“Name: Sumit Gupta
Employer: IOAS Inc, USA
Role: Assessor
Hi Sumit, thanks for taking part in our new interview series! To kick things off, how did your journey begin within the dyeing industry and how did this lead you to the SDC?
My family has been in the retail business of apparel for over four decades, and the dyeing industry has always fascinated me. I studied for a degree in M. Tech in Fibres and Processing Technology from Mumbai University, I then went on to study a master’s degree in Textile Engineering from Punjab Technical University. I volunteered for the SDC education charity in Mumbai, first as vice chairman then as secretary.
What lead you to achieving your chartered status?
Having already completed my masters in technology, I received the ASDC qualification from the SDC by exemption — I then achieved my chartered status two years later as per the rules. I now work as a textile engineer.
How was your time with the SDC and do you still find you are able to implement your learnings to your current role?
I spent five years with the SDC EC in India from 2012 to 2017. During my time here, there were several exciting and engaging educational programmes available to students and those working in industry. I helped to expand the outreach of the SDC and kickstarted the ‘Young Talent Search’ competition in 2015. I had experience organising events in my previous role at GOTS — I was also able to spread the word about the SDC in my network.
What is your favourite part about textile coloration?
It is hard to pick a favourite! However, professionally, I am involved in the part that ensures that the colourants and colouration is free from hazardous substances. In my current role at IOAS Inc, a US based Accreditation Body, I assess the certification bodies, their quality management systems, and competence of their staff who are engaged in auditing and evaluating dyers and colour makers for GOTS and / or GRS standards.
How do you find the balance of keeping on top of your chartered status and working full time?
Interestingly, all my full-time jobs have been in the domain of technical certifications, such as Oeko-Tex, Eco Passport, GOTS, GRS and so on. Constantly changing conformity requirements have pushed me to continue learning and innovating throughout my career — I would like to thank goddess Saraswati for the opportunities I have had so far.
Tell us more about your job role
I am currently working as an Assessor for IOAS Inc. The company is based in the US, but fortunately I can work from my home in Mumbai. As an Accreditation Body, IOAS works with several private standards and governments across the world in different domains including farming, cosmetics, and textiles. My role is focussed on the textile sector including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Textile Exchange standards like GRS, RCS and OCS.
As a chartered colourist, what are your thoughts on sustainability within textile coloration?
Having spent over a decade in the industry. I believe that buyers should insist on clean products, even if this means supplier prices are higher. All parties, including testing laboratories and certifiers, need to heavily invest in training and competence building to ensure they are contributing towards a successful future for the industry.
What are your career aspirations for the future?
I made the move to IOAS a year ago and I am still in the learning phase here. My aspirations are to continue working in the field of quality assurance and certification.”
Sumit Gupta
