Summary of "The TriNext Podcast - Decoding Apparel Logistics!"

Summary: The TriNext Podcast - Decoding Apparel Logistics

This episode focuses on the apparel industry’s supply chain challenges and innovations, emphasizing sustainability, circular fashion, logistics complexities, technology adoption, and workforce development. The discussion features:

Jendra Sharstava (CEO, Triton Logics and Maritime)
Ars Sbat Ragan (Head of Exim and Logistics, Raymond Lifestyle Limited)
Tapas Vi PVN (VP Exim Commercials and Logistics, Arvind Limited)

Key Business Themes & Frameworks

Circular Fashion & Sustainability

Apparel is a low-margin, labor-intensive industry facing pressure to balance cost competitiveness with sustainability.
Sustainability efforts require a long-term vision beyond short-term ROI, especially as EU regulations tighten (e.g., digital product passports by 2027).
Circular fashion involves:
- Sourcing sustainable raw materials (e.g., organic cotton)
- Sustainable manufacturing (water/energy efficiency)
- Sustainable packaging
- Greener logistics (e.g., CNG/electric trucks)
Consumer awareness and responsible consumption are critical to drive demand for sustainable products.
Key sustainability metrics:
- Recycling value target: 80%+ recycling efficiency (currently ~3-4 times recycled)
- Arvind sources 72% sustainable cotton; uses 37% sustainable energy (solar, biogas, wind)
- Raymond’s garmenting vertical achieves near zero water discharge and 90-99% energy savings
- Raymond’s ESG score: 69/100, indicating strong but developing sustainability performance
Traceability and transparency across the supply chain, including upstream Scope 3 emissions, are essential but challenging.
Blockchain and digital product passports are emerging tools for traceability but face adoption barriers (data privacy concerns).
MSMEs and smaller suppliers require capacity building and government support to meet sustainability standards.

Made-to-Measure & Mass Customization Supply Chain

Raymond operates an advanced made-to-measure model with 1600+ stores in the US, integrating real-time inventory and order consolidation.
Supply chain innovations include:
- Complex sourcing of 30-45 components per garment from multiple countries
- Use of AI-enabled body measurement tools for precision cutting and minimal waste
- Automation in fabric dispensing and manufacturing prioritization (FIFO, color coding)
- Logistics innovation such as consolidated shipments and leveraging trade clauses (e.g., de minimis in US) to optimize costs
Speed and quality are critical KPIs; typical lead time is 90 days from sourcing to shelf.
The model blends mass production scale efficiencies with customization benefits.

Logistics Pain Points & Technology Needs

Key pain points include:
- Lack of transparency and real-time track & trace, especially for LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments
- Thin vendor base and logistical constraints in certain geographies (e.g., Ethiopia)
- Fragmented trucking industry with small fleets limiting Scope 3 emissions monitoring
- Need for integrated technology platforms for seamless API connectivity among forwarders, CHAs, customs (e.g., Odex system), and internal ERP (SAP S4 HANA)
Desired logistics partner attributes:
- Strong technology adoption
- Transparency in pricing and freight rates (hedging against volatility)
- Continuous engagement and performance reviews
Government initiatives like ULIP (Unified Logistics Interface Platform) provide 147+ APIs and 2000+ data points to streamline customs, transport, and warehouse operations.
ULIP enables:
- Faster truck verification at factories (from 10-15 minutes to ~2 minutes)
- Real-time tracking via FASTag data
- Visibility of empty container locations for cost optimization
- Upcoming platforms for freight rate transparency and vendor bidding
Challenges remain around data sharing hesitancy and technology adoption lag in fragmented sectors.

Impact of E-commerce, Fast Fashion & Quick Commerce

Quick commerce (10-minute delivery) is challenging for apparel due to fashion’s choice-driven nature and inventory complexity.
E-commerce offers convenience but sustainability is impacted by reverse logistics and carbon footprint from frequent returns.
Strategies include “black stores” (warehouses close to delivery points), though less applicable for fashion.
Responsible consumerism and education are needed to reduce returns and waste.

Workforce Development & Industry Future

Supply chain/logistics roles span multiple industries and offer broad career mobility.
Industry increasingly requires skills in technology adoption, data analytics, and process automation.
Attrition rates in apparel supply chain are high (~8% annually), impacting productivity and knowledge retention.
Initiatives like Raymond University and Triton’s Try Academy focus on upskilling and mindset shifts for future readiness.
Education in supply chain logistics must evolve beyond outdated curricula to include practical technology and real-world applications.
CSR focus areas emphasized:
- Women empowerment (top priority for apparel industry)
- Environmental sustainability
- Employee career progression and wellness

Key Metrics & Targets

Raymond ESG score: 69/100 (scale of 100)
Arvind sustainable cotton sourcing: 72%
Arvind sustainable energy use: 37%
Energy savings in Raymond garmenting: 90-99%
Apparel supply chain lead time: ~90 days
Truck verification time reduction via ULIP APIs: from 10-15 minutes to ~2 minutes
Apparel industry attrition rate: ~8% annually

Actionable Recommendations & Case Examples

For Apparel Companies

Invest in sustainable sourcing and manufacturing as a long-term strategic imperative.
Build traceability systems incorporating upstream supplier emissions.
Embrace technology integration across logistics partners for end-to-end visibility.
Develop made-to-measure and mass customization models with integrated supply chain coordination.
Educate consumers to promote responsible purchasing and reduce returns.
Collaborate with government platforms (ULIP) to leverage data and streamline operations.
Focus on workforce development and reduce attrition through career progression programs.

For Logistics Providers

Prioritize API integration with clients, customs, and other service providers.
Provide transparent freight pricing and proactive communication.
Engage in regular performance reviews and adapt services to evolving client needs.
Support MSMEs in technology adoption and sustainability compliance.

For Educators & Policymakers

Update curricula to include practical supply chain and logistics technology.
Promote capacity building programs for MSMEs.
Support infrastructure projects like dedicated freight corridors to reduce bottlenecks and carbon footprint.

Presenters / Sources

Jendra Sharstava – CEO, Triton Logics and Maritime (Host)
Ars Sbat Ragan – Head of Exim and Logistics, Raymond Lifestyle Limited
Tapas Vi PVN – Vice President Exim Commercials and Logistics, Arvind Limited
Jitinder Singh – Logistics service provider representative (forwarder)

This episode provides a comprehensive view of the apparel supply chain’s evolving landscape, highlighting sustainability as a strategic priority, technology as an enabler, and people development as essential for future success.