Bangladesh has taken another bold step in its effort to strengthen its credentials in the global circular fashion movement. A high-level delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led by Vice President Vidiya Amrit Khan, spent September 8–11 in the Netherlands as part of the Circular Textile Trade Mission under the banner “Together for a Circular Fashion Tomorrow.”
Bangladesh in the Global Circular Fashion Journey
Key Activities:
- High-level seminars on circular policies, funding & technology
- Factory & lab visits: Brightfiber Inside, Wieland Textiles, SaXcell, Frankenhuis
- Collaboration with Saxion University’s Circular Textile Lab
- Participation in Circular Textile Days – global innovation showcase
Why It Matters for Bangladesh:
- Prepares for EU’s stricter sustainability & EPR rules
- Opens doors for R&D, tech transfer & global partnerships
- Boosts competitiveness by turning waste into value
- Supports BGMEA’s Sustainability Vision 2030
The initiative was jointly organised by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka, with BGMEA joining forces to bring a strong group of apparel exporters, recyclers and innovators from Bangladesh. The mission reflected a shared ambition: linking one of the world’s largest apparel exporting nations with Dutch pioneers in circular innovation.
Over four days, the delegation engaged in high-level seminars that examined how circular policies, financing, and new technologies are shaping the future of textiles and fashion in Europe. These sessions created an opportunity for Bangladeshi manufacturers to better understand how shifting regulations, particularly in the EU, are setting new standards for brands and their suppliers. The focus on funding models and technological innovation offered valuable insight into the kind of infrastructure and investments Bangladesh may need as it works to close the loop on textile waste and build a more sustainable supply chain.
The team also visited some of the Netherlands’ most well-regarded circular textile players, including Brightfiber Inside, Wieland Textiles, SaXcell and Frankenhuis. These companies are seen as pioneers in fibre recycling, waste sorting and the production of high-quality materials from discarded textiles. For a country like Bangladesh, which generates a vast amount of post-industrial waste from its massive apparel industry, exposure to such systems highlighted both the challenges and the possibilities of turning waste into value.
Academia also played a central role in the mission. The BGMEA delegation visited Saxion University’s Circular Textile Lab, where advanced research on recycled yarns and fabrics is underway. The lab is considered a hub for developing scalable solutions that bridge science, industry and circular design. For Bangladeshi manufacturers, collaboration with institutions like Saxion could mean greater access to R&D in areas such as fibre regeneration, traceability and closed-loop design—key elements that global brands increasingly demand.
Another highlight of the program was the participation in Circular Textile Days, an international platform where innovators, brands, and technology providers showcase new solutions. Here, the Bangladeshi delegation had the opportunity to present the industry’s progress on sustainability while networking with potential partners from across Europe. With traceability, recycling, and digital solutions high on the agenda, the event gave Bangladesh an opportunity to position itself as not only a production hub but also an active participant in the transition toward circularity.
The delegation included a wide cross-section of industry stakeholders—from BGMEA leaders to company executives representing Asian Apparels Limited, Desh Garments Limited, Florence Group, Matin Spinning Mills PLC, Setara Group , Circular Fashion Industries Limited and several recycling ventures such as Cyclo, Recycle-Raw Ltd. and Saraz Fiber Tech. Their involvement reflects a growing recognition within the sector that circularity is not just a compliance issue, but a future competitive advantage in global markets.
Speaking on the sidelines of the mission, BGMEA Vice President Vidiya Amrit Khan emphasised that Bangladesh has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead. “Circularity is no longer optional—it is the future of fashion. Our industry must not only produce at scale but also innovate at scale. By learning from global leaders and building partnerships, we can ensure that Bangladesh remains a key player in a sustainable fashion world,” she said.
Industry analysts note that the mission comes at a critical time. With the European Union preparing to enforce stricter Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, brands are under pressure to ensure their supply chains are circular-ready. Bangladesh, as the world’s second-largest garment exporter, is heavily exposed to these changes. Without embracing recycling and traceability, the industry risks losing market share. At the same time, if it adapts quickly, it could seize a leadership role in supplying sustainable apparel to Europe and beyond.
Challenges remain. Scaling infrastructure for textile waste collection and recycling in Bangladesh is a massive undertaking. Financing circular technologies remains out of reach for many mid-sized factories. Policy frameworks must also evolve, creating incentives and standards that align with international regulations. But the trade mission showed that Bangladesh’s industry leaders are increasingly aware of what needs to be done—and are willing to explore partnerships to accelerate the transition.
The Netherlands mission therefore served as more than just a learning trip. It was a signal that Bangladesh intends to integrate global best practices into its own sustainability roadmap, including BGMEA’s Vision 2030. As pressure mounts from regulators, buyers, and consumers, the ability to demonstrate progress on circularity will determine whether the country can protect and expand its position in the global apparel market.
With steps like this, Bangladesh is sending a clear message: it is not waiting to be forced into sustainability by external pressures, but rather seeking to shape its future in the evolving global circular fashion landscape.
