Redefine Technologies is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Urmi Group, a prominent player in the textile industry, Together with Diverzent, our trusted partner in Bangladesh to promote and implement SATTVA safe and sustainable, a state-of-the-art ESG management software. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in integrating sustainability and compliance within Urmi Group’s operations, aligning with global environmental, social, and governance standards.

As the fashion and textile sectors face increasing demands to meet sustainability goals and regulatory requirements, Urmi Group is dedicated to utilizing innovative solutions that foster responsible manufacturing practices. By adopting SATTVA safe and sustainable, Urmi Group will gain access to a comprehensive platform designed to streamline ESG management, enhance compliance tracking, and improve transparency across its supply chain.

Urmi Group joins other prominent Bangladeshi RMG manufacturers, including Epyllion Group and Bengal Hurricane Group, in selecting SATTVA safe and sustainable to enhance its ESG and sustainability efforts across its operations. SATTVA’s capabilities will empower Urmi Group to efficiently gather, analyze, and report on key ESG metrics, aligning its practices with global standards while driving operational excellence.

We have marked a significant milestone with a signing ceremony that underscored Urmi Group’s commitment to elevating sustainable practices and contributing to a responsible future. Ms. Shamarukh Fakhruddin (Director-Urmi Group), Mr. Sreenath (CEO-REDEFINE) Signed the MOU. Mr. Ayan Barua (CEO-Diverzent), Mr. Kazi Ehtesham Shahid- (DGM, IT), ABM Faqrul Alam-(Sustainability-Lead), Mr. Abdul Azeez (REDEFINE) were present along other important stakeholders in the signing ceremony.

“We are honoured to partner with Urmi Group as they make strides in responsible manufacturing,” said Mr. Sreenath KP, CEO of Redefine Technologies. “This collaboration is a testament to SATTVA’s role in transforming ESG and sustainability practices for the textile industry. Together with Diverzent, we are fully committed to supporting Urmi Group on their journey toward a more sustainable future.”

This partnership signifies Redefines’ ongoing mission to deliver tailored, impactful solutions for sustainability. As the SATTVA platform continues to gain momentum globally, we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will bring to Urmi Group’s ESG goals and beyond.

About Diverzent
Diverzent specializes in helping businesses automate their processes through the implementation of cutting-edge enterprise software and expert consultancy services. As a trusted partner of Redefine Technologies, Diverzent plays a critical role in advancing sustainable practices within the South Asian industry landscape.

About Redefine Technologies

At Redefine Technologies, they empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with innovative, tailored IT solutions. As your trusted partner, they navigate the digital landscape to fuel business growth, ensuring their clients receive affordable, reliable services that help them thrive in an ever-evolving technological environment.

About Urmi Group

Urmi Group is a prominent player in the textile industry, recognized for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable practices. With a diverse portfolio that spans various segments of textile production, Urmi Group is dedicated to promoting ethical manufacturing and responsible sourcing.

For more information, visit:

• Redefine Technologies and SATTVA: redeftec.com
• Urmi Group: urmigroup.com or diverzent.com

For further inquiries, please contact:

The post Urmi Group Partners with Redefine Technologies and Diverzent to Advance Sustainability Digitalization with SATTVA safe and sustainable™ appeared first on Textile Focus.

Textiles are moving into the next phase of being sustainable to save humans, the environment, and the planet.  On November 26, 2024, I delivered an invited keynote lecture on “Sustainable Life Saving Textiles,” at the 7th International Conference on Sustainable Textiles, at UET Lahore. The talk focused on how textiles can contribute to “One Health Initiatives,” serving people, environment, and planet.

This conference comes at a time when threats and war situations linger in some parts of the world, which necessitates functional textiles. There is a need to reduce plastic pollution while being sustainable.  The recent United Nations Climate Conference COP29 stressed the importance of protecting the planet and livelihoods of millions in developing world. This emphasizes the contributions from agriculture, textiles, and sustainable manufacturing.

Textiles provide livelihood to many millions stretching from farming crops like cotton to developing high performance materials that go into space.  The textile sector needs to explore opportunities to develop economically and materially sustainable products that can contribute to One Health Initiatives. The presentation is available at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KwnnafM3Qo

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Through signing of a new project Denmark and Bangladesh have further strengthened cooperation on food and agriculture to support a safe and sustainable food production in Bangladesh. This new project will address the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance and misuse of antibiotics in food production. On Wednesday 20 November, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and the Danish Embassy on behalf of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, signed this three-year Strategic Sector Cooperation Project.

18-24 November is also Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness week, and one of the challenges that creates antimicrobial resistance is the misuse of antibiotics in food production. The number of AMR deaths in Bangladesh is higher than deaths from chronic respiratory, diabetes and kidney diseases.

Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Christian Brix Møller said ´Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global public health threats, and a major challenge in Bangladesh. Denmark is honoured to be in this partnership with Bangladesh to work towards high standard food production for the population. ´

Mr. S. M. Ferdous Alam, Director General of BSTIalso said´This initiative will strengthen the relationship between Bangladesh and Denmark. Such collaboration will be fruitful as Denmark is pioneering in best practices in this area of work. The involvement of DVFA will also enhance our knowledge and capabilities, and improve the efficiency of dairy production in Bangladesh. Moreover, it will ensure better nutrition from a novel food source and ultimately contribute to the economy. We also believe that, under this project, all relevant regulators will have the opportunity to work together for the national interest, advancing a One Health approach. ´

This week an expert delegation from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will also hold discussions with the partners of this project including Bangladesh Government with Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and Directorate General Drug Administration (DGDA) on how to ensure and promote a more prudent use of antibiotics to reduce and avoid AMR in Bangladesh. These exchanges will be held in line with the theme for the World AMR Awareness Week 2024 which is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”

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AAG scored 84.9 points on the rigorous B Impact Assessment (BIA), exceeding the 80-point threshold required for B Corp certification. This demonstrates Active Apparel Group’s dedication to workers, customers, community, and the environment, all part of the brand’s dedication to using business as a force for good. The strongest areas represented in this score were Governance (17.6 pts), Workers (24.9 pts) and Customers (4.1 pts), which are significantly higher vs country, sector, and size benchmarks for similar B Corp certified companies. 

“We’re proud to be recognised as a B Corp, which is a natural extension of our commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable business,” says Active Apparel Group CEO Henry Jones. “It sets us apart as a premium service provider and manufacturer in the global marketplace, assuring all stakeholders of our compliance with global best-practice standards. These standards also encourage continuous sustainable innovation, drive valuable operational efficiencies, and enhance our ability to attract and retain top talent.”

A highlight of Active Apparel Group’s certification was the achievement of hard-to-earn Impact Business Model (IBM) points for their practices in Toxin Reduction / Remediation. This recognition highlights AAG’s deep commitment to reducing harmful chemicals in their production processes through the use of 100% OEKO-TEX-certified inks and responsible chemical management practices. AAG already pays all workers a living wage. In 2023, an audit by third-party Bureau Veritas of AAG’s factory in China, Ningbo Longson Garments Co. Ltd (Longson), confirmed a 100% pass rate. Employees received wages exceeding the calculated living wage, 29% above the local minimum wage and 140% greater than the poverty line in Ningbo. Remuneration at this level remains a rarity in the manufacturing industry in China.

AAG has also committed to a structured approach to reducing its environmental impact across its global operations through an Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS, built using the ISO14001 Standard Framework, incorporates key environmental policy commitments and has set targets and strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations across China, Australia and the USA. B Corp certification places AAG’s environmental, social, and governance practices in the company of a select few manufacturers in the performance apparel manufacturing industry, giving all AAG customers the confidence that they are partnering with a global leader in this space.

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Recent data from the United States (January–September 2024) and the European Union (January–August 2024) reveal a significant decline in the prices paid for Bangladeshi apparel imports. This downward trend raises serious questions about the sustainability of current industry practices and pricing structures.

The issue of purchasing practices has been widely discussed in recent years, with numerous initiatives established to address it. However, these efforts beg the question: are they truly driving meaningful change?

Over the past five years, production costs in Bangladesh’s garment sector have surged by an estimated 50%. This sharp increase is driven by a combination of factors, including rising wages, escalating utility costs, and a dramatic rise in raw material prices. Additionally, soaring airfreight charges and higher bank interest rates have added further financial strain. For garment manufacturers, balancing these increasing operational costs while remaining competitive has become an ever-growing challenge.

Despite these pressures, Bangladesh has emerged as a leader in sustainability efforts within the global apparel industry. However, achieving long-term success requires collaboration across the entire supply chain. Buyers, manufacturers, and stakeholders must work together to align expectations, ensuring that responsible business practices are adequately reflected in pricing structures.

The garment industry stands at a critical juncture, with the opportunity to create a brighter and more sustainable future. By addressing challenges holistically and fostering collaborative partnerships, the industry can pave the way for a system where sustainability and fair compensation coexist—unlocking shared growth and success for all involved.

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The purpose of the event is to unveil new sustainable solutions, display LYCRA’s product range, and provide a platform for networking among key stakeholders.

Attendees will include apparel buyers, manufacturers, spinners, technologists, and media professionals, reflecting the diverse interest in LYCRA’s advancements.

The LYCRA Company is renowned for innovating and producing fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, as well as specialty chemicals for the spandex and polyurethane value chains. The company is committed to adding value to its customers’ products through unique innovations that prioritize comfort and lasting performance.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, The LYCRA Company owns a portfolio of iconic brands, including LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX®, and TACTEL®.

In Bangladesh, Tex Tree Ltd serves as the exclusive representative of The LYCRA Company, driving the brand’s presence in this key market.

The post The LYCRA company to Launch new Sustainable Products in Bangladesh soon appeared first on Textile Focus.

Mahmudul Hasan, CFO of ERI, opened the seminar with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to the passionate and forward-thinking participants dedicated to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future.

The opening remarks were delivered by Shaikh Akber Hakim, Group MD & CEO of SCS, IRI, and ERI. He eloquently articulated the three pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — People, Planet, and Profit — using relatable examples that captivated the audience. He highlighted the Earth’s regenerative capabilities and underscored the business community’s pressing responsibility to address global challenges.

Shaymal Barman, Director of Climate Finance at Winrock International, joined virtually from COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. In his keynote presentation, he provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving climate finance landscape, sharing valuable insights on mobilizing financial resources for climate action and sustainable development.

Afrina Samian, Chief Sustainability Officer of ERI, joined the seminar virtually from Melbourne, Australia, expressing gratitude to the participants and appreciation for the CFO and his team’s efforts in organizing the seminar.

Md. Monowar Hossain, former CFO of Agrani Bank PLC and former Head of ICC at Rupali Bank PLC, presented a session on the critical role of sustainable finance. He detailed a wide range of green financing options available to businesses.

Representatives from IDLC Finance PLC, including Nasir Uddin Babu, AGM and Unit Head of the Corporate Division, and Nowshin Nawal, Assistant Manager and Green Product Lead of IDLC’s Sustainable Finance Unit, shared insights into IDLC’s innovative financing schemes and Bangladesh Bank’s green initiatives. Their presentation concluded with an engaging Q&A session with the audience.

Additionally, Mohammad Firoz Alam, Head of Sustainability at The City Bank PLC, and Mohammed Zahidul Haque discussed City Bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability. They highlighted the bank’s innovative approaches to decarbonization efforts, particularly in the textile sector.

Hasan Monir, Senior Consultant and SREDA-certified Energy Auditor at ERI, provided practical guidance on securing sustainable finance from commercial banks, focusing on key regulatory aspects. His case studies on successful pre-financing and refinancing projects emphasized the cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits of energy-efficient technologies and green buildings. He also stressed the critical role of certified energy auditors, noting that ERI’s team includes two SREDA-certified Energy Auditors and two Energy Managers supported by national and international specialists.

The seminar concluded with a presentation by Asim Mondal, Senior Consultant for ESG, who highlighted social and governance criteria under sustainable finance frameworks. He addressed the implications of regulations like the CSRD and CSDDD and discussed human rights considerations in financing decisions.

Dr. Zahid Hassan, Director of ERI, delivered the closing remarks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all speakers and participants. The event concluded with the distribution of crests to honored guests and a group photo, capturing the spirit of collaboration and commitment to sustainable growth.

The post ERI Hosts Sustainable Finance Seminar 2024 appeared first on Textile Focus.

GTT’s cutting-edge PFAS-free and water-free technologies provide sustainable alternatives to traditional textile treatments, eliminating harmful chemicals and drastically reducing water use. The Series C investment will enable GTT to expand its development capabilities, scale its technology, and meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions within the footwear, apparel, and military markets. The new funding will also drive continued RCD efforts to refine GTT’s product offerings and bolster the company’s global impact.

“We are delighted to partner with investors who share our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation,” said Tom Lopez, CEO of Green Theme Technologies. “With this investment, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth, advance our technologies, and drive meaningful change in the textile industry. Our solutions offer an effective way for manufacturers to produce high-performance products without sacrificing sustainability, and we are excited to expand this impact.”

Lead investor Pangaea Ventures specializes in hard tech investments with a focus on Planetary Health. With a track record of identifying and nurturing high-impact startups, Pangaea Ventures is committed to advancing innovation for a sustainable future. Established in 2000, Pangaea Ventures operates globally with offices in Phoenix, AZ, Vancouver, BC, and Tokyo, Japan. “Green Theme Technologies has developed a remarkable solution that meets an urgent need within the industry,” said Chris Erickson, General Partner at Pangaea Ventures. “As lead investors, we’re proud to support a company pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable manufacturing.”

Cottonwood Technology Funds, known for investing in high-potential companies focused on science and engineering innovation, expressed similar enthusiasm for GTT’s growth trajectory. “GTT’s EMPEL® technology aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in companies creating impactful solutions,” said Dave Blivin, Managing Partner at Cottonwood Technology Ventures. “Their approach to eliminating toxic PFAS from the textile production process is groundbreaking, and we are excited to support their expansion and success.” This funding round signals a strong endorsement of GTT’s technologies and its vision of a more sustainable future for the textile industry. The support from Pangaea Ventures, Cottonwood Technology Ventures, and other investors will enable GTT to meet the urgent needs of manufacturers and consumers for sustainability without sacrificing performance. Green Theme Technologies is committed to furthering its role as a global leader in sustainable innovation, with solutions that protect the planet and drive a more responsible future for textiles and beyond.

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Syed Tasnem Mahmood CEO of Greenbud scheduled a meeting with Textile Focus and shared his insightful thoughts. Here the speech is given below for our readers.

Syed Tasnem Mahmood said, “We are about to enter a new era in Bangladesh, and from Greenbud, we hope that any projects or steps we take in the name of sustainability are genuinely targeted toward true sustainable development. It is my wish that these efforts are not undertaken merely for financial gain or to accomplish a certain goal. In other countries, government regulations are generally followed by industries, but here in our country, even if such regulations exist, there is often more emphasis on what foreign brands or buyers say. Due to limited manpower and working capacity, regulations are sometimes bypassed. With the new government, we will try to adhere to government-issued regulations and maintain them as national standards.

From Greenbud, we have done some commendable work, such as working on plastic welfare and purifying the water of the Buriganga River. Our desire is to implement these projects genuinely rather than confining them to pilot projects or paperwork. Financial setbacks can be recovered over time, but environmental damage is not something that can be remedied with just one or two projects or within a few years; it’s permanent harm. All of you working in this area have experience in environmental protection, which will help you perform effectively. Our goal will be to ensure positive outcomes in these areas. Greenbud is committed to these efforts, such as a recent initiative mandating the use of geo bags instead of plastic bags in supermarkets. A list has also been created, which, if followed, can lead us to reduce the use of polythene, plastic, and similar materials.”

He also added, “Recently, we’ve observed a positive government initiative of replacing plastic bottles with glass jugs and glasses, which is an excellent move. If this initiative is implemented on a large scale, it could be a milestone in protecting the environment, and Greenbud is ready to offer full support. For the past 12 years, Greenbud has been assisting industries in various ways to protect the environment. Now, we are observing an emerging energy crisis. The supply of gas is decreasing rapidly, and the availability of fuel we once enjoyed is now in question. Greenbud is currently focusing on improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. We are also conducting in-depth energy audits in various places to identify ways for industries to achieve proper output with less energy use. Toward this goal, we have provided free training to around 250 experts from different industries to enhance efficiency. We are supporting our partner organizations to work on SBTI-related carbon footprint issues. At this moment, Greenbud is working on a large scale on SBTI, carbon footprint assessment, and carbon footprint reduction, with a dedicated team of about 57-58 people focused on sustainability. Our capacity and operations are also expanding.

Over these 12 years, we have achieved significant progress in data availability and data authentication. Now, we are attempting to create a system where sustainability-related data can be easily inputted and where we can leverage artificial intelligence to establish meaningful connections in sustainability data. By addressing the data scarcity, we currently face, we aim to make sustainability more accessible to the public and explore how modern technology can be used for this purpose. Greenbud is working on these aspects, and we are hopeful of introducing a solution by the end of this year.”

Greenbud is making a significant impact in Bangladesh by prioritizing genuine sustainability efforts over short-term gains. The organization is actively working to implement environmentally friendly initiatives, such as reducing plastic waste, improving energy efficiency, and supporting carbon footprint reduction across industries. Through partnerships, training programs, and the application of advanced technologies, Greenbud is building a framework for long-term environmental protection. With a dedicated team and a commitment to data-driven solutions, Greenbud is setting a high standard in sustainable development and aims to create meaningful change that benefits both people and the planet.

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The seminar opened with welcoming remarks, setting the stage for a series of insightful presentations and discussions. Mr. Hasem Ali, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Bangladesh ltd., and Mr. Michael Reim, Global Compliance Manager at G. Güldenpfennig GmbH, delivered the inaugural speeches, highlighting the mission of TÜV Rheinland Ltd. and the objectives of the Vendor Day.

Mr. Wakil Hossain, Senior Manager of Sustainability Services, led the first presentation on “Chemical & Water Management Awareness,” addressing ZDHC Wastewater Testing, In-Check Validation, and ETP Assessment. He engaged attendees with a Q&A session, providing deeper insights into waste management strategies.

Ms. Fatema Shahinur Jahan, Assistant General Manager of People & Business Assurance at TÜV Rheinland, presented on “ESG & Sustainability Trends,” including topics such as Decarbonization and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Her session emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in business operations.

Labor law specialist and trainer Mr. Khandokar T. Ahmed followed with a presentation on “Labour Act & Rules – Changes & Impact on RMG.” He discussed recent updates to Bangladesh’s Labor Act and Rules, focusing on worker rights and policy changes relevant to the textile industry.

The seminar concluded with insights from Mr. S. M. Nazmul Hasan, Compliance Manager for Bangladesh at G. Güldenpfennig GmbH, who discussed follow-up actions and compliance measures.

A final Q&A session allowed participants to engage directly with the experts, fostering a collaborative exchange of ideas. The event concluded with a networking opportunity, enabling attendees to discuss potential partnerships and share valuable insights on advancing sustainability in the textile sector.

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