As geopolitical instability and climate challenges reshape global commerce, apparel brands are racing to redesign their sourcing models with agility, diversification, and sustainability at the core. Masooma Zaidi, Vice President of Sales and Merchandising at Interloop, recently highlighted how modern sourcing strategies are evolving to navigate an era of continuous disruption, aligning business resilience with environmental responsibility.
Diversification: The New Imperative in Supply Chain Strategy
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of over-concentrated supply chains. Today, those lessons are driving brands to diversify sourcing across multiple geographies, reducing reliance on single countries. Interloop exemplifies this strategy, expanding production beyond its Pakistan base into Sri Lanka, China, and soon, Egypt. Additionally, by maintaining offices and warehousing in the U.S. and Europe, the company strengthens proximity to key markets, enabling faster response times and reducing logistics risks.
This geographic spread not only mitigates risks from trade wars and political volatility but also enhances lead time flexibility, a critical factor in today’s fast-moving fashion market.
Local Sourcing and Agility: Meeting Customer Expectations
In response to growing consumer demands for rapid fulfillment and transparent sourcing, Interloop has doubled down on local material sourcing. Approximately 70% of its cotton and 77% of all materials are sourced domestically within Pakistan. This approach minimizes transportation delays and guards against external disruptions like blockades and strikes.
"Shorter lead times allow brands to react swiftly to customer demand," said Zaidi. Localized sourcing not only boosts agility but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions associated with long-haul shipping.
Product Expansion and Vertical Integration: Enhancing Resilience
Once focused solely on hosiery, Interloop has strategically expanded into denim and knitwear, with plans underway to establish a vertically integrated denim mill. By broadening product categories and consolidating production, the company enhances supply chain control and offers customers comprehensive, flexible solutions.
The creation of centers of excellence, where dedicated teams serve as single points of contact across product lines, further strengthens client relationships and improves operational efficiency.
Sustainability as a Strategic Priority
Recognizing the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, Interloop has invested heavily in sustainable production. This includes LEED-certified facilities and the adoption of nano bubble technology, which significantly reduces water usage in denim and hosiery manufacturing.
Sustainability is no longer a value-add—it’s a business necessity. By embedding eco-friendly processes into its operations, Interloop positions itself as a proactive partner for brands seeking to meet stringent ESG standards and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Strategic Collaboration: Moving Beyond Manufacturing
Beyond production, Interloop has embraced a partnership model with clients. The company collaborates with brands on planning and design, helping them navigate market shifts and consumer trends. This consultative approach transforms suppliers from transactional vendors into strategic allies, offering insights and innovation to drive mutual growth.
Conclusion
As the apparel industry faces relentless disruption, the most successful companies will be those that combine geographic diversification, sustainable innovation, and agile supply chain management. Interloop stands out as a case study in how manufacturers can proactively evolve, offering not just products but solutions that address the complex realities of today’s sourcing landscape. For executives aiming to de-risk their supply chains while advancing sustainability and responsiveness, the time to act is now.