NEW DELHI: The Pashmina Goat Project– a pioneering brand name in the world of sustainable fashion and The Real Pashmina– is all set to transform the way the real pashmina industry operates, with the launch of its innovative ‘Pashmina Transparency Framework’ for Technology Development for the Global Pashmina Industry.
This groundbreaking framework envisages to ensure complete transparency from the beginning to the end of every real Pashmina shawl production cycle within the pashmina ecosystem.
Dr Babar Afzal (Founder) and Dr Henna Ajnum (Co-Founder) shared that traditionally known for its luxurious softness and timeless appeal, pashmina wool has long been a sought-after material in the fashion industry. However, concerns about ethical sourcing, authenticity, and sustainability have challenged the industry’s practices.
The Framework that the startup had developed aims to address these challenges head-on by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Web 3.0 to create an unprecedented level of transparency and traceability.
By utilizing these technologies every step in the pashmina shawl production process is securely recorded in an immutable and tamper-proof ledger. This not only guarantees the authenticity of each product but also provides a comprehensive audit trail for all stakeholders. AI powered authentication can be used to verify the authenticity of pashmina materials, thereby preventing the circulation of counterfeit products. IoT-enabled technology can monitor various parameters such as temperature, humidity, and transportation conditions.
And Web 3.0 Interface can allow consumers and stakeholders to access a wealth of information about the product’s origin, production methods, and ethical practices. This fosters a sense of trust and connection between producers and consumers.
Dr. Babar Afzal, (a former McKinsey Analyst and a Silicon Valley Techie) the Founder and CEO of Pashmina Goat Project and the Tech Lead for this ground breaking framework, has been profiled by TIME Magazine, BBC, CNN, Bloomberg for his transition from a Silicon Valley Techie to becoming a Pashmina Goat Shepherd and the only Sustainable Luxury Pashmina Advocate in the world. He expressed his enthusiasm for the project and stated that “Our Technology Development Transparency Framework is a pivotal step toward ensuring that the pashmina industry aligns with modern values and trends of transparency and sustainability. We believe that by incorporating futuristic technologies that cover the loose ends of the value chain, we can empower consumers to make informed choices while simultaneously uplifting the livelihoods of those involved in the pashmina ecosystem.”
PASHMINA GOAT PROJECT’s Pashmina Transparency Framework heralds a new era of integrity and accountability in the global pashmina shawl industry. With a commitment to ethical practices and technological innovation, the project aims to set a precedent for responsible fashion production worldwide. The framework presents the guiding principals and processes that will dictate the future technology developments to ensure that every aspect of the eco-system is logged from origin to the final finished Pashmina shawl.
The “Artisan Process Framework” within the Broad Framework was contributed by Dr. Henna (The Founder of the Campaign #WhoMadeMyPashmina) and Alhana (Who Runs an Initiative “HER DREAM” for the young girls in the Pashmina Eco-System). The vision of the framework incorporates the welfare of the women and the future generations.
Babar who is also, named as the Pashmina Prince, is the most credible voice and name for the authentic Pashmina eco-system of Indian Himalayas and is the only globally recognised voice for the advocacy for the authentic community of Pashmina shepherds, weavers, craftsmen and crafts women.
