hannah badminton
Dec 10, 20233 min
Updated: Mar 19
Global sourcing and sustainable production can be thrilling and challenging in equal parts when sourcing overseas from a factory/supplier. In our latest Spot Light Series interview, Mehathab Joharullah, a sustainable production and sourcing expert with over 10+ years experience, shares a spectrum of factory insights; offering a roadmap for brands to navigate the complexities of international sourcing while maximizing their supplier relationships.
Let's dive into Mehathab's delve into expert advice..
Selecting the right overseas factory is paramount to success. Choosing a factory that has expertise in your brand’s product categories minimizes risks, and positively impacts sustainability metrics. Mehathab shares key elements that brands should research before making this crucial decision.
While it may seem convenient in the short term, pressuring a supplier to produce items outside their expertise can lead to long-term problems. Sourcing a factory with the right skills for your specific product reduces overall risk and ensures a smoother production process.
Ensure your supplier aligns with your brand's values, whether they be Fair Trade, vegan, or focused on providing living wages. Mehathab’s suggestions will help you select a partner who shares your brand's core values.
Educate your internal teams on sustainable procurement and sourcing to align actions with your supply chain values. Trained teams can identify production partners that share the same commitment to sustainability.
Ease the burden on the factory by providing forecasts well in advance. Collaborative planning allows the factory to source materials and produce items in a fair and timely manner.
Avoid confusion by providing clear tech packs and specifications. This simple step can save both time and money in the long run, reducing the likelihood of errors during production.
Set the right tone for the project by discussing details with your supplier before production starts. This proactive approach allows for risk assessment and problem-solving in advance, minimizing potential hiccups.
It’s important to know when the right time is to complete negotiations. Extended negotiations can impact timelines and increase costs. Consider the broader implications, such as expedited shipping costs or missed sales opportunities close to peak seasons.
Confirm tech packs before the sample and production stage begin to prevent disruptions to the project. Last-minute changes can have a domino effect, causing delays and additional costs.
Your input matters. By understanding and addressing a factory's challenges collaboratively, you can transform a potentially chaotic project into a success story.
Understand your factory's capabilities and output to ensure they can fulfill your order. Mismatched production capacity may indicate potential subcontracting overseas.
Choose a factory willing to provide visibility into their setup and supply chain. Transparency is key, and if lacking, consider initiating a wider conversation or even visiting the factory.
Committing to a long-term partnership offers benefits such as securing preferred materials, decreased costs, and more transport options. Share your commitment, and watch the relationship flourish.
True sustainability considers both social and environmental credentials. Strive for a balanced approach to ensure a positive impact on both people and the planet 🌎
Check out our interview with Mehathab along with the full Spotlight Series here
Purnaa is a full-service sewing and knitting fair-trade, social enterprise manufacturing company in Nepal with a mission to create jobs that empower marginalized people to fresh starts and fulfilled lives. We specialize in custom caps and hats with sublimation and embroidery, stuffed animals, t-shirts, bags, and fully custom contract sewing and knitting manufacturing.
Reach out today to start your sample journey sales@purnaa.com
To learn more about how our manufacturing process works, check out these other posts:
Fair Trade Manufacturing: Step-by-Step from sampling and production at Purnaa
Taking Action Against Exploitation in Supply Chains: Insights on key risks and prevention
5 Ways to Work With Your Apparel Manufacturer to Get Faster Lead Times