Stakeholders push circular textile strategy to keep RMG sector competitive
Government officials, industry leaders and sustainability experts have called for finalizing a national circular economy strategy for Bangladesh’s textile and readymade garment sector, saying such a framework is essential to protect the country’s competitiveness in the global apparel market.
The call came at a national consultation in Dhaka on the draft Bangladesh National Strategy on Circular Economy for the Textile and Ready-Made Garments sector on Thursday, according to a press release.
The event was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh, in collaboration with Chatham House, under the Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project, co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland.
Speakers said Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment exporter, generates significant pre-consumer textile waste, creating an opportunity. By scaling recycling, strengthening partnerships, and adopting innovative business models, Bangladesh could become a global leader in circular textiles, they said.
The consultation also addressed challenges in blended fiber recycling, transparent supply chains, and the need for coordinated efforts to build a sustainable textile ecosystem by adopting a national circular strategy.
Abdur Rahim Khan, Secretary in Charge of the Ministry of Commerce, said Bangladesh was at a crucial stage as it prepares to graduate from least-developed country status and respond to changing expectations from key trade partners, including the European Union.
Hubert Blom, Attaché and Programmed Manager for Climate Change-Green Inclusive Development at the European Union Delegation in Bangladesh, said circularity was a priority for Europe and that the EU was keen to support Bangladesh through knowledge-sharing, project support and access to finance.
Dr Patrick Schroeder, Senior Researcher at Chatham House said a national circular strategy would help Bangladesh remain globally competitive while promoting innovation, investment and climate-neutral industrial growth.
Mark Draeck, Chief Technical Adviser of Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, said such a strategy would provide an important policy signal and help scale investment in innovative technologies.
VidiyaAmrit Khan, Vice-President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association; Mohammad Rashed, Vice-President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association; and Shafiqul Islam Sarkar, Vice-President of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, also attended the consultation.
