The circular economy requires nurturing

In recent years, global fashion brands have placed growing emphasis on textile recycling, circularity, and the circular economy. The more effectively the industry utilises existing resources, the less strain there will be on finite resources such as virgin cotton and man-made fibres like viscose, which contribute to CO2 emissions. As the world strives to reduce emissions, it is vital that we recognise the seismic changes taking place and their implications for clothing production.

While the private sector in Bangladesh has shown increased interest in textile recycling, we cannot rely solely on their efforts to transition to a circular economy. To truly transform our industry, the government must play an active role, too.

Governments have the power to promote and support textile recycling initiatives in several ways. First and foremost, they could launch awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of textile recycling, the environmental impact of textile waste, and the benefits of recycling. These campaigns can employ various media such as advertisements, workshops, and educational materials distributed in schools, community centres, and on online platforms.

Financial support is another crucial lever for governments. By providing grants, subsidies and/or tax incentives to businesses and organisations involved in textile recycling, governments can facilitate the establishment or expansion of recycling facilities, the acquisition of necessary equipment, and the development of innovative recycling technologies. In cases where commercial viability is uncertain in the short term, government intervention is even more important.

Infrastructure development is a pressing issue for textile recycling. Governments should invest in the development of recycling infrastructure, including collection centres, sorting facilities, and recycling plants. Some of these investments can be made through public-private partnerships. By establishing a comprehensive and efficient recycling infrastructure, governments can make recycling more accessible for citizens and encourage businesses to participate in the process. The availability of high-quality feedstock is crucial for textile recycling, emphasising the importance of well-located sorting facilities.

Additionally, recycling-related legislation and regulation are areas where only governments can pave the way. Governments can introduce or strengthen laws and regulations related to textile recycling, relax planning restrictions if necessary, and streamline the granting of recycling permits. This can also include mandating the implementation of recycling programmes, setting recycling targets, or imposing landfill bans on textiles.

By establishing and enforcing regulations, the government can create a supportive framework that encourages textile recycling practices. It can also utilise this regulatory framework to gain a competitive advantage over alternative textile recycling regions.

However, it is crucial for our government to collaborate with the RMG industry and fashion brands on textile circularity. This collaboration involves partnering with textile manufacturers, retailers, and other industry stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and encourage the use of recyclable materials. This can be achieved through setting standards for eco-friendly manufacturing processes, encouraging the utilisation of recycled textiles, and fostering partnerships between recyclers and textile producers. Although Bangladesh has already made progress in these areas, there is still a long way to go.

While the private sector in Bangladesh has shown increased interest in textile recycling, we cannot rely solely on their efforts to transition to a circular economy. To truly transform our industry, the government must play an active role, too.

Innovation, research, and development play vital roles in advancing recycling technologies. Governments can invest in research and development efforts focused on textile recycling by funding research projects, establishing research centres, and encouraging collaborations between academia, industry and government agencies.

Advancements in recycling technologies can lead to more efficient and cost-effective methods of textile recycling. In this regard, government support (such as grant funding and access to loans) becomes crucial. Additionally, the government can consider funding academia to develop courses in recycling research and new circular technologies.

As textile recycling is a global industry, international cooperation is essential for its progress. Our government should actively participate in international initiatives and agreements aimed at promoting textile recycling and reducing global textile waste. By working together with other countries, our government can share best practices, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on research and development efforts across the global textile value chain.

I firmly believe that increased circularity will be one of the most profound changes we will witness in textile manufacturing during my lifetime. It presents a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to take the lead and gain an early adopter advantage in the competitive global economy. However, for garment makers to maximise these opportunities, the Bangladesh government must provide the right legal and commercial environment and develop the necessary infrastructure.

Mostafiz Uddin is the managing director of Denim Expert Limited. He is also the founder and CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE).