Our mission is to uplift the upcoming generation of fashion industry professionals
Moomaya, a pioneering force in the fashion world, is redefining style with its unique and sustainable approach. Committed to environmental stewardship, the organisation combines fashion-forward designs with a made-to-order model, ensuring stylish, eco-conscious clothing options for the discerning consumer. Fibre2Fashion speaks to Nitin Kapoor, CEO and Co-founder of IBA Crafts | Moomaya, a trailblazer in the fashion industry with its innovative and sustainable approach to fashion.
In your opinion, what are the most significant sustainability trends currently shaping the global fashion industry, and how do you see these evolving in the next few years?
Three key trends in the textile industry are carbon neutrality, sustainable tech integration, and circular fashion. Anticipating a rise in the market for environmentally friendly products, the industry is working together more to address environmental issues. This attitude of cooperation creates partnerships all the way through the supply chain. The industry’s future is being shaped by a focus on responsible practices and transparency in response to consumer demands for unambiguous information on production and sourcing. This dedication, which is ingrained sustainably, fosters trust and encourages a constructive change in the direction of a more aware and environmentally conscious future.
What do you consider to be the biggest challenges facing brands attempting to transition to more sustainable practices in the fashion industry?
Managing the transition to sustainable practices presents difficulties due to consumer expectations, industry inertia, and the expense of implementing new technologies. The most difficult obstacle, though, is the need to go against deeply rooted conventions and overcome opposition to environmentally friendly alternatives. The industry must challenge ingrained methods, encourage a mentality shift, and support novel ideas. The fashion industry must overcome these obstacles if it is to advance towards a more sustainable and responsible future, even though the road ahead may be difficult.
How do you perceive the role of consumer awareness and demand in driving changes towards sustainability in the fashion industry?
A key factor in driving sustainable change is consumer awareness, which encourages brands to take ethical measures and make thoughtful decisions. Growing customer demand for sustainable fashion suggests that consumer behaviour is changing for the better, pushing the fashion industry to put ethics and eco-friendly practices first. In addition, there is a growing consumer interest in the origins and environmental impact of clothing, which is driving the trend towards transparency and traceability.
This increase has sparked efforts and certifications that aim to improve supply chain visibility. In the future, these trends should continue to grow, with a focus on increased adoption of blockchain technology for improved traceability and a persistent push for greater transparency.
How do you think emerging technologies are impacting sustainable practices in fashion design and production?
Emerging technologies are driving revolutionary innovations in sustainability, such as virtual prototyping, Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing, and the development of environmentally friendly materials. These innovations rewrite conventional procedures in the sector, increasing productivity, reducing waste, and promoting an essential shift in the direction of an increasingly responsible and ecologically aware future for the sector.
What are your thoughts on the importance of global collaborations and partnerships in achieving sustainability goals within the fashion industry?
Establishing global partnerships and collaborations is essential to the pursuit of sustainability. The foundation for collaborative problem-solving in the fashion industry is an incorporation of varied viewpoints, shared wisdom, and combined resources. By means of these partnerships, the industry not only addresses common issues but also coordinates its endeavours to create and execute global sustainability guidelines. This coordinated approach guarantees a thorough and significant path towards a more sustainable future, exhibiting the industry’s zeal for global accountability and cooperative advancement.
How does Moomaya integrate sustainability into fashion education, and what impact do you believe this will have on future fashion professionals?
Through Moomaya, I am extremely passionate about incorporating sustainability into fashion education. In an effort to promote a more ecologically conscious industry, we are committed to helping aspiring professionals develop a conscientious mindset. I firmly think that the next generation of fashion experts need to be acquainted with eco-friendly practices.
Serving as Moomaya’s CEO, I try my hardest to encourage this project. Talking about sustainability is not enough; I also actively engage in events like the International Conference on Fashion as a Tool for Social Change (FTSC) at Woxsen University, where I serve as a keynote speaker and professor of practice. By merging real-world experience with scholarly discourse, these forums give me a platform to share my perspectives on sustainable fashion practices.
Our mission at Moomaya is to uplift and encourage the upcoming generation of fashion industry professionals. By fostering a sense of accountability and environmental consciousness in the future generation of leaders, we hope that our efforts will have a significant impact. I believe that if we work together, we can make this industry more socially conscious and sustainable.
Can you elaborate on Moomaya’s approach to inclusive sizing in sustainable fashion lines and how this promotes diversity and inclusivity in the industry?
Moomaya is committed to inclusive sizing in our sustainable fashion lines, utilising personalisation and customisation as powerful tools. Our approach goes beyond providing a range of sizes; it involves tailoring garments to individual preferences and body types.
By integrating personalisation and customisation, we empower customers to choose designs, fits, and styles that resonate with their unique identities. This approach promotes diversity by recognising and celebrating the individuality of each customer. It challenges traditional beauty standards and ensures that sustainable fashion is accessible to everyone.
Moreover, personalisation and customisation contribute to reducing waste in the fashion industry. With garments produced only when ordered, there is no excess inventory, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. Moomaya’s inclusive sizing, coupled with personalisation, sets a benchmark for promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, reinforcing the idea that fashion should be a reflection of personal expression for individuals of all body types and sizes.
What are the key benefits and challenges of Moomaya’s made-to-order manufacturing approach in terms of reducing excess inventory and waste?
Moomaya’s made-to-order manufacturing approach comes with several key benefits and challenges, contributing to a sustainable and responsible fashion model. A sustainable and ethical fashion model is aided by the many advantages and difficulties that come with using a made-to-order manufacturing strategy. Fundamentally, this process effectively removes excess inventory so that it can only fulfil customer orders, avoid overproduction and related waste, and respond to customer orders exclusively. In keeping with a dedication to environmental conservation, this proactive approach drastically lessens the negative impact on the environment by preventing the production of unsold goods that might eventually end up in landfills.
This strategy is effective both in the social and business spheres. By matching supply and demand, it fosters socially responsible consumption. It promotes thoughtful shopping in addition to being consistent with ethical consumerism. Commercially, the model avoids the costs associated with keeping large inventories, promoting financial economy and facilitating flexibility in reacting to market developments.
The made-to-order business model is highly relevant in the current business landscape, where consumers and businesses place a high value on sustainability. The growing demand for resource efficiency and conscious consumerism is in line with this. Still, adopting this model necessitates a break from conventional production methods, which presents issues with industry conventions and adjustment. To overcome these obstacles, one must navigate carefully and strategically. The made-to-order model is a worthy endeavour because of its ethical benefits and long-term sustainability, even though it may take more time and effort to establish new norms. This helps to reinforce a commitment to ethical and environmentally friendly fashion practices.
What innovative approaches does Moomaya employ to minimise water usage in textile production, and what are the challenges and successes you have encountered in this process?
Moomaya employs innovative approaches to minimise water usage in textile production, with a focus on sustainability. One key method is the utilisation of digital printing, which has proven to save 55 per cent of water compared to traditional printing methods. This technology allows precise colour application, reducing water waste associated with excess dyeing and printing processes.
In addition to digital printing, Moomaya’s commitment to the Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing model significantly contributes to water conservation. By producing garments only when orders are received, we prevent overproduction, eliminating the water that would have been used for garments that may not be sold. The JIT approach saved 27 lakh litres of water last year, proving the effectiveness of our sustainable practices.
Consumer expectations and industry conventions, which may be accustomed to conventional production methods, present challenges when putting these novel ideas into practice. However, the success lies in the significant reduction of water consumption and the overall positive environmental impact, reinforcing Moomaya’s commitment to a sustainable and responsible fashion model.
Could you discuss some of the efficient practices Moomaya has implemented from raw material production to finished garments to optimise water use?
Moomaya maintains a strong commitment to environmental sustainability by implementing a comprehensive set of practices aimed at optimising water use across its entire production process. The meticulous selection of materials, with a focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable options like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, is essential to this method since these materials usually require less water for cultivation or production. These decisions not only support Moomaya’s commitment to ethical sourcing, but they also help conserve water.
The use of digital printing technology is an additional creative measure to lower water usage. As mentioned earlier, compared to conventional printing techniques, Moomaya’s digital printing yields a 55 per cent reduction in water usage. This revolutionary method minimises water waste during the dyeing and printing processes while guaranteeing accurate colour application. Adoption of this method also improves operational efficiency.
Another water-saving approach adopted by Moomaya is its JIT manufacturing methodology. This method acts as a preventative measure against excess production since clothing is produced solely in response to orders that are received. Moomaya effectively reduces associated water usage for clothes that might not find buyers by avoiding unnecessary manufacturing.
As a dedication to adopting a comprehensive approach to sustainability, Moomaya has implemented a closed-loop water recycling system. This system reduces the negative impact on the environment and overall water consumption is also considerably decreased. The main feature of this system is that it effectively recycles and reuses water throughout the production process.
Through its educational programmes, Moomaya works towards expanding its water conservation practices outside of the operational sphere. The brand actively engages stakeholders and partners in the supply chain, highlighting the significance of water conservation. To promote a common commitment to sustainable practices throughout the entire production process, this educational outreach is essential. Through educating and raising awareness, Moomaya aims to encourage its industry network to take a more comprehensive approach to water conservation.
Moomaya’s commitment to minimising water consumption and promoting an eco-aware fashion industry is evident in all facets of its business operations, from material selection to cutting-edge technologies and educational programmes.
What are your views on current policies and standards that promote sustainable water practices in the fashion industry, and how does Moomaya align with these regulations?
Within the textile industry, the existing guidelines and policies that support environmentally responsible water practices in the fashion industry are significant turning points for promoting the commitment towards environmental responsibility. These policies act as a thorough guide, influencing the way companies operate and encouraging a paradigm change in favour of responsible water management.
As experts in the textile industry, it is our duty to promote these ideas and drive the transition of the fashion sector to one that is more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Moomaya’s innovative use of the JIT manufacturing process demonstrates our strong commitment to sustainable water practices. This creative method drastically reduces the amount of water used in the textile industry. Our JIT model also eliminates the need for large-scale, water-intensive processes associated with traditional mass production and excess inventory management by only manufacturing garments when orders are received.
How does Moomaya’s closed-loop water recycling system work, and what benefits have you observed in terms of reducing water consumption and minimising environmental impact?
Our closed-loop water recycling system is aimed at following sustainable practices. In the first step, the water used in various stages of production, such as dyeing and printing, is carefully collected and treated in a closed-loop system. Then the system successfully removes pollutants and impurities from the collected water by utilising sophisticated filtration and purification techniques. Throughout the recycling process, this guarantees a high standard of water quality.
The treated water is then added back into the production process, reducing the requirement for fresh water in later manufacturing cycles. The implementation of this closed-loop methodology results in a significant decrease in overall water consumption by establishing a continuous water recycling system.
Reusing the water that our Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant releases is another environmentally responsible practice that Moomaya employs in the field of sustainability. Further, the water is diverted to our restrooms for flushing and other uses. The treated water is of excellent quality and fit for non-potable uses.
How do you address the need for adaptive design in sustainable fashion, ensuring that your products are accessible to individuals with varying abilities and needs?
Adaptive design is important in the context of sustainable fashion, and Moomaya emphasises this point strongly. Proactively engaging with diverse communities is the way we demonstrate our dedication to this ethos. We actively seek input through meaningful collaboration and open dialogue to make sure that our products are not only accessible and inclusive to people with diverse needs and abilities, but also environmentally responsible.
We are not only following the latest trends in the industry, but also promoting a constructive and forward-thinking change by adopting adaptive design principles. We believe that everyone should be able to express themselves and feel empowered through fashion, regardless of their individual needs or abilities, which is the reason we have purposefully placed a strong emphasis on accessibility.
Can you explain the importance of transparent supply chains in the fashion industry and how Moomaya ensures transparency for its consumers?
The importance of transparent supply chains in the complex fabric of textile production is critical. They represent a dedication to ethical excellence and act as the cornerstone for maintaining accountability and encouraging responsible behaviours. As a devoted textile expert, Moomaya places a high value on this dedication by carefully providing detailed information about sourcing, production, and ethical standards.
We further solidify our positive impact within the textile industry by empowering individuals to make informed and conscientious purchasing decisions through our nuanced supply chain insights and open communication channels.
Looking forward, what new initiatives or developments can we expect from Moomaya in the realm of sustainable fashion, and what are your long-term goals for the brand in this context?
Looking forward, we are excited to share some upcoming initiatives at Moomaya in the realm of sustainable fashion. In addition to our ongoing commitment to eco-friendly practices, we plan to introduce the date of manufacturing to our garments. This transparency will allow customers to know that our products are freshly produced, aligning with our dedication to providing quality and recently crafted items.
Moreover, in our pursuit of fostering a more inclusive and body-positive environment, we are taking a significant step by removing size names such as Small, Medium, and Large from our product feed. Instead, we will be using numerical sizing. We made this choice to eliminate negative perceptions of one’s body and develop an inclusive and supportive shopping environment for all.
As for our long-term goals, we envision further integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our brand. This includes exploring innovative materials, reducing our environmental footprint, and continuing to advocate for positive changes within the fashion industry.
