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.

To its credit, Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry has many outstanding features like its socio-economic contribution, product sophistication, transition to green manufacturing etc, which are more or less known to all. However, some small, well-meaning initiatives are not generally known, which have brought about a major difference in the lives of tens of thousands of employees and greatly benefitted the industry.

Establishing a Child Care Center and Breastfeeding Corner on the factory premises is one of such praiseworthy Initiatives that can be held up as a sublime example of excellent employer-employee relations.

Female employees are at the heart of apparel manufacturing and therefore, factories are going that extra mile to ensure that working mothers are happy, don’t drop out of work or have to struggle with childcare This brings a great sigh of relief to female employees in the RMG sector who may not have anyone at home to look after their children.

It also provides them with the independence at work and the opportunity to continue working and provide for their offspring. They have peace of mind in the workplace, knowing that their children are well taken care of and they can visit them just a few hundred yards away.

Manned by highly trained caregivers, these brightly decorated, well-maintained and hygienic facilities are run adhering to proper routines for playing, eating, sleeping etc. Children are also taught the alphabet and nursery rhymes. In this way, they are growing up in a healthy atmosphere, while thanks to the breastfeeding corners, babies receive the nutrition they need in comfort and privacy.

The initiative culminates and cascades in the happiness of mother, child and employer and the growth of the industry that adds immeasurable strength to the economy

Source: BGMEA

The post Child Care Center and Breastfeeding Corner Babies are no longer a barrier! appeared first on Textile Focus.

The symposium, hosted at the Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka, centered on the theme “Art of Project Management: Maximizing Project Success.” The event brought together over 350 project managers and industry leaders to exchange insights, inspire innovation, and celebrate achievements in the field of project management.

Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, Divine IT Limited participated in the “Sponsor a Tree Program,” resulting in a tree being planted in its honor at Joypurhat Girls Cadet College. This initiative underscores the company’s dedication to combating climate change and promoting green practices while driving excellence in project management.

The management of Divine IT Limited expressed heartfelt gratitude to PMI Bangladesh for the recognition and for creating a platform to contribute to such a meaningful event.

With a steadfast focus on innovation and sustainability, Divine IT Limited continues to empower industries while championing initiatives that advance professional growth and environmental responsibility.

The post Divine IT Limited Recognized as Silver Sponsor at Bangladesh Project ManagementSymposium 2024 appeared first on Textile Focus.

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.

The post Active Apparel Group Secures B Corp Certification, Achieves Major ESG Milestone appeared first on Textile Focus.

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.

The post Falling Prices for Bangladeshi Garments Spark Sustainability Concerns appeared first on Textile Focus.

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.

Fatullah Apparels Ltd. achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in: Location and Transportation, sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, Indoor environmental quality and Innovation.

“Achieving LEED certification is more than implementing sustainable practices. It represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better,” Bangladesh is the global leader having the highest number of green garment buildings, where 53 are platinum rated, 104 gold-rated, 10 silver, and 4 have no rating. Dozens more units are in the process of achieving LEED certification.  Out of the top 10 USGBC LEED-certified factories, 7 are in Bangladesh. Fatullah Apparels Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder Fazlee Shamim Ehsan said, “This achievement is not only for me but also for Bangladesh. Now we can say with pride that Bangladesh’s apparel industry is much safer than others.”

“It was my dream that my factory would become one of the best eco-friendly factories in the world and accordingly I set it up in a planned way. Thanks to almighty that finally I achieved it,” he said with joy. And gave special thanks to LEED Consultant Keerthi of Environ Ltd., Architect Farzana of ARCHVIZ, And LEED Authorized Energy Consultant in Energy and Atmosphere (EA) part Engr. Md. Rashed Khan of MRK Consultancy who worked hard for this milestone achievement. According to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) data, after receiving the certification of the three factories, the country has 171 green certified apparel factories now, which is a record compared to any other countries, and 500 other factories are waiting for certification. Also, it was set up on a two two-storied buildings – one is used for production and the other for administration. Electricity supply for both buildings came through renewable energy and national grid line. The factory reserves rain water. The factory complies with all codes of conducts of compliance, even they are also enjoying many extra facilities than other factories such as high wages.

The post Fatullah Apparels achieves LEED Platinum certification 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.

The post Green Theme Technologies, Inc. Closes $6 Million Series C Funding Round to Fuel Sustainable Innovation in Textile Technologies appeared first on Textile Focus.

The latest addition to this impressive portfolio is Cotton Field BD Ltd. Admin Building in Gazipur, which achieved an exceptional Platinum certification score of 86. The facility, located at 42/3, Rajnagar, Sataish Road, Tongi, is a testament to the country’s dedication to elevating industry standards.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) highlighted that of the 230 certified factories, an astonishing 62 rank among the top 100 highest-rated LEED-certified factories globally. This achievement not only reflects Bangladesh’s efforts in sustainable development but also strengthens its position as a leader in environmentally conscious manufacturing.

Bangladesh’s leadership in the green factory movement underscores its role as a responsible player in the global textile industry, setting benchmarks for others to follow in sustainable industrial practices.

The post Bangladesh now has 230 LEED certified green RMG factories appeared first on Textile Focus.

GCA is now seeking innovative ideas addressing different high emission areas across the textile industry value chain, including sustainable materials and processes, responsible production, mindful consumption, and ‘wildcards’ that support the GCA purpose. Today, only a fraction of philanthropic capital is directed to climate. 

“The textile industry needs all hands-on deck if we are going to meet our climate goals by 2050, and we must ensure this transition is fair for everyone. I really believe that innovation is key to decarbonising the industry, and that the Global Change Award can play a role in identifying and growing future changemakers whose ideas can have a transformative impact if given the right support,” says Karl-Johan Persson, Board Member of the H&M Foundation.

Since GCA launched in 2015, 46 innovations have received support and a combined grant of 8 million euros. While it continues to award 10 winners every year, with each receiving 200,000 EUR, there are other key updates to the GCA:

• New focus area – decarbonizing the textile industry.
• Holistic approach – equipping changemakers with a holistic people and planet mindset. 
• Wider range of changemakers – switching to a nomination-based process, instead of an open application system.
• Systems change approach – equipping changemakers to consider the entire textile value chain and its interconnectedness while also considering the impact on people.

“While the industry is hungry for innovation, the holistic perspective to decarbonization is often lacking, and the critical early stages of an innovator’s journey overlooked – this is where philanthropy can make a real difference”, says Annie Lindmark, Programme Director for Innovation at the H&M Foundation. In addition to financial support, winners will gain access to a powerful network of mentors, collaborators, and industry leaders to help bring their solutions to life. Together with partners Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, H&M Foundation will invite the winners to participate in a yearlong, tailormade Changemaker Programme. The Global Change Award 2025 winners will be announced in April 2025.

The post H&M Foundation: Global Change Award 2025 launched – with a mission to accelerate innovation for a net-zero textile industry by 2050 appeared first on Textile Focus.