SOWTEX is an innovative global B2B sourcing platform for the fashion and textile industry, designed to streamline the matchmaking process between buyers and sellers. By utilising advanced technology, SOWTEX simplifies sourcing and addresses supply chain complexities. The team, a blend of experienced professionals and fresh talent, is committed to transforming traditional sourcing through Business Intelligence (BI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Recently, the TVC Media Team interviewed Sohail Jain, Co-founder and CEO of SOWTEX, who has over 20 years of industry experience. Under his leadership, SOWTEX has built a network of 25,000 companies, enhancing responsible sourcing and global collaboration.
What sparked the idea for Sowtex, and how does it align with your vision for sustainable textile practices?
SOWTEX emerged from the vision of expanding India’s supply chain visibility globally, facilitating swift connections, and optimising the underutilised capacity of Indian manufacturers. As sustainable production became the global standard, I recognized the immense opportunity to grow a network of certified suppliers promoting responsible production, eco-friendly materials, and ethical production practices.
Our platform aligns perfectly with my vision by:
- Empowering businesses to make informed sourcing decisions
- Driving positive change throughout the supply chain
- Fostering a culture of sustainability and responsibility
Sowtex is committed to bridging gaps in the textile supply chain, ensuring a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable future for the industry
How does Sowtex facilitate collaboration among textile supply chain stakeholders?
Sowtex bridges gaps between Brands, Buyers, Manufacturers & suppliers through:
- Textile Sourcing Meets (TSM) for face-to-face connections
- Our B2B sourcing marketplace www.sowtex.com supports round-the-year engagement offering leads, vendor portfolios & design collections around 48 Fashion & Textile categories
Fostering connections, collaborations, and responsible production.
What role do technology and innovation play in achieving sustainability within your platform?
Technology is crucial for scaling sustainable practices. Our platform leverages AI-powered matching algorithms, digital showrooms, and data analytics to streamline sourcing processes, reduce waste, and promote circular fashion & material usage. Innovation enables us to continuously improve Buyer & supplier validation, certified material identification, and faster closure of deals.
How does Sowtex ensure supplier certification for sustainable products and materials?
We rely on the Suppliers’ Certification being obtained from Certified & recognised Audit partners (e.g., GOTS, BCI, Oeko-Tex, Higgs, GRS etc) to verify suppliers’ compliance with rigorous environmental and social standards. Our team conducts personal visits to verify infrastructure & follows a structured vendor onboarding process to check Sustainability benchmarks
What challenges have you faced promoting sustainable practices among SMEs in textiles?
Small and medium enterprises often face resource constraints and competing priorities. We’ve addressed this by offering tailored support, training via webinars & focus sessions at TSM, Online recognition to certified suppliers & Profile branding, and connecting to Sustainable (certified) suppliers. Our online resources, workshops, and webinars help SMEs overcome knowledge gaps and implement cost-effective eco-friendly solutions.
How does your industry experience inform your approach to sustainability and business growth?
As a 3rd-generation textile entrepreneur, my background in manufacturing and sourcing has provided invaluable insight into supply chain complexities. I understand the critical need for:
- Strategic sourcing using tech platform & data matrix
- Faster design & ready stock discovery on the marketplace
- Scalable solutions balancing business goals with sustainability
This expertise ensures platform development, ensuring we meet industry expectations by collaborating & partnering with Sustainable suppliers to drive positive growth.”
What specific initiatives support sustainable development in fashion and textiles?
“We’ve launched programs with Industry consultants focused on Digital Transformation, Smart factories, circular material production, waste reduction, and a platform for the showcase of artisans’ handloom productions. Our partnerships with NGOs and industry organisations amplify our impact, promoting sustainable production practices, labour conditions, and environmental stewardship.”
What are your goals for Sowtex by 2030 regarding sustainability and digital integration?
“By 2030, we aim to onboard 10,000 sustainable suppliers, facilitate $1 billion in eco-friendly trade, and reduce industry carbon footprint by 20%. Digitally, we’ll enhance our AI-driven matching algorithms, expand our hybrid marketplace, and integrate blockchain for enhanced delivery capabilities transparency.”
How do you envision the future of sustainable textiles, and what steps are necessary to achieve it?
“The future of textiles will be defined by circularity, sustainability, and technology. To get there, we need collective action: industry-wide adoption of eco-friendly materials, investment in innovative production methods, and policy support for sustainable practices. Education, awareness, and collaboration will drive transformative change.”
How do Textile Sourcing Meets foster industry collaboration?
“Our Textile Sourcing meets bring together diverse stakeholders for Showcase of new materials innovations, engage, knowledge sharing, networking, and build better buyer-supplier relationships. These events accelerate collaboration, fuel innovation, and drive sustainable growth, empowering the industry to work together towards a more responsible future.”
How do Textile Sourcing Meets facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders in the fashion and textile industry?
“Our Textile Sourcing Meets are strategically designed to foster collaboration among suppliers, manufacturers, brands, retailers, and industry experts. These events:
- Provide a curated platform for meaningful connections
- Facilitate knowledge sharing through workshops and seminars
- Offer networking opportunities to forge partnerships
- Showcase sustainable and innovative materials
- Encourage open dialogue on industry challenges and solutions
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, our meets spark collective innovation, drive sustainable growth, and empower the industry to work together towards a more responsible and circular future.”
