SAITEX
SAITEX is a vertically integrated premium denim manufacturer operating from Vietnam (3,500 employees across five Bien Hoa facilities) and Los Angeles, serving global fashion brands including Levi's, J.Crew, Everlane, and IKEA through sustainable contract manufacturing built on proprietary technologies like Smart-Indigo™ electrochemical dyeing and Stelapop upcycling.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersBiên Hòa, Vietnam
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SAITEX does
SAITEX is a vertically integrated premium denim and over-dyed products manufacturer founded by Sanjeev Bahl and headquartered in Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, Vietnam. The company operates a fully circular manufacturing system spanning cotton sourcing through finished garment production, with five facilities in Vietnam producing 18,000 garments per day (3,500 employees) and a micro-factory in Los Angeles with annual capacity of 720,000 garments. SAITEX serves major global fashion brands including Levi's, J.Crew, Everlane, Outerknown, Country Road, and IKEA through B2B contract manufacturing, while also selling finished apparel directly to consumers via shop.sai-tex.com. The legal entity is SAITEX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD, incorporated in Vietnam.
The company's technical differentiators include the proprietary Smart-Indigo™ electrochemical indigo dyeing system (90% less CO2, 70% less energy, 30% less water, with oxygen as the only waste product), a closed-water reverse osmosis system achieving 98% water recycling (saving 430 million liters annually), 3D laser detailing reducing processing from 20-30 minutes to 90 seconds per garment, RFID real-time production tracking cutting fabric waste from 5% to 1%, robotic spraying, and the Stelapop upcycling process producing woodless panels from 70% recycled textile and 30% bio-based binder. Capabilities are validated by ten industry certifications, notably B Corporation status (first factory in Asia and only large-scale denim manufacturer to achieve it), LEED, Bluesign, Cradle to Cradle, Fair Trade, regenagri, and Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
SAITEX monetizes through three streams: B2B contract manufacturing (primary, quote-based enterprise contracts for fabric and garments), D2C e-commerce (finished apparel), and Stelapop panel sales (upcycled furniture-grade products). Navis Capital Partners invested in 2018 as the only disclosed institutional capital event. The company is a key member of The Denim Deal circular economy initiative (50 members across 10 countries targeting 1 billion jeans with at least 20% post-consumer recycled cotton by 2030) and operates social-impact sub-brands Rekut (employment for differently-abled individuals) and Stelapop (textile waste upcycling).
SAITEX firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SAITEX
- Legal name
- SAITEX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
- Website
- https://sai-tex.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- SAITEX is a vertically integrated premium denim manufacturer operating from Vietnam (3,500 employees across five Bien Hoa facilities) and Los Angeles, serving global fashion brands including Levi's, J.Crew, Everlane, and IKEA through sustainable contract manufacturing built on proprietary technologies like Smart-Indigo™ electrochemical dyeing and Stelapop upcycling.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SAITEX industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainable Denim Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Broadwoven Fabric Mills (313210), Textile and Fabric Finishing and Fabric Coating Mills (3133), All Other Textile Product Mills (31499)
- SIC
- Broadwoven Fabric Mills, Cotton (2211), Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Apparel Dyeing, Printing, Finishing & Laundries (CRAAAAAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Carbon, Energy & Resource Efficiency Services for Textile Manufacturing (Audits/Heat Recovery/Renewables) (IMAOAMAN), Regenerated & Recycled Fiber Production (rPET/rNylon/Regenerated Cellulose) (IMAOAMAD), Apparel Alterations, Repair & Circular Manufacturing (Remake/Upcycle) (CRAAAAAO)
Keywords
Where SAITEX is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Biên Hòa
- HQ country
- Vietnam
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
SAITEX business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- B2B Manufacturing Services: Contract manufacturing of sustainable denim fabrics and finished garments for major fashion brands. Revenue generated through production fees for manufacturing denim fabric (24 million meters/year capacity) and garments (18,000 pcs/day in Vietnam, 720,000 annual capacity in USA). Pricing is likely quote-based for B2B enterprise relationships.
- Direct-to-Consumer Apparel Sales: E-commerce sales of finished denim products (jeans, jackets, tops, accessories) through shop.sai-tex.com. Products include bags, bottoms, dresses, hoodies, jackets, polo shirts, shorts, skirts, t-shirts, tank tops, and tops.
- Stelapop Panel Products: Upcycled textile panels and products made from garment waste. Products include furniture items like table tops, chairs, boxes, coasters sold to brands like IKEA and other partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Consumer e-commerce products |
| Other | Multi-year contract | B2B fabric and garment manufacturing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
SAITEX product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SAITEX is a vertically integrated sustainable denim manufacturer operating fabric mills, garment factories, and finishing facilities in Vietnam and the USA. The company produces up to 24 million meters of fabric annually and 18,000 garments per day in Vietnam plus 720,000 garments annually in its Los Angeles micro-factory, supplying major fashion brands such as Levi's, J.Crew, Everlane, Outerknown, and IKEA with contract manufacturing services. The company also sells finished apparel directly to consumers through an online storefront, and operates the Stelapop® upcycling initiative that converts textile waste into furniture-grade panels.
Product overview
SAITEX is a vertically integrated sustainable denim manufacturer offering a portfolio of manufacturing operations and circular economy initiatives. The core offerings include: Saitex Mill (fabric production with circular manufacturing capabilities), Saitex Vietnam (18,000 pcs/day garment production), and Saitex USA (720,000 annual capacity micro-factory in LA). Supporting initiatives include Rekut (social enterprise for differently-abled employment) and Stelapop (textile waste upcycling into panels). Key proprietary technologies include Smart-Indigo™ (electrochemical dyeing with 90% less CO2 emissions) and Eco Fade fabrics. The company also offers consumer apparel products through its e-commerce platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Rekut: A social entrepreneurship initiative providing training and employment to differently-abled individuals. Produces apparel and home furnishings with 10% of revenue dedicated to training and hiring.
- Stelapop
Products and services
- Saitex Mill Fabric Manufacturing State-of-the-art fabric mill in Vietnam producing up to 24 million meters of denim fabric annually using regenerative, organic, and recycled cotton, with Smart-Indigo™ electrochemical dyeing and Karl Mayer rope-dyeing equipment. Supplied to major fashion brands as B2B contract manufacturing.
- Saitex Vietnam Garment Manufacturing Contract garment manufacturing across five Vietnam facilities producing 18,000 garments per day for major fashion brands, including cutting, semi-automatic sewing, 3D laser detailing, and laundry finishing, supported by a closed-water reverse-osmosis recycling system.
- Saitex USA Micro-Factory Manufacturing Semi-automated denim micro-factory in Los Angeles producing 720,000 garments annually for US-based brands, recognized as the 'Cleanest Denim Factory in the World' with on-site water recycling and renewable energy systems.
- Stelapop® Upcycled Textile Panels Proprietary upcycling process that transforms garment offcuts and dead stock into reusable panels composed of 70% recycled textile and 30% bio-based binder, sold to furniture and retail brands (e.g., IKEA) for products including table tops, chairs, boxes, and coasters.
- Saitex Direct-to-Consumer Apparel Finished apparel products (jeans, jackets, tops, dresses, shorts, hoodies, bags, accessories) sold directly to consumers through the shop.sai-tex.com online storefront.
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% water recycling rate, saving 430 million liters per year (equivalent to annual water consumption of 432,000 people)
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use SAITEX
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
SAITEX technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
SAITEX partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.
- The Denim DealcoreGlobal circular economy initiative with nearly 50 members across 10 countries. Saitex is a key sustainable supplier partner for the initiative's goal to produce 1 billion jeans with at least 20% post-consumer recycled cotton by 2030. The partnership connects vetted sustainable suppliers with global brands through World Collective's digital sourcing platform.
- World CollectivecoreDigital sourcing platform partner for scaling circular denim supply chains. The partnership enables connection between The Denim Deal members and vetted sustainable suppliers like Saitex with global brands seeking circular denim solutions.
- EverlanecoreEverlane Black Friday Fund partnership supporting Saitex's hydroponic and clean farming system at facilities. Provides healthy food for the community while creating jobs with equal pay for vulnerable groups. Strategic partnership aligned with Everlane's ethical manufacturing commitment.
- J.CrewcoreFair Trade Certified Denim partnership with J.Crew Fair Trade Certificate™ program. Saitex manufactures Fair Trade certified denim products for J.Crew, demonstrating commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.
- IKEAcorePartner for Stelapop upcycled textile panels. IKEA sources woodless furniture panels made from 70% recycled textile and 30% bio-based binder, closing the loop on material waste and reducing dependence on wood.
- Levi'smajorSustainable denim production partnership for circular economy initiatives. Levi's sources sustainable denim fabrics from Saitex for their product lines.
- OuterknownmajorSustainable apparel production partnership. Outerknown, the surf and sustainability brand co-founded by Kelly Slater, works with Saitex for ethical manufacturing.
- Country RoadmajorAustralian fashion brand partnership for sustainable apparel production using Saitex's circular manufacturing capabilities.
- TruetzschlersupportingGerman technology provider for blow room, carding, and drawing equipment used in Saitex Mill's spinning operations.
- Sedo (Smart-Indigo™)coreTechnology partnership for Smart-Indigo™ electrochemical reduction system enabling hydrosulfite-free indigo dyeing with 90% less CO2, 70% less energy, and 30% less water.
- Karl MayersupportingRope dyeing machine manufacturer providing equipment that uses less energy by dipping rope into fewer dye baths, achieving minimum 30% reduction in indigo and chemical usage.
- Picanol (Italy)supportingItalian manufacturer of 160 rapier looms used for high-speed precision weaving of best quality woven fabrics.
- Groz Beckert (Germany)supportingGerman provider of knotting and drawing equipment complementing Picanol looms for precision weaving.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SAITEX competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Isko: Turkey-based global denim fabric mill and one of the largest producers of woven denim. Directly comparable to Saitex Mill's 24M-meter annual capacity and its B2B sales model to major denim brands.
- Candiani Denim: Italian premium denim mill focused on sustainable fabrics and circular production (e.g., recycled-content lines). Directly competes with Saitex for sustainable denim contracts with global fashion brands.
- Artistic Milliners: Pakistan-headquartered vertically integrated denim manufacturer producing fabric and finished garments for global brands. Comparable scale and contract-manufacturing model to Saitex Vietnam.
- Bossa: Turkish integrated denim and casualwear manufacturer producing fabrics, garments, and finished apparel for international brands. Comparable vertical scope and customer mix to Saitex.
- Orta Anadolu: Turkish denim mill producing sustainable and conventional denim fabrics for major brands. Directly comparable to Saitex Mill in fabric production capacity and B2B customer profile.
- Cone Denim: US-headquartered denim mill with broadwoven heritage and global manufacturing footprint. Competes with Saitex for denim fabric supply contracts, including for US-based fashion brands.
- Kipas Mensucat: Turkish integrated textile manufacturer producing denim and woven fabrics with sustainability programs. Comparable to Saitex on vertical integration and B2B brand supply.
Broad incumbents
- Arvind Limited: Indian textile conglomerate with denim manufacturing, branded apparel, and retail. Larger and more diversified than Saitex but overlapping in sustainable denim production for global brands.
- PVH Corp: Global apparel owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger; uses contract manufacturers like Saitex for denim production. Comparable as a customer-side counterpart rather than a direct competitor.
Emerging players
- Patagonia: Outdoor apparel brand with deep sustainable manufacturing commitments and circular supply chain programs. Adjacent to Saitex as a brand-side sustainability leader that could partner or compete for similar ethical-manufacturing contracts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SAITEX social profiles
Digital presenceSAITEX compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
SAITEX financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SAITEX leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
SAITEX funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SAITEX M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SAITEX
What does SAITEX do?
SAITEX is a vertically integrated sustainable denim manufacturer operating fabric mills, garment factories, and finishing facilities in Vietnam and the USA. The company produces up to 24 million meters of fabric annually and 18,000 garments per day in Vietnam plus 720,000 garments annually in its Los Angeles micro-factory, supplying major fashion brands such as Levi's, J.Crew, Everlane, Outerknown, and IKEA with contract manufacturing services. The company also sells finished apparel directly to consumers through an online storefront, and operates the Stelapop® upcycling initiative that converts textile waste into furniture-grade panels.
Is SAITEX a public or private company?
SAITEX is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was SAITEX founded?
SAITEX was founded in 2012. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is SAITEX based?
SAITEX is headquartered in Biên Hòa, Vietnam, in the Asia region.
How does SAITEX make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. B2B Manufacturing Services are the primary driver. The others are direct-to-Consumer Apparel Sales and stelapop Panel Products.
Who are SAITEX's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Isko, Candiani Denim, Artistic Milliners, Bossa, Orta Anadolu, Cone Denim and Kipas Mensucat. Broad incumbents are Arvind Limited and PVH Corp. Patagonia is listed as an emerging player.
Does SAITEX have an API?
No public API is recorded for SAITEX.
What industry is SAITEX in?
SAITEX's product category is Sustainable Denim Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAAAAAM, Apparel Dyeing, Printing, Finishing & Laundries, with a secondary code of IMAOAMAN, Carbon, Energy & Resource Efficiency Services for Textile Manufacturing (Audits/Heat Recovery/Renewables). Its NAICS code is 313210 and its SIC code is 2211.