Avinash Bhatnagar
Phone:
507-210-0804
Email:
Founder (Looplab)
Global Innovation Leader
Fellow, The Textile Institute (UK)
We are supported by a team of specialists who deliver excellence in:
-
Sustainability policy, governance & responsible sourcing
-
Factory audit programs and continuous improvement frameworks
-
Retail-focused PLM integration and digital transformation
-
Graphic design and content visualization
-
Project and program management
-
Strategy, operations, and performance enhancement
Recognized for Global Leadership and Innovation
Avinash Bhatnagar is a globally respected textile innovation and sustainability leader, honored as a Fellow and Chartered Textile Engineer (C.Text FTI) by The Textile Institute, UK — recognition reserved for professionals who have demonstrably advanced the international textile field through innovation, leadership, and impact.
With more than 30 years of global leadership across the U.S., Asia, and Africa, Avinash has bridged mill-floor excellence with strategic retail transformation, leading fiber-to-fabric innovation, sustainability frameworks, and supplier capability building across categories from home textiles to apparel and accessories.
Career Highlights
• Principal Fabric Engineer (Director Level), Target Corporation (2022–2025) — Architected enterprise-wide circular design and EPR compliance frameworks, created the Next-Gen Fiber Strategy. Improved supplier predictability by 25% and drove data-governed transparency, linking PLM and SPARK systems for traceable material storytelling.
• VP Manufacturing, Faribault Woolen Mill, USA — Revived an iconic American heritage mill post-closure, restoring profitability and modernizing operations, integrating quality, sustainability, and lean management systems.
• Director / General Manager, Thika Cloth Mills, Kenya — Led one of East Africa’s largest textile operations with 1,000+ employees, transforming fiber-to-finish efficiency and expanding exports to European markets.
Accomplishments & Industry Impact
SB -707- Responsible Textile Recovery Act – EPR:
• Created Supply Chain alignment within US and WH to develop Next-Gen Bed & Décor Fill Programs using T2T fibers.
Circular Design & Waste Reduction:
• Delivered 5% cutting waste reduction (saving 43K of fabric and $834K annually).
Innovation & R&D:
• Implemented CiCLO Technology in Rugs and TOB. Finalized Off Take agreement.
• Project ready 3D weaving, and waterless digital dyeing systems.
• Engineered bio-based finishes.
• Developed products with T2T rPET replacing B2T rPET.
Patented Sustainable Processes:
• Botanical Dyeing Process- Patented.
• Digital Hand Feel Evaluation on FTT- Patented.
Brand Transformation:
• Partnered in building Target’s Universal Thread and Casaluna, integrating sustainability with consumer storytelling.
Customer centric Innovative Product:
• Patentable customer centric innovative product idea. First Come basis.
Fiber & Fabric Standardization:
• Achieved 48% yarn and 39% fabric palette standardization across global suppliers.
• Reduce waste & enhance machine efficiency by 12%.
Supplier Empowerment:
• Designed and launched Supplier Fabric Engineer Accreditation for continuous improvement, KPIs.
• Embedding transparency and accountability.
Product Development Process evolution:
• Adopted a hybrid product development process for Direct to Vendor and Fabric Supplier developed Product development process through Pilot, POC.
Sustainability and Quality Governance Program:
• Partnered with RMA team to establish Quality Assurance and Facility Assessment (QAFA) program.
• Setup Factory audit process.
Customer centric Quality Issue Resolutions:
• Resolved several issues conducting trials at Mill floors.
• Leading to 3 approved and 1 pending patent.
Certifications & Education
• Fellow & Chartered Textile Engineer (C.Text FTI) – The Textile Institute, UK
• B.Text (Tech) – Technical Bachelor in Textile Technology
• Executive Education, Innovation & Strategy – Harvard Business School
• Executive Education, Authentic Leadership – Harvard Business School
• Finance for Non-Finance Managers – KPMG
• EDGE–GAPS Negotiation Training
• Diploma in NLP – American Board of NLP
• Target Advanced Development & L7 Director Program
Purpose-Driven Leadership
Avinash exemplifies authentic, human-centered leadership, fostering psychological safety, inclusion, and mentorship across global supplier ecosystems. He continues to champion circular transformation, fiber-to-fiber traceability, and regenerative innovation — aligning textile progress with planetary purpose.
“Creating circular, transparent, and human-centered systems that regenerate value — that’s how I define progress.”