Garment makers should follow sustainable production practices as the country could lose nearly $27 billion in apparel exports by 2030 if environmental degradation continues at the current pace, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
A recent study shows that protecting the environment is very important for the garments industry as deteriorating climate conditions are adversely impacting overall production, said BGMEA president Faruque Hassan.
For example, excessive rainfall and flooding hampers the movement of workers and goods. Similarly, extreme heat leads to unbearable temperatures even inside production units, making it practically impossible to operate efficiently.
“So, I always encourage our members to protect the environment and facilitate better working conditions so that they [labourers] do not get fatigued,” Hassan told The Daily Star yesterday.
The study jointly compiled by Schroders PLC and Cornell University shows that including Bangladesh, the combined apparel export earnings of four Asian countries could reduce by $65 billion by 2030.
Besides, the local garments industry stands to lose about 250,000 jobs as a result of lower exports.
“This is a concern for us as Bangladesh is one of the most climate vulnerable countries. So, we cannot remain indifferent about it,” Hassan said in a letter to BGMEA members issued earlier the same day.
The BGMEA chief also said the importance of sustainability in the garments industry is increasing among all relevant stakeholders, particularly foreign buyers.
As such, global apparel retailers and brands are aiming to become carbon neutral within a committed timeframe by using renewable energy, green technologies and sustainable production practices.
These practices include rainwater harvesting, using low-liquor ratio dyeing machines, installing water efficient equipment, ensuring proper waste management, and reusing or recycling products as needed.
“The world is becoming more focused on circular fashion and using sustainable materials and non-hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process,” Hassan said, citing how various countries are adopting new rules for protecting the environment.
Environmental protection protocols adopted by foreign governments include the Due Diligence Supply Chain Act of Germany, Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive of the EU, and Responsible and Sustainable International Business Conduct Act of the Netherlands.
The core purpose of these initiatives is to establish supply chains that are free of social and environmental exploitation.
Also, Bangladesh will need to improve its compliance with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues to ensure avoid losing exports after graduating from a least developed country in 2026.
“Being a part of the global supply chain, we need to continuously improve ourselves, especially in the area of responsible manufacturing,” Hassan said.
Bangladesh is actually already among the few countries that have made distinct progress in areas of sustainability and workplace safety in such a rigorous and transparent manner.
Still, in the ever-expanding horizon of sustainability, local garment makers have no scope to be complacent.
Instead, they need to enlighten and prepare themselves on new and emerging issues so that they can adapt to upcoming changes.
“With that spirit, we reinvigorated the BGMEA logo, which captures our glorious past of resilience and dynamism and connects us to the future and possibilities,” he added.
Hassan also said that while unveiling the new logo, the BGMEA shared its Sustainability Strategic Vision 2030, which identifies key ESG priorities for the local garments industry.
Bangladesh currently has 73 platinum-rated, 115 gold-rated, 10 silver-rated and four green certified garment manufacturing units.
The country is home to 13 of the 15 top-rated LEED certified green factories in the world. Meanwhile, another 500 units are in the pipeline to secure the certification.
