Khairul Alam, Dhaka : Experts have warned that if Bangladesh fails to increase the recycling of apparel waste, its garment exports could begin to shrink within the next five years.
The call for more sustainable practices in the garment industry comes amid growing global environmental awareness, as the world focuses on responsible resource usage across production and consumption levels.
At a seminar held on Tuesday, stakeholders in the garment supply chain, including buyers, exporters, and development partners, discussed the need to boost recycling efforts.
They highlighted that the demand for recycled products is rising due to the environmental concerns surrounding waste from garment production.
However, the cost of producing such eco-friendly apparel is high, and buyers are often unwilling to pay the premium price, which is hindering the growth of recycling in the industry.
The experts emphasized that without an increase in recycling, Bangladesh’s garment exports could face a decline in the coming years.
They called for Bangladesh to position itself as a leading country in recycled products, branding itself as a global hub for sustainable fashion.
Speaking at the seminar, Mohammad Abdur Rahim Khan, Director-General of the Trade Organization Subdivision at the Ministry of Commerce, stated that the garment waste or “jhut” (scrap) issue is not just an economic matter but also a social and political one.
He noted that recent instability in the garment sector has been partly driven by the jhut business. To stabilize the sector and move towards a circular economy, a national policy strategy for waste recycling is urgently needed.
Dr. Bernd Spänier, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Bangladesh, emphasized that the EU’s Green Deal goals require countries to adopt more environmentally friendly waste recycling practices.
He warned that failing to do so could negatively impact Bangladesh’s exports to the EU, which includes 27 countries.
He also pointed out that millions of jobs could be created in the recycling industry, which would help reduce dependency on imports and foster a sustainable economy.
Representatives from the German development agency GIZ echoed similar concerns, noting that while sustainable business practices for recycling are discussed widely, the lack of profitability in the recycling process is a significant barrier.
They explained that recycling costs are higher, and unless consumers are willing to pay a fair price, it would be difficult for exporters to engage in the recycling business.
Currently, Bangladesh’s garment factories produce around 400,000 tons of waste annually, with only about 5% being recycled.
The rest is sold at very low prices. Experts say that to remain competitive in the global garment market, Bangladesh needs to find sustainable solutions for waste management and increase the recycling of garment waste.
Vidya Amrit Khan, former director of BGMEA and Additional Managing Director of Desh Garments, pointed out that one of the major challenges in recycling is the lack of awareness among consumers and buyers.
She emphasized that if buyers were willing to pay a fair price, all factories would be encouraged to recycle waste.
In conclusion, experts called for stronger policy frameworks and greater consumer awareness to ensure the future growth and sustainability of Bangladesh’s garment export sector.
The seminar, titled *Advancing Circularity in Bangladesh’s Garment Sector*, was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dhaka and was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the European Union (EU), and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Several development organizations also supported the event.