ISKO sees the Bangladesh market as a key strategic partner

ISKO, a global leader in the denim industry and part of the SANKO Group, is renowned for its innovation, sustainability, and premium quality denim fabrics. With a strong focus on responsible production and cutting-edge textile technology, ISKO has consistently set new standards in the world of denim. From performance-driven fabrics to eco-conscious solutions, ISKO’s product range combines fashion, function, and environmental responsibility—positioning it as a key player in shaping the future of denim.

In a recent conversation with Denim Focus, Tezcan Baltaş, Regional Manager of SANKO/ISKO, shed light on the company’s strategic growth and expanding influence in the Bangladesh market. Through determination and strategic insight, Baltaş has successfully navigated both the challenges and opportunities in the region, solidifying ISKO’s presence and reputation in one of the world’s most dynamic denim hubs. His leadership underscores ISKO’s commitment to local engagement and global excellence.

Denim Focus: Could you please share with us the current scenario of the denim industry?

Tezcan Baltaş: The denim industry is going through a period of transformation. While global demand remains stable, brands and retailers are becoming far more discerning, expecting not just great quality, but also real innovation, responsible sourcing and full transparency. This shift is pushing the industry away from pure volume toward added value.

Bangladesh is already a denim manufacturing powerhouse with world-class production infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce and a reputation for reliability. I’ve had the privilege of working in this market for over 25 years, and I’ve seen first-hand how it continues to evolve and rise to new challenges. Today, I travel to Bangladesh every month to meet with our partners and customers and what I see is an industry that’s hungry for innovation and ready for the next level. That’s where ISKO comes in – not to compete, but to complement. We offer innovative, sustainable fabrics that help Bangladeshi manufacturers meet growing global expectations and win high-value business.

Denim Focus: How is ISKO supporting the denim industry for value addition?

Tezcan Baltaş: At ISKO, we don’t just produce denim, we engineer fabric solutions designed to deliver performance, comfort, style and sustainability. These fabrics help manufacturers differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace and attract the attention of premium and forward-thinking global brands.

By bringing our fabrics to Bangladesh, we offer manufacturers access to unique patented technologies, advanced stretch and recovery capabilities and design-forward aesthetics all while meeting the strictest sustainability standards with certifications like GRS, Bluesign®, and Oeko-Tex®. We also work directly with customers on developments that help reduce water and energy use during garment finishing. For example, many of our fabrics require fewer treatments or washes to achieve their final look, which can make a real difference in production costs and impact. The goal is to support Bangladeshi manufacturers in moving up the value chain by offering premium, innovative, and responsible denim that speaks directly to what today’s brands are looking for.

Denim Focus: How do you see the Bangladesh market for ISKO?

Tezcan Baltaş: Bangladesh is one of the most exciting and important denim markets in the world and it’s a region I’ve had a deep connection with throughout my career. Having worked in the industry for over 25 years, many of those closely linked to Bangladesh, I know the incredible capabilities and ambition that exist here.

ISKO sees the Bangladesh market as a key strategic partner. Our aim is to empower local manufacturers with our globally renowned fabrics, helping them win business from brands that are demanding more in terms of sustainability, quality, and differentiation.

As those expectations continue to rise, Bangladeshi suppliers need access to unique fabrics that can elevate their offer and ISKO is here to provide that. We want to build long-term partnerships that go beyond just supplying fabric. We’re bringing in innovation, market insight, and tailored support that helps manufacturers grow and compete at the highest level.

Denim Focus: Could you please share the latest innovations of your company?

Tezcan Baltaş: Innovation is the heart of ISKO. Our R&D teams are constantly pushing to create smarter, more sustainable denim solutions that perform just as beautifully in production as they do on the shop floor. Two great examples are We’Raw — a special construction that creates a permanent raw look using significantly fewer finishing steps and Multitouch, a versatile denim offering multiple textures and finishes within a single fabric. These innovations not only improve aesthetics and performance, but also reduce resource use in garment finishing.

Another recent breakthrough is ISKO Recode: a line of denim that incorporates advanced circular design thinking and recycled content, made with both environmental performance and premium aesthetics in mind. It’s a clear demonstration that sustainability doesn’t have to compromise style or commercial viability. In addition, through our partnership with RE&UP, we’re integrating next-generation recycled fibers including both post-consumer and post-industrial waste, into our fabrics. This helps manufacturers meet growing regulatory requirements and brand expectations without sacrificing quality or consistency.

All of these innovations are available to manufacturers in Bangladesh and we’re ready to collaborate closely with our partners here to tailor developments that meet specific production needs, market demands, and brand requirements.

For further information or collaboration inquiries, please reach out to Tezcan Baltaş at Baltas@sanko.com.tr