Last week, the non-profit organization Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) organized a roadshow in collaboration with the global sustainability initiative Fashion for Good to pave the way for chemical recycling of textiles in the country. She was supported by the two tech start-ups Circ and Infinited Fiber Company, which specialize in chemical textile-to-textile recycling.
“Bangladesh is an important region for the global textile industry and we are keen to share our knowledge of new innovations with manufacturers here. Through this partnership, we have brought together innovators, namely teams from Circ and Infinited Fiber Company, to interact, engage and collaborate with local industry players in the future,” said Priyanka Khanna, Innovation Director – Scaling of Fashion for Good, in a statement.
Promote chemical textile-to-textile recycling
Under the title “Chemical Recycling Technologies: Manufacturing Markets Gateway”, the industry experts met on December 7th and 8th and took part in interactive sessions and factory visits, driving knowledge exchange to advance textile recycling, which is currently still done manually processes is dominated. The focus of the event was therefore on integrating chemical textile-to-textile recycling technologies into the local production landscape as well as securing raw material partnerships and developing a value chain for recycled clothing materials.
“Bangladesh has the largest manufacturing sector in South Asia and this tour marks a critical step towards a circular fashion ecosystem and how the fashion industry in Bangladesh can become more sustainable. “It is not just an event, but a part of a larger movement to introduce innovative recycling and sustainable fashion technologies and build global partnerships for a sustainable fashion industry,” emphasized Mostafiz Uddin, Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange.
Various manufacturing companies such as Denim Asia Limited, Knit Asia Limited, Progress Apparels Limited, Ananta BD and Reverse Resources as well as Bangladesh Garment Manufacturing and Exporting Enterprises Association (BGMEA) supported the event. Knit Asia, known for its commitment to sustainable practices, and Denim Asia, associated with sustainable brand Noize Jeans, showcased sustainable manufacturing processes.
PDS Limited-owned ready-to-wear manufacturer Progress Apparels Limited showcased its advanced sustainable manufacturing facilities. Reverse Resources and BGMEA hosted a “Meet and Greet Networking Session” to raise awareness of the technologies in the industry.