Nitin Kapoor, Co-Founder of IBA Crafts, transforms fast fashion into sustainable 'order-to-wear' at Moomaya. Utilizing a just-in-time model, garments are tailored within 48 hours, reducing waste and water consumption. Kapoor's shift from trimmings to garments in 2016 led to JIT adoption, combating the textile industry's waste crisis. IBA Crafts' meticulous process minimizes waste while ensuring profitability, setting a green standard for the industry. The success of Moomaya's JIT model showcases eco-friendly practices, aligning with global sustainability trends.
Nitin Kapoor, the Co-Founder of IBA Crafts, raises a thought-provoking concern: "Did you know that 35% to 40% of the garments made in the world are either burnt or dumped?" This revelation acted as a catalyst for Kapoor to revolutionize his fast fashion business model into a more sustainable approach: order to wear.
Today, IBA Crafts, based in Noida, operates Moomaya, an in-house brand that adopts the just-in-time inventory model for crafting garments. Customers peruse the catalog, select their desired dress and design, and witness their garments being stitched and dispatched within a remarkable 48 hours. What sets this model apart is its zero-waste ethos, eliminating the need for extensive warehousing.
Kapoor, also serving as the CEO of IBA Crafts, recounts the company’s evolution from selling trimmings and appliques in 2010 to venturing into garments and fast fashion. However, a pivotal moment in 2016 prompted Kapoor to pivot towards the just-in-time (JIT) model, commonly seen in manufacturing. Over the past six years, the company has shipped over 500,000 garments to 140 countries employing the JIT model.
The textile industry faces a pressing need to explore JIT and similar strategies due to its significant waste production in a world struggling with mounting garbage issues. India, a key textiles and apparel-sourcing hub, generates a substantial 7,793 kilotons of textile waste annually, contributing 8.5% to global textile waste, as per a study commissioned by Fashion for Good.
In response to this global challenge, IBA Crafts, under the Moomaya brand, employs a meticulous process: after receiving orders, a machine prints the chosen design on fabric, which is then swiftly tailored by one of the company’s 150 skilled workers into a garment. This streamlined approach ensures efficiency and minimizes waste.
The JIT model not only addresses the waste crisis but also tackles water consumption, a notorious issue in the textile industry. Kapoor proudly states that JIT has slashed water consumption by 27 lakh litres in 2023 and an impressive 55 lakh litres to date in 2024.
This sustainable initiative also proves profitable, with IBA Crafts reporting a net revenue of $4 million for FY24. Tracxn data reveals revenue figures of Rs 1,577.5 lakh in 2022-23, demonstrating consistent growth and profitability.
Kapoor emphasizes the importance of problem-solving at each stage of the JIT model's implementation. By focusing on details like color fastness and fabric quality, the company ensures customer satisfaction while maintaining cost competitiveness.
The success of Moomaya's JIT model not only showcases a sustainable solution at the core of the value chain but also sets a precedent for the industry to adopt eco-friendly practices. This innovative approach aligns with a global trend towards sustainability, ensuring both environmental responsibility and business prosperity.
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