Over the past 12 months, extensive trials have been conducted, and tons of data has been collected and used to upgrade the level of accuracy in polypropylene detection. The data was used for optimization in signal processing and to offer an additional setting function specifically for spinning mills that must contend with pronounced climatic fluctuations.

Polypropylene clearing

Contamination of cotton with synthetic fibers remains a significant concern for spinning mills. Polypropylene contamination, typically stemming from bale packaging, can lead to a myriad of issues throughout the production process. These include broken needles in knitting applications, thread breakage during weaving, and visible defects in the final product after dyeing. Effective contamination clearing substantially enhances yarn quality, while overly stringent measures can negatively impact production efficiency and increase waste.

For spinners, clever P-clearing balances the need for quality yarn with the imperative to maintain operational efficiency. Loepfe’s approach combines advanced technology, precise signal processing, and tailored settings to address various production scenarios, now enhanced to account specifically for humidity fluctuations.

New climate compensation

In response to the unique demands of spinning mills operating in environments with significant humidity variations, PRISMA now features an innovative climate compensation setting. Extensive testing of this new functionality at affected spinning mills has demonstrated several benefits, including:

• Enhanced overall classification accuracy
• Improved clearing performance
• Consistent cut rates coupled with superior final fabric quality
• Same cuts and better clearing performance

The new function makes it easy to counteract the changing climate in a spinning mill. The system then takes into account the increasing humidity and calculates an average value between the standard deviation and the peak values.

By providing this enhanced climate compensation setting, Loepfe empowers spinning mills to sustain peak performance and exceptional quality, even when confronted with challenging environmental conditions.

P-Clearing Matrix

The P-Matrix allows operators to input specific parameters, starting with a pre-generated clearing curve by the Autostart function that considers the most crucial factors for optimal and efficient clearing results. By easily adjusting the settings – raising or lowering the clearing curve – operators can tailor outcomes to meet their individual production needs.

The key influences on polypropylene clearing include:

• Raw material (fiber length and short fiber content)
• Yarn count
• Twist amount in the yarn
• Yarn hairiness
• Humidity (impact on hairiness)

How to set P climate compensation

Go to Default Group Settings and set Climate Compensation to 50%. Select the checkbox Adjustable in Group to show it in Group Settings optional. This 50% will be applied to all the groups by default. The service key is required to access the Default Group Settings.

The Climate Compensation value may be influenced by the yarn count and cotton variety. It is recommended to start with a value of 50% as various trials show that the best result can be achieved between 35% and 75%.

The post Clever P-clearing under all circumstances? YES! appeared first on Textile Focus.

Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) workers will get a 9% increase in their wages, Labour and Employment Adviser M Sakhawat Hussain announced on Tuesday.

The annual increment raise will be effective December 1, 2024, and will be reflected in January 2025 wages.

The existing increment for the labourers of the country’s highest export-earning sector is 5%, and the government decided to add a 4% hike to it.

The adviser said the increment will remain effective until the government or the Minimum Wage Board announces a new minimum wage, adding that the previously set 5% annual pay increment, fixed by the Minimum Wage Board, will remain in place.

He clarified that any worker who is supposed to get a yearly increment in December will enjoy the additional increase. Those not supposed to get an increment in December will still get a 4% rise in their wages.

He also said that a vested interest group has been trying to divert buyers away from Bangladesh by publishing negative news in local and foreign newspapers. 

Many workers are protesting without understanding and are being trapped by multidimensional provocation. He urged everyone to address the conspiracy looming against the country’s RMG sector.

Earlier, at their 5th meeting, the Capacity and Implementation Committee on Minimum Wage Revision and Annual Increment recommended an annual 9% increment for the RMG sector.

At the meeting, the labour representatives proposed for a 10% annual increment hike, emphasizing the rising cost of living. In response, the employer representatives proposed an 8% yearly increment due to financial constraints and an aggressively competitive global market.

Mohammad Khorshed Alam of Shromik Dol, Babul Akhtar of Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, and Kabir Ahmed of Bangladesh Shromik Kalyan Federation signed as labour representatives.

ANM Saifuddin, member of the BGMEA’s assistance committee, and Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, executive president of the BKMEA, signed as employers’ representatives.

SM Enamul Haque, director of DoL, Md Hasibuzzaman, joint IG of DIFE, Raisa Afroz, secretary of Minimum Wage Board, and Mohammad Masukur Shikdar, joint secretary of MoLE, signed as government representatives.

Paying increments to be challenging

Talking to Dhaka Tribune regarding the increment hike, Former BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel said it would be difficult for them to pay the increment because the industry’s capacity is not that high. Production costs have increased, but income has not increased in the same way.

“The price of RMG items has also decreased in the global market. However, since this is a tripartite decision, there is no other way but to accept it,” he added, urging the government to provide the necessary policy support to overcome the pressure the manufacturers will face in implementing this decision.

He also said that it is more viable to make these decisions while keeping in mind the capacity of the manufacturers so that they can implement them.

“It has now become a trend to take to the street with another demand if one demand is met. If they take to the street with another demand tomorrow, it will become impossible to run the business. The government will have to provide support, security, and assurance so that a fair working environment can be ensured,” he added.

He also said that the buyers are responsible and should ensure fair prices. Prices are falling in the global market, and they must adjust their prices.

“If they don’t raise prices but demand ethical production, it will become contradictory. If they pay a fair price, ethical production and sustainability will accelerate,” he added.

Meanwhile, a leading apparel exporter, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concerns about the industry’s challenges.

“We feel trapped after investing heavily in this sector, especially as the previous government increased utility costs significantly,” he added, fearing that many factories might struggle to implement further wage increases, especially after the recent major wage adjustments.

He suggested that the government conduct a comprehensive survey to assess the industry’s capacity and the workers’ needs.

He also said the industry’s ongoing struggles with the unreliable supply of quality energy.

“On top of that, the reduction in cash incentives has put exporters in an even tighter corner,” he added.

Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Nazma Akter, president of the Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation, said that the proposed increment is insufficient to meet workers’ basic needs.

She also criticized the process, questioning how labour representatives could demand a 15% annual increment without consulting labour organizations. “Additionally, no government officials communicated with us regarding this matter,” she alleged.

“We urge the government to implement an increment that accounts for inflation, enabling workers to meet their basic needs and maintain proper nutrition. This will not only improve their well-being but also boost productivity,” she added.

On December 4, the factory owners agreed on a 7% increment, and they had previously proposed a 6% where the labour leaders, who earlier proposed a 15% hike, reviewed their proposal and cut the figure to 12%, in the fourth meeting of the committee.

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Empowering THK Asia with Advanced ERP Capabilities
The Buying House ERP by Skylark Soft Limited is a comprehensive software solution designed to meet the unique demands of buying house operations. Equipped with essential modules such as Marketing, Merchandising, Sample, Time & Action, Inspection, Manual Production, Commercial, and MIS, the ERP is tailored to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and provide real-time insights.

THK Asia has also integrated advanced add-on modules like Inventory, Procurement, Accounting, and HR-Payroll to further enhance operational scalability and performance.

“This partnership underscores Skylark’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that transform operations and create tangible value for our clients. THK Asia’s vision for execution excellence aligns perfectly with the capabilities of our Buying House ERP,” said B M Shorif, Managing Director & CEO of Skylark Soft Limited.

THK Asia: Pioneering Fashion Sourcing with Innovation
Known for its exceptional supply chain management from “Sheep to Shop,” THK Asia delivers fast fashion solutions by integrating style trends, sustainable practices, and operational excellence. With Skylark’s ERP, THK Asia is set to elevate its capabilities further, achieving:

• Seamless order tracking and management with the Merchandising and Time & Action modules.
• Efficient sample processing using the Sample Management module for quicker turnaround times.
• Enhanced financial oversight and resource utilization with Accounting and Inventory modules.
• Real-time data integration via the MIS module for data-driven decision-making.

“We are excited to partner with Skylark Soft Limited to adopt a robust ERP system tailored to the buying house sector. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and delivering value to our clients,” said a spokesperson from THK Asia.

A Step Towards Transforming the Buying House Sector
The agreement ceremony, held in the presence of top management from both organizations, signifies a shared vision to redefine excellence in the buying house industry. Skylark Soft Limited’s expertise in ERP solutions, combined with THK Asia’s leadership in fashion sourcing, sets the stage for groundbreaking advancements in operational efficiency and service delivery.

About Skylark Soft Limited
Founded in 2018, Skylark Soft Limited is a Bangladesh-based software company specializing in ERP solutions for the textile and apparel industries. With a global footprint in countries like India, UAE, USA, and more, Skylark has been instrumental in driving efficiency and innovation in garment manufacturing and buying house operations. Its flagship product, goRMG ERP, is trusted by over 100 clients globally.

About THK Asia
THK Asia is a leading name in global fashion sourcing, offering end-to-end supply chain solutions with a focus on quality, speed-to-market, and sustainability. By integrating style trends, structured research, and strong sourcing strategies, THK Asia continues to deliver value and excellence in the fast fashion industry.

For more information, please contact:
Skylark Soft Limited
Website: www.skylarksoft.com
Email: info@skylarksoft.com
Phone: +8801848 346310-14

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However, the talks remain stuck because of failure to agree on the wage increases that will lead to a review of the minimum wage. The fourth meeting in the committee initiated by the Ministry of Labour on this has ended without a decision. This meeting was chaired by Additional Secretary Sabur Hossain at the conference room of the Ministry of Labour on Tuesday. Six representatives each from the owners and from the workers were present in the meeting to argue the case brought by their sides.

The two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting could hear arguments from both parties justifying their stand on the demands.The owners expressed their willingness to increase the annual wage increment to 7%, considering current economic conditions and the sustainability of the industry. They emphasized that the global economic climate, inflationary pressures, and the need to maintain competitiveness in international markets limit their ability to meet the workers’ demands fully. On the other hand, workers reduced their initial demand from a 15% increment (including an additional 10% on top of the regular 5%) to 12%. They argued that rising living costs, inflation, and the increasing expenses of basic necessities necessitate a higher wage adjustment to ensure a decent standard of living.

There were no other comments as this third meeting of the committee had ended with the owners proposing a total 6% annual increment; 1% above the standard 5% actualized increment. This was a little advancement according to the expectations of workers but insufficient for them. At the recent meeting, the owners made the new attempt to find a common ground with their 7% proposal, but the workers were still firm on their 12% demand.

The deadlock led the committee members to decide to hold yet another meeting next week under the chairmanship of the Labour Secretary and with the aim of bridging the gap between both the parties.

These included some of the most glaring representatives from the meeting: Fazle Shamim Ehsan, Executive President, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA); ANM Saifuddin, member, BGMEA supporting committee; Farooq Ahmed, Secretary General, Bangladesh Employers’ Federation; Mohammad Khorshed Alam, Youth Affairs Secretary, BNP Labour Wing; Babul Akhter, General Secretary, Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, and Kabir Ahmed, Central Vice-President, Bangladesh Workers Welfare Federation.

The stalemate presents very great evidence for the need for dialogue and compromise so that the interests of the workers and those of this cornerstone sector of Bangladesh economy-RMG-may share the stage at the end. Innovative negotiations and good faith among all working parties will be required to balance fair wages against the industrial hard economic realities.

Reference: https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/709449/

The post RMG Wage Dispute: Owners Propose 7% Increment, Workers Hold Firm at 12% appeared first on Textile Focus.

Many Bangladeshi businesses have yet to recognize the export potential of the toy industry. Interestingly, several global fashion retailers who already source garments from Bangladesh also run toy lines. This overlap presents an untapped opportunity for Bangladeshi manufacturers. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the country’s toy exports reached $77 million in the last fiscal year, serving about 88 countries. While this is a notable achievement, it pales compared to China, which dominates the industry with an 86% global market share, exporting $88.58 billion worth of toys in 2023 alone.

Bangladesh’s toy manufacturing industry, like its RMG sector, produces items tailored to buyer specifications. The toy sector encompasses four primary categories: metal-based, wooden-based, plastic-based, and fabric-based products. However, foreign companies in Bangladesh currently dominate toy exports, with local firms contributing only a small portion.

Leading Exporters and Success Stories

One of the key players in Bangladesh’s toy export market is Sonic (Bangladesh) Limited, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based Sonic Group. Operating from the Uttara Export Processing Zone in Nilphamari, Sonic produces over one million die-cast scale models each month, including replicas of international rally-winning cars. These models are primarily exported to European countries like Spain, Germany, and Italy, along with Japan. In 2023, Sonic’s exports totaled $43.17 million, making it the largest toy exporter in Bangladesh.

Another noteworthy company is Cupcake Exports Ltd, a subsidiary of the US-based Cupcake Group. This fabric-based toy manufacturer started operations in 2019 and has grown from employing 65 workers to over 600. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the company’s export value is expected to reach $2.5 million this year. However, the absence of dedicated toy buyer offices in Bangladesh forces companies like Cupcake Exports to conduct business abroad, adding logistical hurdles.

Challenges and Barriers to Growth

While Bangladesh’s toy sector shows promise, several challenges hinder its growth. One major obstacle is the lack of buyer offices within the country, making it difficult for manufacturers to secure large-scale orders. Exporters also face barriers in obtaining the certifications required for producing licensed toys, which are in high demand among international retailers. For instance, companies like Disney require compliance with the Better Work program to manufacture licensed products. Although Bangladesh’s RMG and footwear sectors are part of this program, the toy industry is yet to be included.

Packaging and product testing are additional challenges. Exporters must import packaging materials to meet buyer specifications, and samples often need to be sent abroad for quality testing, increasing production costs and lead times. Addressing these bottlenecks could significantly enhance the competitiveness of Bangladeshi toy manufacturers.

Learning from the RMG Sector

Bangladesh’s RMG sector offers valuable lessons for the toy industry. The expertise gained in dealing with international buyers, managing supply chains, and meeting global standards can be leveraged to scale toy exports. Many established fashion brands that source garments from Bangladesh, such as Walmart and Inditex, also feature toy lines, providing a ready market for local manufacturers.

Policy Support: A Critical Fact

Industry leaders emphasize the importance of government support in realizing the toy sector’s potential. Kamruzzaman Kamal, Marketing Director at PRAN-RFL Group—a key exporter of plastic toys—believes that targeted policies could help Bangladesh emerge as a significant player in the global toy market. PRAN-RFL has already expanded its exports to several countries, producing low-cost toys and tricycles. The company aims to diversify its portfolio by introducing higher-end products for the export market.

To compete with global giants like China, Bangladesh must address wage competitiveness and labor-intensive production. According to Dr. Mashrur Reaz, founder of the think tank Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, rising wages in China are prompting its gradual exit from the low-cost toy market. This shift creates an opportunity for Bangladesh to capture a significant share of the market, provided the right policies are implemented. Dr. Reaz estimates that the sector could generate up to $10 billion in annual exports with proper investment and policy alignment.

Capitalizing on Emerging Trends

The global toy market is not limited to traditional toys; it also includes electronic toys, educational kits, action figures, and board games. Diversifying into these segments could unlock new opportunities for Bangladeshi manufacturers. Engaging with licensing giants like Disney and securing Better Work certification for the toy industry could attract both foreign and local investment.

Additionally, strengthening infrastructure for product testing and certification within Bangladesh would reduce dependency on foreign facilities, streamlining operations and boosting competitiveness. Developing a skilled workforce for the toy industry, much like the initiatives undertaken in the RMG sector, is another critical step.

A Way Forward

With a strategic approach, Bangladesh’s toy industry could replicate the success of its RMG sector. By fostering collaboration between the government, local manufacturers, and international buyers, the sector can overcome existing challenges and establish itself as a key player in the global market. Addressing barriers such as certification, packaging, and testing, while leveraging the expertise gained from the RMG sector, will be instrumental in this journey.

The global toy market’s rapid growth presents an unparalleled opportunity for Bangladesh. With the right mix of policy support, innovation, and entrepreneurial effort, the country can transform its toy industry into a major foreign exchange earner, driving economic growth and enhancing its global standing.

References:https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/global-toy-market-could-be-bangladeshs-next-forex-giant-after-rmg-1004381

The post The Global Toy Market: Bangladesh’s Next Foreign Exchange Giant after RMG appeared first on Textile Focus.

Bangladesh’s earnings from merchandise exports witnessed a positive growth of 15.63% year-over-year (YoY) to $4.11 billion in November in the ongoing FY25.

This was $3.56 billion in the same period of last fiscal year.

In November, the readymade garment (RMG) sector, the highest export earner of the country, bagged $3.3 billion, fetching a positive growth of 16.25% YoY against 2023, which was $2.84 billion last year, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data published on Wednesday.

The state agency provided this data, reflecting real-time shipment updates as per Asycuda World from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

According to EPB data, Bangladeshi exporters shipped goods worth $19.9 billion, which was $17.81 billion in the first five months of FY24.

This was YoY growth of 11.76% in July-November of FY25.

In that period, export earnings from almost all major sectors witnessed positive growth.

Breakdown

EPB data also stated that in the July-November period, the RMG sector earned $16.11 billion from its global destinations, which was 12.34% higher than the $14.34 billion earned in FY24.

In this period, knitwear earned $8.95 billion, 12.23% higher than $7.97 billion, and woven earned $7.17 billion, 12.48% higher than $6.37 billion in FY24.

In this period, knitwear earned $8.95 billion, 12.23% higher than $7.97 billion, and woven earned $7.17 billion, 12.48% higher than $6.37 billion in FY24.

After repeated narrow growths for a long time, home textiles saw a positive growth of 5.03% to $326.83 million in the July-November period of FY25, up from $311.19 million in the same period last fiscal.

In the first five months of FY25, export earnings from agricultural products increased by 8.34% to $495.38 million, up from $457.25 million in the same period last fiscal year.

Export receipts from jute and jute goods experienced negative growth of 9.99% to $341.70 million, down from $379.62 million in July-November of FY24, EPB data stated.

Leather and leather goods experienced positive growth of 7.61% to $466.39 million, up from $433.42 million in the first five months of FY24. 

Another potential export sector, engineering products, fetched a positive growth of 5.70% to $205.80 million, up from $194.71 million in last FY.

Behind the growth

EPB vice chairman Anwar Hossain said that the significant dynamics behind the growth were peak season for RMG shipment (holiday, Christmas, Black Friday, Thanks Giving), completion of backlog orders, year-end inventory management, 1% growth in developed countries, and 2% growth in developing countries, as per Unctad.

Hossain further said that although private investment was sluggish, the economy was not at standstill, and the growth indicated a favourable situation.

Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Mohiuddin Rubel, former BGMEA director, said that the global economy is gradually improving, which accelerated the purchasing practices of the consumers of the export destinations, which impacts exports.

“Moreover, we have the capacity and infrastructure to meet the buyer’s demands. It’s proven. For this, buyers also supported us during our transitional period,” he added.

He also said that buyers trusted and were committed to Bangladeshi manufacturers. They hoped that exports would remain positive in the coming days as the country was also regaining stability.

Another former director of the BGMEA, Shams Mahmud, said that the growth happened riding on the growth of some top exporters, as firm financial footing allowed them to perform well. 
However, small factories are struggling and lack the economic resilience to absorb shocks.

He also said that the apparel sector has made significant progress after addressing the unrest in two major industrial zones—Ashulia and Gazipur. 
However, factories in the Ashulia industrial belt continued to face challenges securing direct orders. The buyers remain hesitant to place orders in this zone due to concerns over the lingering effects of recent unrest.

As a result, these factories are now compelled to sustain their production primarily through subcontracting arrangements, he added.

According to the EPB, the revised export earnings in FY24 was $44.47 billion, which was $55.28 billion in mismatched data.

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Branding is one of the prerequisites to stand out from the crowd in today’s fiercely competitive marketplace. Branding apparel is a highly effective way of enhancing visibility and establishing a connection with your audience. Here is a compiled guide on using branded apparel to boost brand recognition.

Prioritize Strategic Design

Cleverly designed apparel can prompt conversations and give a memorable pictorial representation for your brand. Begin with the placement of your logo, ensuring it is visible. You can add custom made rubber patches of your logo to the clothes. Use your brand color palette to build consistency amongst your marketing channels, which enables better recognition.

Coining a creative touch may make all the difference in standing out and wooing your audiences. Choose a clever or witty slogan, an interesting graphic, or simply a well-laid-out design. The objective is to make items that people can wear with pride and naturally draw attention.

Choose High-Quality Apparel

High-quality branded apparel says a lot about your brand. Inexpensive fabric or poorly stitched garments will deny the wearer the joy of wearing, and they will reflect poorly on your business. Invest in high-quality, durable, and comfortable clothing that people want. Good-quality clothing will last longer and keep your brand in circulation for longer.

Encourage Customer Participation

Branded apparel will become a powerful engagement tool once you include your customers. Offering clothing as a reward for loyalty programs, social media contests, or referrals encourages participation while strengthening an emotional connection to your brand. For example, one exciting contest requires customers to post photos of themselves clad in your apparel and generate organic visibility online. These strategies encourage customers to see themselves as active participants in your brand, propelling them into loyal advocates.

Incorporate Limited Edition Apparel

THeq exclusivity sentiment drives customer engagement powerfully. Limited-edition branded apparel connected to events, product launches, or seasonal themes creates urgency and desirability. You could produce green apparel made with sustainable materials for the limited edition sets. Customers are likely to act quickly when they perceive an item as unique or available for a limited time. This exclusivity drives sales and engagement and builds the brand’s perceived value.

Leverage Events and Trade Shows

Events and trade shows are the best places to distribute branded apparel. Give attendees freebies such as custom t-shirts or hats. Since events attract large, diverse crowds, they offer excellent opportunities to get your brand before them. Free branded apparel continues to advertise your business long after the event, as lucky recipients wear or use them daily. It would help if you made them both functional and attractive so they could have the maximum impact.

Equip Employees with Branded Apparel

Letting your employees be your brand ambassadors can turn them into walking advertisements through branded apparel. Uniforms or casual branded clothing will help create a unified and professional look in your workplace. Employees wearing these branded items outside work enhance your brand visibility to new audiences. Apart from increasing brand awareness, this strategy grants you credibility as it promotes a united and proud workforce.

Endnote

Branded apparel is a vibrant and versatile tool to improve brand visibility. It brings together utility and creativity, emotionality, and an endless impact to build a connection with your audience. By all means, keep your quality, design, and strategic distribution in check, and branded clothing will become a potent marketing tool that heightens visibility, builds loyalty, and differentiates your brand from competitors.

The post How to Use Branded Apparel to Increase Brand Recognition appeared first on Textile Focus.

In the race towards sustainable manufacturing, Bangladesh is uniquely positioned to lead through innovation. As one of the world’s largest textile exporters, contributing nearly $45 billion annually to the global market (source: Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, 2023), the country faces mounting pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices that align with international environmental standards.

A promising avenue lies in utilizing soybeans, a locally produced crop, to manufacture soy-based textile printing chemicals. Bangladesh produces approximately 200,000 metric tons of soybeans annually (source: Department of Agricultural Extension, 2023), with key cultivation regions including Noakhali, Barisal, and Patuakhali. Despite this production capacity, only 5% of soybeans are currently directed towards industrial applications, highlighting a vast, untapped potential.

Soy-based chemicals, derived from soybean oil, offer an environmentally responsible alternative to petroleum-based products commonly used in the textile industry. With benefits such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, and a reduction in VOC emissions by nearly 50%, soy-based solutions align seamlessly with the growing demand for green manufacturing.

By capitalizing on its soybean production and establishing local chemical processing facilities, Bangladesh could reduce its reliance on imported eco-friendly chemicals, save millions in foreign exchange, and strengthen its agricultural and industrial sectors. This initiative not only supports economic growth but also positions Bangladesh as a leader in sustainable textiles, blending innovation with ecological responsibility.

Why Choose Soy-Based Chemicals?

Soy-based chemicals, derived from soybean oil, represent an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based products. These renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials cater to the textile industry’s increasing focus on green practices.

Soybean Production in Bangladesh: A Resource Waiting to Be Tapped

Bangladesh’s fertile soil supports a thriving agricultural sector, including soybean cultivation in key regions like Noakhali, Barisal, and Patuakhali.

• Annual Production: The country produces 200,000 metric tons of soybeans annually (source: Department of Agricultural Extension, 2023).
  
• Current Allocation:
  • 60% for edible oil production.
  • 35% for animal feed.
  • 5% (potential) for industrial use, showcasing an opportunity for local innovation.

(With just 25% of soybean production redirected, Bangladesh could fuel its burgeoning textile sector with locally produced soy-based chemicals.)

Soybean Production, Usage, and Key Regions in Bangladesh (Last 10 Years)

The Manufacturing Process: From Soybeans to Sustainable Printing Solutions

1. Soybean Oil Extraction
   Harvested soybeans are processed to extract crude soybean oil, a key raw material.
   
2. Epoxidation
   The oil undergoes a chemical process to create epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), the foundation for sustainable inks and binders.
   
3. Formulation
   ESO is blended with natural pigments and water-based solvents to create environmentally friendly printing chemicals.
   
4. Quality Control
   Final products undergo rigorous testing to meet industry standards for viscosity, durability, and environmental compliance.
   

Why Local Manufacturing Is a Game-Changer? 

1. Economic Impact
   
   • Cost Reduction: Decrease reliance on expensive imports of eco-friendly chemicals.
   • Export Potential: Capture eco-conscious markets in Europe and North America, leveraging certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX.
2. Environmental Advantages
   
   • Lower carbon footprint by reducing import-associated emissions.
   • Enhanced support for sustainable farming and green industrial practices.
3. Boosting the RMG Sector
   
   • As a global leader in textile exports, Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry would benefit from a locally sourced, sustainable chemical supply.

Overcoming Challenges for a Greener Future

1. Infrastructure Deficit

• Challenge: Lack of processing facilities for soybean oil-based chemicals.
• Solution: Develop specialized units in existing industrial hubs with government and private sector investments.

2. Knowledge Gap in R&D

• Challenge: Limited technical expertise in chemical formulation.
• Solution: Foster collaboration between academic institutions and global industry experts.

3. Farmer Engagement

• Challenge: Farmers lack incentives to increase soybean cultivation.
• Solution: Implement subsidies, training programs, and awareness campaigns to encourage participation.

The Global Market and Strategic Approach

Market Demand: Sustainable textile printing solutions are in high demand, especially in European and North American markets. Certifications for eco-friendly manufacturing bolster product credibility and marketability.

Awareness Campaigns: Target RMG exporters and manufacturers to highlight the benefits of soy-based chemicals, emphasizing cost savings and environmental compliance.

Conclusion

Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward sustainable industrialization. The opportunity to develop soy-based textile printing chemicals presents a pathway to align the country’s thriving textile and RMG sectors, valued at over $45 billion annually, with global sustainability trends. By utilizing its 200,000 metric tons of soybean production, Bangladesh can establish a locally driven, eco-friendly chemical manufacturing industry that reduces dependency on costly imports and opens doors to lucrative export markets.

This venture is not without challenges, including infrastructure gaps, limited R&D capabilities, and the need for increased farmer participation in soybean cultivation. However, with targeted investments, government support, and strategic partnerships with academic and international stakeholders, these hurdles can be overcome.

Embracing soy-based chemicals will enhance Bangladesh’s global reputation as a leader in sustainable textile production, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to economic growth. As international markets increasingly prioritize green solutions, the time is ripe for Bangladesh to seize this opportunity and pioneer a sustainable future in textile manufacturing.

Author- Engr. Ahmed Javed Jamal

Director-Technical Operations & Marketing,

Silkflex Bangladesh Limited

The post Soy-Based Textile Printing Chemicals: A Local Manufacturing Opportunity for Bangladesh appeared first on Textile Focus.

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday expressed the EU’s intention to partner intensively with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) EuroCham to maximise trade and investment.

He laid emphasis on exploring more B2B contacts, navigating the challenges of LDC graduation and promoting sustainable due diligence in supply chains, opening up the prospect of greater EU foreign direct investment (FDI) and a more diversified Bangladeshi economy.

The EuroCham was officially launched on Tuesday which is seen as a new milestone in EU-Bangladesh business relations.

EuroCham is a business initiative that is actively supported by the European Union Delegation and the EU Member States in Bangladesh.

The Chamber will serve as a centre of excellence, promoting business relations between European investors and their counterparts in the country.

It will facilitate dialogue between the private sector and key government stakeholders, such as BIDA, the Ministry of Commerce, and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to improve the ease-of-doing business in Bangladesh.

EuroCham will advise European and Bangladeshi companies on the impact of upcoming EU legislation on their supply chains, – the corporate sustainability due diligence directive, textile strategy, circular economy, digital product passport, and eco-design for sustainable products, to name just a few.

With a view to facilitating Bangladesh’s green and digital transition, EuroCham will offer a platform for sharing know-how.

EuroCham Bangladesh will form part of the European Business Organisations (EBO) Worldwide Network that represents European business interests in over 54 key global markets.

It caters to European multinationals, as well as micro, small, medium, and large enterprises, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka.

EuroCham Chairperson, Nuria Lopez, and the Board welcomed attendees, saying that the Chamber will focus on branding Bangladesh to attract more European investment; Europe not only brings capital but also a model of good governance and sustainable growth.

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In light of the upcoming EU and global North regulations, Bangladesh’s RMG industry has been proactive. BGMEA is taking the lead as the parent organization for Bangladesh RMG sector. The BGMEA has established the Responsible Business Hub (RBH) within our premises, which plays a pivotal role in preparing the industry in adapting to these changes. The RBH focuses on capacity-building through targeted trainings, ensuring that factories are well-equipped to meet the stringent sustainability requirements. Additionally, the Hub is committed to continuous monitoring of factories, helping them to not only comply with but also exceed the upcoming regulations.

Moreover, BGMEA’s Digital Data Disclosure Platform, which has yet to be launched, is a groundbreaking tool designed to facilitate industry-wide data collection on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. This platform is set to become an essential resource for tracking and reporting on sustainability practices across the industry, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Our engagement in circular economy initiatives is another critical area of focus. BGMEA is actively participating in the SWITCH2CE Project by UNIDO, which supports the transition to a circular economy in the garment sector. We are also involved in the CREATE project, led by Aalborg University, which is aimed at fostering innovation and sustainable practices in textile production.

BGMEA’s Sustainability Strategic Vision 2030 is our roadmap for aligning the RMG sector with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the national priorities of Bangladesh. This strategic vision emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth and reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience.

Bangladesh’s leadership in green manufacturing is evident in our achievement of having the highest number of LEED Certified factories in the world, with 230 certifications, including 92 Platinum and 124 Gold-rated factories. This accomplishment underscores our progress in enhancing green manufacturing capabilities, which not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also strengthens the global competitiveness of our textile and garment industry.

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