GreenStitch aims to become go-to platform for fashion and retail sustainability: interview

Climate-tech startup focused on transforming sustainability practices in the global fashion industry GreenStitch plans to become the go-to platform for fashion and retail sustainability, CEO Narendra Makwana tells FashionNetwork.com in an interview. 

FashionNetwork.com: Can you share GreenStitch’s origin story and the core mission that drives your work in sustainable fashion and textiles?

Narendra Makwana: Fashion contributes 10% of GHG emissions worldwide and is responsible for 20% of global water pollution. Fashion is also a core part of humanity, and hence it is important to make this industry sustainable. 

Greenstitch was founded with a singular vision: to empower apparel and textile companies to weave sustainability into the core fabric of their business through intelligent data management. We are not a generic ESG software provider; we are specialists deeply immersed in the complexities and unique challenges of the global fashion value chain.

Our mission is to help apparel and textile brands go green with an easy-to-use, AI-powered platform made just for this industry. We simplify tricky regulations, track carbon emissions, and give clear insights, all while working with tools like Worldly/ Higg. Our tech handles complex global supply chains. We’re not just a tool- we’re a partner, helping brands shine in sustainable fashion with fresh ideas and real results.

FN: What are some recent milestones or achievements GreenStitch has accomplished in the last six to 12 months?

NM: In the past year, GreenStitch has hit some big milestones. We were honored by the  Ministry of Textiles at Bharat Tex, Asia’s largest textile event, as the Digital Innovation of the Year. We also secured investment from top-tier investors, fueling our growth. Plus, we’ve expanded our product offerings to better serve the fashion and textile industry’s sustainability needs.

FN: Are there any new partnerships, client acquisitions, or expansion plans in the pipeline- either in India or globally?

NM: We are actively working on expanding into Southeast Asia, the UK, Europe, and North America. Our focus is on onboarding stakeholders across the textile value chain- from suppliers and manufacturers to exporters and global brands. We’re also building partnerships with regional textile hubs and sustainability alliances to localise our platform’s value while supporting global reporting needs. These efforts are aligned with our roadmap to help manage over one billion tonnes of emissions in the coming years.

FN: Have you recently launched any new product features or technology upgrades? If so, how do they enhance your platform’s value for fashion and textile businesses?

NM: We regularly roll out new features and tech upgrades to keep our platform cutting-edge. Recently, we launched ecodesign tools that let companies predict a product’s environmental impact before production, helping them make smarter, greener choices. We’ve also added advanced validation models to boost accuracy and validation. 

FN: With sustainability regulations evolving globally, how is GreenStitch helping brands stay compliant and competitive in this changing landscape?

NM: GreenStitch helps brands tackle global sustainability regulations with ease and stay competitive. Our AI-powered platform integrates with existing systems, automating carbon accounting and lifecycle assessments to meet standards like EPR, PEF, and CSRD. We provide real-time insights into Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, helping brands spot high-impact areas, cut their footprint, and choose sustainable designs and suppliers early on. With clear dashboards and digital product passports, we ensure transparent reporting, build consumer trust, and position brands as sustainability leaders.

FN: How is your platform supporting brands in managing and reducing Scope 3 emissions, and how do digital product passports play into that?

NM: GreenStitch makes managing Scope 3 emissions simple, even with messy, unstructured fashion data. Our platform normalises and processes data in any format in minutes, saving brands huge effort. We calculate granular Scope 3 emissions, showing which suppliers, products, or materials emit the most and offering actionable ways to reduce them. Unlike spend-based methods, our approach gives real insights for active emissions cuts. Digital product passports enhance this by transparently sharing environmental footprints with customers via QR codes and widgets, boosting trust and engagement. DPP is a part of a large EU green deal and will be a law in one year. 

FN: What does the next phase of growth look like for GreenStitch in terms of product roadmap, team expansion, or market outreach?

NM: Our goal is to make GreenStitch the go-to platform for fashion and retail sustainability. We have a robust product roadmap in the works, with new features to enhance our platform. We’re also growing our team and expanding our market outreach to connect with more brands in India and worldwide, helping them achieve their sustainability goals.

FN: Do you have a message you would like to share with industry peers and stakeholders about the role of data and technology in enabling sustainability at scale?

NM: Data and tech are like the heart and soul of a greener future. With AI and smart insights, we can make choices that heal our planet and improve our profits. Let’s come together, use these tools, and build a sustainable world that shines for everyone.