Bangladesh is revolutionizing sustainability with its eco-friendly apparel industry

One of the main contributors to environmental pollution is the global apparel industry. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), 10% of annual carbon emissions are caused by the apparel industry. By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to have increased by almost 50% if current trends continue. The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) has set a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Green clothing factories are being built to create a more environmentally friendly fashion business. We will go into great detail today regarding Bangladesh’s green apparel sector.

Bangladesh’s eco-friendly apparel sector

At 7.9% of the global market, Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of ready-made garments (RMG). Bangladesh is, therefore, one of the countries contributing to the carbon emissions that pollute the environment. Over the past 15 years, Bangladesh has established many certified green factories in an effort to address this issue and provide a model for sustainable and environmentally friendly production.

Bangladesh’s progress in the eco-friendly garment industry and its impact. | Photo collected.

The Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) reports that 229 environmentally friendly clothing companies are currently certified in Bangladesh. Furthermore, nine of the world’s ten most environmentally friendly factories are located in Bangladesh, which has made Bangladesh known as a global leader in the sustainability of the apparel sector.

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has honored 229 eco-friendly clothing companies nationwide, and 91 of those factories have earned the coveted LEED Platinum accreditation. Furthermore, 124 manufacturers have obtained Gold certification, 10 have obtained Silver certification, and 4 have received verified certificates of recognition. 56 of the 100 most environmentally friendly factories in the world are situated in Bangladesh. It represents over half of the entire factory. The USGBC reports that China, the top exporter of RMG, has 173 green factories, while the US has 216 green factories.

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) accredited “eco-friendly” factories were established by Bangladeshi textile and clothing producers starting in 2009. In essence, “green factories,” often referred to as “eco-friendly factories,” efficiently limit greenhouse gas emissions while lowering energy use and environmental damage.

“Eco-friendly Vintage Denim Studio has reduced energy consumption by 46%, reduced carbon footprint by 45%, and reduced water consumption by 53%,” stated Md. Zillur Rahman Mridha, Managing Director of the nation’s first RMG factory, “Vintage Denim,” achieving LEED Platinum certification.

An analysis of costs and benefits

Along with lowering carbon emissions and preventing environmental degradation, green manufacturers also save money. But the cost of establishing a green factory is 25–30% higher than that of a conventional factory. However, subsequent costs are far lower. In essence, the initial cost of establishing a green firm is higher, but the long-term expenditures are significantly lower. A certain amount of time passes before the return on investment is regained.

Consideration of costs and benefits for sustainable development in the eco-friendly garment industry. | Photo collected.

The production process in a green factory utilizes less water, fewer chemicals, and more renewable energy from ozone washing machines and rooftop solar panels. To combat pollution, Bangladesh has begun releasing no dangerous chemicals and zero carbon emissions.

One of the current world’s issues is environmental degradation. In a bid to make every industrial sector more environmentally friendly, efforts are being made worldwide. The development of an environmentally friendly clothing sector is presently being spearheaded by Bangladesh.

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