In 2021, Ready-Made Garment (RMG) exports constituted approximately 81.16% of Bangladesh’s total exports, witnessing a slight decrease from the previous year but an increase from 2012 levels. The export value of RMG in Bangladesh reached around USD 31.46 billion in 2021, showcasing growth from the previous year’s figure of approximately USD 28 billion. Given the crucial role of the clothing industry in Bangladesh’s economy, the textile manufacturing sector remains integral, benefiting directly from clothing exports. (Export Promotion Bureau of the Government of Bangladesh, 2023)

Threats to the environment with the proposed target

Water pollution stands out as a critical issue, with textile factories discharging approximately 60 million liters of untreated wastewater into rivers daily, according to data from the Department of Environment (DoE). The Buriganga River, once a lifeline for Dhaka, now bears the brunt, succumbing to toxic effluents and rendering it biologically dead. The Turag and Shitalakkhya rivers share a similar fate, bearing the weight of hazardous chemicals like lead, mercury, and chromium, wreaking havoc on aquatic life and posing dire consequences for public health.

The ramifications of this pollution extend beyond rivers, impacting surrounding ecosystems and agriculture. Agricultural lands suffer from soil contamination, resulting in reduced fertility and crop yields. Farmers, reliant on contaminated river water for irrigation, face crop failures and economic hardships, exacerbating food security concerns.

The human toll is equally alarming. Studies reveal elevated levels of heavy metals and toxic chemicals in the blood and urine of communities residing near textile factories. Skin diseases, respiratory ailments, and even cancer afflict residents, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to protect public health. (N. Sakib, 2023) While Bangladesh’s apparel and textile industry continue to fuel economic growth, its environmental toll cannot be ignored.

Overall Global threat:

The environmental repercussions of the apparel industry’s practices are often overlooked. From production to disposal, textile waste poses a significant threat to our planet’s health. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted environmental impacts of textile waste and its implications for global sustainability.

Pollution of Land, Water, and Air: Chemical dyes and finishes from textile factories contaminate soil and water sources, while energy-intensive production releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), textile dyeing and finishing processes are responsible for significant water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Contribution to Climate Change: Textile waste significantly contributes to climate change through its greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Roadrunner Waste Management emphasizes the role of textile manufacturing processes in releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Additionally, the decomposition of textile waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates global warming. 

However, sustainability efforts extend beyond technological advancements to include capacity building and training programs. Data from training institutes indicate a 40% rise in enrollments for sustainability-focused courses, reflecting growing awareness and interest among industry stakeholders (Textile Today, 2023). These programs, supported by data illustrating the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable practices, empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive meaningful change.

Crucially, collaborative partnerships play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s sustainability journey. Data on joint initiatives between government agencies, industry associations, and international organizations underscore the collective commitment to addressing common challenges (The Hindu, 2024). Through data-driven dialogue and cooperation, stakeholders are leveraging shared expertise to accelerate progress towards sustainable development goals.

Areas where Bangladesh Textile & Apparel Industry may focus to Go Green

As the industry confronts environmental challenges, it is imperative to identify key focus areas for achieving green practices. Drawing insights from various sources, we delve into the crucial domains where the industry can direct its efforts to foster sustainability and environmental stewardship.

1. Water Conservation: According to the World Bank, adopting water-efficient technologies and implementing better water governance mechanisms can substantially reduce water consumption in textile manufacturing processes (World Bank). Collaborative efforts with stakeholders, such as the Water Governance Mapping Report by SIWI, can guide industry players towards sustainable water management practices (SIWI).

2. Sustainable Materials and Sourcing: Incorporating recycled materials, organic cotton, and eco-friendly fibers can reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) highlights the importance of sourcing from certified sustainable suppliers to ensure ethical and environmentally friendly practices (BGMEA).

3. Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices can mitigate the impact of greenhouse emissions. The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasizes the significance of investing in renewable energy sources and optimizing energy usage to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental footprint (ILO).

4. Chemical Management and ZDHC: Embracing the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) framework and adopting safer chemical alternatives can minimize pollution and ensure compliance with international standards. Collaboration with initiatives like the UNIDO’s Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project can facilitate the transition towards chemical management best practices (UNIDO).

5. Circular Economy Practices: Embracing circular economy principles is key to minimizing waste and promoting resource efficiency. Initiatives such as the Circular Apparel Industry by Bestseller underscore the importance of adopting circular business models, including product design for longevity, recycling, and reusing materials, to create a closed-loop system that reduces environmental impact (Bestseller).

6. Employee Training, Certification & Standards: Equipping workers with training programs on environmental sustainability and compliance with industry standards is crucial. The Garment Industry Sustainability Standards Initiative emphasizes the need for certification schemes and capacity-building initiatives to ensure adherence to environmental regulations and ethical labor practices (Journal of International Academic Research).

7. Supply Chain Transparency: Transparency across the supply chain is vital for identifying and addressing environmental and social risks. Collaboration with organizations like GIZ can facilitate the implementation of transparency measures and promote responsible sourcing practices, ultimately enhancing accountability and sustainability (GIZ).