Partnering for an environmentally sustainable textile and garment industry in Bangladesh

This four-year project engages key stakeholders, from factory owners to brands and buyers, textile chemical suppliers and manufacturers, academic institutions, trade bodies, government agencies, and policymakers, involving them in an integrated programme comprising research, training, innovation and capacity-building. Collaboration is key, and success depends on harnessing internal and external resources, increasing awareness, strengthening capacity and employing the right mix of incentives and sanctions.  

Early successes include signing cooperation agreements with multiple international partners to facilitate different activities – for example developing value added products from waste. 

The stakes are high. Bangladesh is the second largest producer of ready-made garments in the world, after China. The $30 billion industry accounts for 11.16% of the country’s GDP and over 80% of its export earnings, so the prosperity of the country is closely linked to the sustainable development of the sector. Successes and challenges attract the attention of media and the public. By taking on the critical issue of textile and ready-made garments (RMG) sector related chemicals and waste management, the project aims to address one of the key sources of water pollution in Bangladesh, which impacts millions. This also means there's great potential for positive change.