil 2026.
While Thomas E. Schultze, Consul General, could not attend personally due to prior commitments, his office was represented by Anja Klos and Shazia Shaikh, whose engagement provided valuable insights on sustainability, trade cooperation, and strengthening bilateral economic relations. TMA has extended a formal invitation for a luncheon meeting to further discuss partnership opportunities.
Concluding the ceremony, Bari emphasized, “Together, we are building a responsible, competitive, and globally trusted towel industry in Pakistan, securing both export growth and international confidence.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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