Background
The client is one of South Asia’s largest integrated suppliers of performance textiles (polyester, nylon, and blended fabrics) and sustainable packaging solutions (polybags, hangtags, and flexible wraps). With a strong presence across India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, the company supplies to multiple international sportswear and apparel brands.As sustainability emerged as a core purchasing criterion for global brands, the supplier faced a decisive turning point. Buyers now demanded that suppliers demonstrate not just product quality and cost competitiveness but also credible evidence of circularity, traceability, and carbon reduction.The key business challenges included:
Brand Expectations
- Global sportswear brands required certified recycled and bio-based feedstocks for textiles and packaging.
- Proof of compliance with independent third-party verification systems was non-negotiable.
Traceability Gaps
- Conventional recycled materials lacked robust documentation.
- Risk of greenwashing accusations or non-compliance posed reputational threats.
Regulatory & ESG Pressures
- EU Green Deal, US SEC climate disclosures, and UN SDGs shaping global supply chains.
- Supplier needed to align with international ESG frameworks.
Competitive Risks & Opportunities
- Competitors with recognized sustainability certifications were increasingly preferred.
- Early adoption of ISCC PLUS could unlock larger order volumes and access to new global brands.
Recognizing these dynamics, the supplier chose to pursue ISCC PLUS certification, engaging ISOQAR India as its certification body.
ISOQAR India’s Approach
ISOQAR India delivered a structured, end-to-end certification journey, ensuring the supplier not only met compliance but also maximized business advantage.
- Conducted a baseline review of sourcing, production, and supply chain processes.
- Identified gaps against ISCC PLUS sustainability and traceability criteria.
- Developed a stepwise implementation roadmap, prioritizing high-risk areas.
- Mapped raw material flows for recycled polyester (rPET) and recycled resins.
- Ensured segregation from virgin inputs at every stage (procurement, warehousing, production).
- Collaborated with upstream suppliers to align traceability documentation.
- Implemented mass balance methodology to ensure certified feedstock quantities were accurately tracked and reconciled.
- Established digital documentation systems for transparency from feedstock receipt to finished product delivery.
- Set up dedicated certified production lines for ISCC PLUS-compliant textiles and packaging.
- Introduced enhanced quality checks and traceability audits.
- Embedded ISCC PLUS protocols into existing ISO management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
- Conducted workshops for procurement, production, logistics, and compliance teams.
- Built internal auditing capability so the supplier could self-assess between certification cycles.
- Performed multi-site ISCC PLUS audits across textile and packaging divisions.
- Verified compliance with ISCC requirements for sustainability, traceability, and mass balance.
- Recommended continuous improvement actions to maintain leadership.
Results & Achievements
- Certification Secured: Supplier awarded ISCC PLUS certification by ISOQAR India across both textile and packaging operations.
- Increased Supply Volumes: Expanded role in the sustainable sourcing program of its global sportswear client, leading to larger contract orders.
- New Market Access: Successfully qualified as an approved vendor for other global apparel and footwear brands that mandate ISCC PLUS.
- Competitive Advantage: Positioned as an early mover in certified sustainable textiles and packaging in South Asia.
- 12,000 tonnes of virgin polyester replaced annually with ISCC PLUS certified recycled polyester.
- 8,500 tonnes of virgin plastic reduced annually through certified recycled packaging.
- ~40,000 tonnes CO₂e avoided each year, equivalent to removing ~8,500 cars from the road.
- Strengthened contribution to circular economy by closing the loop on both textile and packaging waste.
- Enhanced Transparency: Full chain-of-custody verification boosted trust with global brand partners.
- Improved ESG Ratings: Certification supported higher performance in international sustainability assessments.
- Workforce Engagement: Employee pride and involvement in sustainability programs increased retention and motivation.
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption & Production
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 14 – Life Below Water (plastic reduction)
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Strategic Impact
For the Supplier
ISCC PLUS certification, delivered by ISOQAR India, became a growth enabler — securing higher order volumes from existing clients and enabling expansion to new global brands.
For Global Brands
Assurance of certified recycled content and verified traceability, reinforcing their sustainability and circularity commitments.
For ISOQAR India
Strengthened positioning as a trusted certification partner for sustainable supply chains, contributing directly to global climate action and circular economy goals.
For the Industry
Demonstrated that third-party certification is not just about compliance, but a business growth driver in the apparel and footwear supply chain.
Conclusion
Through ISCC PLUS certification with ISOQAR India, this South Asian supplier has redefined its role in the global sportswear value chain.
Certification enabled the company to:
- Scale its supply volumes to existing global sportswear clients.
- Expand into new markets, securing contracts with other international brands.
- Demonstrate leadership in circular economy practices, with measurable reductions in virgin resource use and carbon emissions.
This case highlights how ISOQAR India and ISCC PLUS together empower suppliers to build supply chains that are sustainable, credible, and commercially successful.
