Sae-A Trading’s Chief Sales Officer, Saila Kim, shares how the company’s founding principles of innovation, community engagement, and workplace safety have evolved into a robust ESG-driven strategy. From pioneering smart factory technologies and ethical sourcing to investing in local communities and driving supply chain transparency, Sae-A Trading is leveraging digital transformation and regional integration to build a resilient, sustainable apparel business, while setting new benchmarks for responsible growth in the global textile industry.
Just Style (JS): How does Sae-A Trading’s vision guide executive decision-making?
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Saila Kim: Since our founding in 1986, Sae-A Trading has been guided by three core principles emphasized by our founder: leading the industry through technological innovation, contributing to the communities where we operate, and fostering a safe work environment.
These founding principles are closely aligned with our ESG management strategies. They have become part of our organizational DNA and are reflected in our business management. Sae-A Trading has partnered with clients worldwide to realize shared sustainability visions—responding to climate change, promoting resource circularity, building responsible supply chains, and fostering an inclusive corporate culture.
JS: What is Sae-A Trading’s unique value proposition?
Saila Kim: Our competitive edge lies in our vertically integrated global production network spanning Central America, Southeast Asia, and Korea. We offer flexibility in delivery and customization. Recent investments, such as our acquisition of Tegra, our third spinning mill in Costa Rica and a fabric mill in Central America, further strengthen this advantage. By localizing key inputs under CAFTA-DR, we’re able to enhance lead times, improve quality control, and boost cost competitiveness for our customers.
JS: How do you decide which smart factory technologies to implement?
Saila Kim: We are implementing technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), manufacturing execution system (MES), and advanced planning and scheduling system (APS) across our operations. The adoption of 3D sampling and virtual fitting systems has reduced fabric waste and logistics-related emissions. Our technology priorities are driven by ESG impact and operational efficiency. Additionally, our proprietary ERP-SCM platform allows real-time monitoring of over 1,000 production lines globally.
JS: How is Sae-A Trading advancing its ESG agenda beyond emissions targets?
Saila Kim: Sae-A Trading is advancing ESG leadership through innovative supply chain collaboration and data transparency. Our Sae-A Carbon Control System (SCCS) works with over 100 suppliers to address Scope 3 emissions collectively. We also leverage our environmental data platform for real-time energy, waste, and water management.
We balance efficiency and environmental responsibility by integrating sustainability into operations through technology and strategic targets. For example, transitioning our Indonesia plant from coal to 100% biomass achieved our ‘Coal-Zero’ goal ahead of schedule, demonstrating that operational improvements can align with ambitious environmental commitments. Our SBTi Net-Zero approval and recognition on the 2024 CDP Supplier Engagement “A List” reflect this integrated approach.
JS: How do you ensure ethical sourcing as you scale globally?
Saila Kim: Sae-A Trading is implementing a comprehensive cotton traceability system that ensures ethical sourcing and compliance with international standards. In response to global concerns regarding forced labor and transparent sourcing, we mandate that all suppliers provide a Letter of Guarantee. We confirm non-involvement with any suppliers from high-risk areas and ensure full transparency regarding the origin of cotton used in production. We integrate the documentation, certificates, and invoices into our ERP-SCM system for full traceability.
External verification and FSC-certified recycled materials are part of our responsible sourcing strategy, supporting audits and third-party assessments.
JS: How do you foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement globally?
Saila Kim: Sae-A Trading builds a strong safety culture through a unified global compliance system supported by dedicated local teams. These teams, guided by headquarters, implement region-specific training, monitor safety practices, and manage audits to ensure consistency and relevance.
We drive continuous improvement through participation in third-party initiatives like LABS, including full graduation in Vietnam. All sites conduct regular fire drills, hazard assessments, and safety training aligned with local laws and buyer standards. At our Ho Chi Minh facility, the ideal needle handling (INH) system helps proactively prevent incidents, supporting our record of zero accidents.
By combining centralized oversight with locally informed action, we empower our workforce to take ownership of safety and raise standards globally.
JS: How does Sae-A Trading approach long-term community investment?
Saila Kim: Our commitment to social responsibility includes community engagement initiatives that aim to uplift vulnerable populations. The establishment of S&H School in Haiti provides free education to 700 students, illustrating our dedication to investing in the future of communities affected by socioeconomic challenges. The school also empowers local youth by providing them with skills necessary for future employment.
Additionally, Sae-A Trading has extended its support to Ukrainian war refugees by donating clothing produced in its factories located in Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The company has established a fund for ongoing assistance, showcasing its commitment to humanitarian efforts.
JS: What trends do you foresee shaping sustainable clothing manufacturers and supply chains?
Saila Kim: Key trends include supply chain transparency, ESG-linked technologies, data-driven production, and regionally optimized speed-to-market. We’re proactively responding through internal R&D and strategic investments. As expectations shift toward evidence-based ESG performance, we’re reinforcing our position as a trusted sustainable partner through third-party certifications and real-time data disclosure.
JS: What challenges has Sae-A Trading faced and how were they overcome?
Saila Kim: Post-pandemic demand fluctuations, inflation, and tariffs have posed major challenges. We addressed these through strategic investments in supply chain efficiency, product and regional diversification, and digital transformation. Our acquisition of Tegra and a regional fabric mill is a successful case in point. Another challenge is the intensification of ESG assessment standards. We’ve turned this into an opportunity by establishing long-term systems and shifting internal mindsets. We see significant growth opportunities in further enhancing supply chain resilience and sustainability through innovation and digital tools, especially AI.
JS: What advice would you offer to other apparel manufacturers on innovation and sustainability?
Saila Kim: The goal of any business is to achieve sustainable growth by balancing revenue and cost efficiency. Sae-A Trading has focused on reducing costs, which has driven investment and innovation. Given the labor-intensive nature of apparel manufacturing, Sae-A Trading has expanded into multiple countries through ongoing research. Through these operations, we contribute to society by creating jobs and supporting communities. We believe companies have a responsibility to give back, fostering mutual growth and sustainability.
Continuous cost-saving efforts encourage us to explore new technologies like AI, MES, RPA, and automation, which help the company grow and innovate. Sae-A Trading is also investing beyond sewing, expanding into fabric and yarn production, and recently entering the performance wear market through the acquisition of Tegra. By focusing on our core business while embracing new challenges, we foster innovation and make investments that support sustainable growth.
