Bangladesh is getting ready for the next stage of its development so that it can take the lead in producing sustainable clothes. They have updated its vision to reflect the importance of ESG (environment, social, and governance) issues. Bangladesh is not only focused on fundamental sustainability concepts; they are also emphasizing more complex ones like circularity. According to Sustainable Development Goal 12 - ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns - they have promised to raise the mix of sustainable materials by 50% by 2030.
In order to explore the circular economy transition in global garment value chains connected with Bangladesh's apparel sector and design appropriate regulations, the Circular Economy in Bangladesh's Apparel Industry (CREATE) project has been launched.
The Bangladesh Garments Manufacturing and Export Association, often known as the BGMEA, has prioritized energy efficiency, renewable energy, and reducing carbon footprint. Investments in renewable energy and energy-saving technologies are therefore crucial across the board. By 2030, the BGMEA wants to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy use, and deforestation by 30% each, as well as by the same percentage. To meet the goal, textile specialists advise all clothing factories to employ renewable energy. In order to overcome the current energy problem and make progress toward a greener Bangladesh, the BGMEA members are investing in solar energy.
There is potential to construct more than 2GW of solar rooftop systems in the apparel sector, which will collectively provide about 2,600 GWh of clean power annually, relieving pressure on the grid and assisting the nation in resolving its continuing energy problem.
Also, the solar system will assist manufacturers in avoiding 1.40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions year, which is equivalent to growing 2.14 million trees. A project like this will assist the industry in lowering its reliance on fossil fuels.
The BGMEA has set a goal of bringing 100% of industry under Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Certification and Testing Programmes by 2030 in order to become a safer apparel producing nation. BGMEA is promoting a 50% reduction in the blue water footprint at the same time. This project is being supported by the Danish International Development Agency (Danida), which highlights the importance of this sector among the development partners. In order to focus on innovative ways of increasing our sustainability vision and competitiveness through efficiency improvement and cost optimization, the BGMEA is establishing the "Centre for Innovation, Efficiency and OSH" at its own facilities.
Garment diplomacy is a different priority that we have been putting a lot of effort on. The BGMEA Board has started an apparel diplomacy effort to use the influence of diplomacy to advance our RMG sector. The government and the BGMEA are working together to guarantee this facility for at least another 12 years even though the current facility will continue to be used until 2029.
Bangladesh and European Union representatives met multiple times in Brussels to discuss the GSP Plus post-EBA tariff facility. They took part in COP26 and spoke about our industry's efforts to promote sustainability. Also, the nation took part in the Copenhagen Global Fashion Summit (GFS) in 2022.
Comments