Upstream Focus: Isko’s Tayfun Akbay on Streamlining, Strategic Collaboration and ‘Staying Bold’

Upstream Focus is Sourcing Journal’s series of conversations with suppliers, associations and sourcing professionals to get their insights on the state of sourcing, innovations in manufacturing and how to improve operations.In this Q&A, Tayfun Akbay, chief commercial officer at Turkish denim manufacturer Isko, shares how the mill is working differently with its customers and why brands should avoid overextension.

Name: Tayfun Akbay
Title: Chief commercial officer
Company: Isko

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What’s the number one question you get from your clients now that was never really a consideration before?

One of the most common questions now is: “What can we bring to market quickly that’s on-trend but also commercial?” The demand for speed is high, but so is the need to de-risk collections. Clients want fabrics that align with fast-moving trends—like the resurgence of Y2K silhouettes or ultra-lightweight denim—but without the gamble. Our role has evolved, and we’re not just supplying fabrics; we’re providing insight and guardrails that help clients move fast while still making smart bets. They’re asking for partners who can offer not only great product but also strategic foresight, and Isko can provide this.

How do you evaluate potential brand and retail partners? What do you look for in a customer now, compared to a few years ago?

The fundamentals haven’t changed! We’ve always looked to build strong, collaborative relationships with our customers. But what has changed is how those relationships function. A few years ago, it was common for us to be brought in later in the process: responding to a brief, fulfilling a fabric need. Now, we’re increasingly involved much earlier, shaping that brief together. Today’s customers are looking to us not just for product, but for insight: what’s working in the market, what’s scalable, what’s compliant. The relationship has evolved from supplier to strategic partner, and that shift has made the collaboration more dynamic and ultimately more valuable for both sides.

What is the main thing brands and retailers could do (or stop doing) right now that would immediately improve product development?

Focus. The tendency to overextend, chasing every trend or trying to fill every gap, slows decision-making and dilutes brand identity. The most successful brands we work with are the ones who streamline, build from their core strengths and involve supply chain partners earlier in the process. That alignment shortens lead times and increases commercial success.

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How are you adapting your operations to support quick-turn, small run orders?

Speed and agility are no longer optional; they’re fundamental. We’ve made targeted investments across planning and sampling to support faster turnarounds. It’s about rethinking scale, offering flexibility without compromising consistency. We’ve built out capabilities that allow us to respond at pace, while still offering the quality and innovation Isko is known for.

In this challenging retail environment, how are you working with clients to balance sustainability needs with cost efficiency?

It comes down to creating value at every step. The most effective solutions are those that address multiple priorities simultaneously, i.e. cost, compliance, performance and yes, sustainability. We help our clients build smarter assortments, reduce waste and develop fabrics that support better margins and meet upcoming expectations. The key is long-term thinking, not short-term cost-cutting.

When it comes to quality and compliance, what are the biggest challenges?

The real challenge is pace! Not just keeping up with evolving regulations but anticipating them. This requires constant alignment between product, legal and commercial teams. At Isko, we’ve invested in internal systems and external partnerships to stay ahead of requirements. That gives our clients confidence that what we deliver today will still be relevant and compliant tomorrow.

Which technology or digital solution has made the most difference in your operations this past year?

What’s made a real difference is how we’re using data, and now artificial intelligence, to drive smarter, faster decision-making across the business. We’ve implemented AI tools within our sales systems that help us analyze customer needs, forecast demand more precisely and streamline product recommendations. This enables our teams to respond with greater speed and relevance. The goal isn’t just efficiency. It’s about better alignment, greater agility and building commercial advantage through intelligence.

What is the best decision your company has made in the last year?

Staying bold. While many players in the industry have become more cautious, we chose to keep investing in product innovation, digital capabilities and customer partnerships. That commitment to forward momentum, especially during uncertainty, has helped us not just protect our position, but strengthen it.

What keeps you up at night?

Making sure we’re always operating in sync across regions, teams and timelines. In a global business, different markets move at different speeds and with different priorities. My job is to ensure we stay connected and responsive, aligning our commercial goals with what’s happening on the ground. When we get that right, we’re faster, sharper and more valuable to our partners. But maintaining that alignment takes constant attention, especially in a market that doesn’t stand still.

What makes you most optimistic?

The level of ambition we’re seeing from brands. Even in a complex environment, many are doubling down on product quality, innovation and consumer relevance. That willingness to invest—not just financially, but intellectually—is what moves the industry forward, and it’s where we see the biggest opportunities.

What’s in store for Isko for the rest of 2025?

We’re focused on delivering tangible innovation that responds to real market needs. That means expanding our offering of performance-driven, fashion-forward fabrics, while also scaling sustainable technologies that are commercially viable. A good example is Recode Denim, which incorporates next-gen recycled materials from Re&Up, giving our partners access to circular solutions without compromising on quality.

At the same time, we recognize that not every customer is on the same sustainability path. So we’ve broadened our portfolio to include a wider range of responsibly sourced and low-impact materials, allowing clients to meet their goals in a way that’s relevant to their market, product and consumer. Commercially, we’re deepening partnerships across core and growth markets, investing in service agility and helping our customers move faster from concept to collection, with the right product at the right time.

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