Environmental sustainability is imperative for RMG industry

In the unfolding drama of climate change, we are experiencing an era of extreme weather events. The recent floods in Bangladesh, followed by blistering summer heatwaves, have devastated lives and livelihoods across the country. 

These are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern that industries like ours in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector are confronting head-on. The consequences are already evident, threatening not only our environment but also the very sustainability of our businesses.

Environmental sustainability is no longer an option; it is an imperative. The global push towards climate action has spurred significant developments, particularly through platforms like COP and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Regional and organisational efforts are also driving the movement. 

The European Union's Green Deal, the emphasis on eco-design, and the growing importance of environmental sustainability in preferential trade schemes are setting new standards for global trade. Emerging due diligence directives are urging industries worldwide to adopt practices that place sustainability at the heart of every operation.

Bangladesh's RMG industry stands at a unique juncture in this global conversation. Our progress in environmental sustainability has been commendable, but we cannot afford complacency. The RMG sector in Bangladesh has made incredible strides, becoming a global leader in green manufacturing. 

Today, Bangladesh proudly holds the highest number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified green factories in the world, with 226 certified factories, of which 89 have achieved platinum status. This is no small feat. Our factories are setting benchmarks in critical areas, including energy management systems that significantly reduce resource consumption and emissions.

Yet, while we celebrate these achievements, we recognize that we have a long way to go. The climate crisis is not waiting for us to catch up. We must accelerate our efforts, which requires cooperation from all stakeholders—government, international partners, buyers, and suppliers. The path ahead is not just about maintaining our accomplishments but about amplifying our initiatives to an unprecedented scale.

Access to low-cost funding and cutting-edge technology is crucial if we are to sustain and enhance our progress. This is where international partners, buyers, and governments must step in. The support of our buyers has been tremendous—some have even invested in renewable energy infrastructure in Bangladesh, demonstrating true collaboration. 

But we need more. As Bangladesh approaches its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, we face the possibility of losing access to concessional global finance that has fueled much of our progress. Now, more than ever, the world needs to recognize the exceptional efforts being made in greener and cleaner manufacturing, and that recognition must come in the form of price rewards for those at the forefront of this movement.

We are not stopping at merely greening our factories. The RMG industry is aligning itself with the global vision of a circular economy—an approach that aims to close the loop on waste by reusing and recycling materials to reduce environmental impact. 

BGMEA is playing a pioneering role in this transformation, supported by Bestseller and UNIDO, as we advocate for the right policy ecosystem to establish circular economy practices. This flagship initiative focuses on post-industrial textile waste, where we are working to create viable business models that turn waste into resources. For a country like Bangladesh, where resources are scarce, this approach is not just innovative—it is necessary.

However, the road to decarbonization and a truly sustainable future cannot be traveled alone. We need a collective, coordinated strategy that encompasses all sectors, from government agencies to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

The reality is that SMEs, which make up a significant portion of our economy, often struggle to implement sustainability initiatives due to financial and technical limitations. Yet, their cumulative impact on the environment is enormous. Supporting SMEs with innovative solutions, capacity building, and a focus on zero-emission technologies must be part of our overarching national and global strategy.

We need to work together to map out where we stand, where we can realistically go, what the gaps are, and how we can fill them. This is not just a question of policy but of global cooperation. In this light, Bangladesh has the potential to lead, not just locally but internationally.

We should seriously consider forming a global coalition to support industries like ours, where the challenges are great but the opportunities are greater. Through such a coalition, we can push for greater investment in sustainable technologies and practices, ensuring that developing countries like Bangladesh are not left behind in the global push toward decarbonization.

In this journey, we must not overlook the crucial role of innovation. We need to continually seek out new, groundbreaking solutions to our sustainability challenges. 

The pace of technological change, combined with the urgency of the climate crisis, demands that we think boldly and act quickly. Whether through renewable energy, sustainable materials, or circular business models, innovation must be at the core of our strategy.

As we strive towards building a greener industry, we are reminded that this is not just about mitigating risks—it's about seizing the opportunity to lead by example. The stakes are high, but with collective action, we can not only protect our planet but also secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam is the president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).