For the third time, policy makers, industry leaders, brand representatives and fashion activists from Bangladesh and abroad met in Dhaka to strengthen the momentum for more sustainability in Bangladesh’s garment industry.
More than 50 speakers and 20 green growth exhibitors from over 20 countries attended the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) on May 10th organized by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) in collaboration with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA). was organized.
Five sessions were dedicated to the most important concerns of the industry, including topics such as “Demystifying Climate Action” and “Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) & Green Finance” and “Closing the Loop: Circular Economy in the Fashion Industry” to “Purchasing Practice” and Due Diligence and Legislation.
The sessions were complemented by the exhibitions of world-renowned recycling and renewable energy companies, who presented their sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, products and solutions.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan pointed out that the US Green Building Council (USGBC) has certified a total of 160 factories in Bangladesh according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), 48 of them even with LEED platinum status. 500 more factories are currently targeted for certification and 40 of the world’s top 100 garment factories are located in Bangladesh.
“Today, our garment factories have not only become safer, but also more dynamic, modern, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Bangladesh has by far the most eco-friendly garment factories in the world,” he said, adding that the BGMEA has joined the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter (UNFCCC) and has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
“The apparel industry in Bangladesh has improved significantly in terms of safety and sustainability. However, there is still work to be done to promote the sustainability of the industry, for which stakeholder engagement and collaboration are key,” said Anne van Leeuwen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh.
There were 12 presentations on important sustainability aspects to illustrate the importance that sustainability has in the clothing and textile industry. Presenters included Amina Razvi, Executive Chair of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Mohamad Anis Agung Nugroho, Program Manager at Better Work Bangladesh, Vic Lau, Customer Success Manager at Impact Platform Higg, Lewis Perkins, President of Apparel Impact Institute, Janet Mensink, Executive Director of the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), Ian de Cruz, Global Director at Accelerator P4G, and Marie Busck, Head of CSR & Sustainability at the Danish Textile and Clothing Confederation (DM&T).
The participants agreed that collaboration is the key to success and that the participation of all actors along the value chain is required to build a sustainable, responsible and ethical apparel industry that benefits not only the manufacturing companies but also the clients :inside and the economy of Bangladesh.
“We have to keep in mind that this is not a task that should only be defined by one party. Both manufacturers and buyers must work together to ensure ethical and sustainable production,” emphasized the Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation and former BGMEA President Md. Atiqul Islam in the opening session.
“Promoting ESG issues in Bangladesh’s garment industry is no longer a matter for one party. We can only ensure prosperity through a common identity,” agreed M. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
“Bangladesh Government is committed to ensure sustainable growth of Bangladesh garment industry. I will do my best to help Bangladesh transition to a sustainable future,” promised Bangladesh’s Trade Minister Tipu Munshi in the closing plenary session.
“At this year’s Sustainable Apparel Forum, we brought all fashion industry stakeholders under one roof to accelerate the sustainability momentum of Bangladesh’s apparel industry, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had a huge impact on the industry’s global supply chain. It’s a high-level networking session to discuss how we can leverage the high-level sustainability goals our industry talks about so often into meaningful, practical action,” summarized Mostafiz Uddin, Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, together.