Global apparel manufacturing company Sae-A Trading has won four awards in the 2025 Just Style Excellence Awards, in the Innovation, Environmental, Safety, and Social categories, for its commitment to ethical practices, sustainability, and community engagement.
The Just Style Excellence Awards honor the most significant achievements and innovations in the apparel and textile industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies leading change and shaping the future of the industry.
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Sae-A Trading won the Innovation award for implementing a comprehensive cotton traceability system that ensures ethical sourcing in textiles and transparency. It received the Environmental award for achieving ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets and committing to sustainable practices in apparel manufacturing. The Safety award was granted for its proactive measures in maintaining a zero-injury workplace through rigorous safety protocols. The Social award was given for its significant community engagement initiatives that uplift vulnerable populations.
Innovation in supply chain transparency
Sae-A Trading has established a benchmark in the apparel industry by implementing a comprehensive cotton traceability system that ensures ethical sourcing and compliance with international standards. In response to global concerns regarding forced labor, particularly in regions like Xinjiang, Sae-A Trading mandates that all suppliers provide a Letter of Guarantee. This document confirms their non-involvement with any suppliers from high-risk areas and ensures full transparency regarding the origin of cotton used in production.
To further enhance traceability, Sae-A Trading has developed an internal system where fabric suppliers must upload all relevant documentation, including invoices and Certificates of Origin. This documentation is integrated into their Supply Chain Management (SCM) system, which is directly linked to their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The integration allows for streamlined monitoring and verification of compliance, ensuring that every step of the supply chain is transparent and accountable. In addition to internal efforts, Sae-A Trading collaborates with external supply chain traceability specialists and digital traceability technology providers to independently verify cotton origin and further strengthen the reliability and transparency of its system.
Moreover, Sae-A Trading employs advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics to optimize production routes and enhance workforce productivity. By analyzing historical production data, the company can forecast demand more accurately and allocate resources efficiently. The transition to virtual sampling and 3D technology has also significantly reduced carbon emissions and waste during the development process, enhancing the operational efficiency.
Sae-A Trading’s proactive measures include maintaining a rapid response capability to inquiries from customers and regulatory bodies. This preparedness showcases the company’s dedication to transparency and accountability, allowing it to provide comprehensive traceability documentation within required timeframes.
Environmental commitment: Achieving emissions targets
Sae-A Trading is the first Korean apparel manufacturer to receive approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, based on a 2022 baseline, and to achieve net zero by 2050. This ambitious goal reflects Sae-A’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustainable practices within the industry.
To achieve these targets, Sae-A Trading has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. For instance, the company has installed solar panels across multiple operations, increasing its renewable energy usage to 20% of total electricity consumption. This shift not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels, but also contributes to significant cost savings over time.
In addition to its emissions targets, Sae-A Trading has joined the Fashion Forever Green Pact, committing to the use of FSC-certified fabrics and regenerated fibers to combat deforestation. By overseeing the entire supply chain—from yarn production to final product delivery—Sae-A Trading aims to lead the industry in adopting sustainable materials certified by the FSC. This commitment is crucial as it addresses the urgent need for sustainable sourcing practices in the textile industry.
Furthermore, Sae-A Trading has been proactive in collecting environmental data for over a decade. The development of a new environmental data collection platform allows for efficient tracking of greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, waste generation, and water usage. This data-driven approach not only enhances transparency but also enables Sae-A Trading to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies for reducing its environmental impact.
Safety first: Occupational safety measures
Sae-A Trading prioritizes the health and safety of its workers by participating in the LABS (Life and Building Safety) Initiative to address fire, electrical, and structural safety risks. All owned factories in Vietnam have successfully achieved LABS Graduation certificates, underscoring the company’s commitment to maintaining safe working conditions. This initiative involves collaboration with multiple brands and public organizations to mitigate preventable safety risks in apparel manufacturing.
The establishment of an occupational health and safety management system ensures compliance with local legal requirements and buyer standards. Sae-A Trading conducts regular training on evacuation drills and fire safety, contributing to a remarkable 0% injury rate across its operations. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of Sae-A’s safety protocols and training programs.
Additionally, Sae-A Trading has implemented the Ideal Needle Handling (INH) system at its production facilities in Ho Chi Minh City. This innovative system systematically manages needle usage by tracking replacement times and usage history in real time. By automating needle management tasks, Sae-A enhances worker safety and convenience, while minimizing risks associated with needle-related accidents.
The company also conducts periodic assessments of workplace hazards through internal risk evaluations and external validations by local authorities. These assessments cover various environmental impacts such as noise, air quality, temperature, and wastewater management. By fostering a culture of safety through continuous training and monitoring, Sae-A Trading ensures that all employees work in a secure environment free from critical violations.
Social impact: Community engagement initiatives
Sae-A Trading’s commitment to social responsibility is exemplified through various community engagement initiatives that aim to uplift vulnerable populations. The establishment of S&H School in Haiti provides free education, meals, and supplies to 700 students, illustrating Sae-A Trading’s dedication to investing in the future of communities affected by socioeconomic challenges. The school not only serves as an educational institution but also as a means of empowering local youth by providing them with skills necessary for future employment.
The hiring of graduates from S&H School into various departments within Sae-A Trading further demonstrates the positive impact of this initiative. By offering job opportunities to these graduates, Sae-A Trading contributes to sustainable development in Haiti while fostering a sense of community ownership among its employees.
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 dedicated to ongoing assistance for affected individuals, showcasing its commitment to humanitarian efforts during times of crisis.
The opening of S2A Art Gallery reflects Sae-A Trading’s commitment to cultural enrichment by providing a platform for both renowned and emerging artists. The gallery hosts exhibitions that attract significant public interest while fostering community engagement through art. By bridging cultural gaps and promoting artistic expression, S2A aims to enhance the quality of life for local residents.
“On behalf of the Global Sae-A Group, and especially Sae-A Trading, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all our employees for this award. The very purpose of the Global Sae-A Group’s existence is to benefit the world and dedicate ourselves to humanity through sustainable management and creative thinking. Our efforts over the past 12 years—providing free education to 700 students in northern Haiti and offering annual medical services to local residents—reflect this core philosophy of commitment to humanity. Through Sae-A Trading, we have invested across various Central American countries, directly producing yarn, fabric, and finished garments. We have expanded into ten countries worldwide, creating tens of thousands of jobs. At the same time, we have reached out to refugees displaced by war, providing them with clothing, blankets, and housing to offer comfort and hope. The Global Sae-A Group continues to move forward with an indomitable spirit of challenge and courage, pursuing the dreams and hopes of humanity and the world.“
– Woong Ki Kim, Chairman, Global Sae-A Group
Company Profile
Founded in 1986, Sae-A Trading is a global apparel manufacturing company specializing in OEM/ODM production. Sae-A Trading operates one of the most comprehensive vertically integrated supply chains in the world, covering yarn spinning, fabric production, garment manufacturing, and packaging. With production facilities spanning North and Central America—including the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Haiti, El Salvador, and Honduras—as well as Southeast Asia—with facilities in Vietnam and Indonesia—Sae-A Trading continues to expand its presence in key global markets.
Contact Details
Global Sae-A PR Team
Karen Seo (Manager): karenseo@sae-a.com
Ella Ko (Jr. Associate): ellako379@sae-a.com
Links:
Website: http://www.sae-a.com/
