Driven by a surge in global demand for recycled garments and increasing consumer awareness, Bangladesh is experiencing a rapid rise in the export of cotton waste.
Cotton waste encompasses discarded cotton and textile waste generated during various stages of manufacturing, including spinning, weaving, and textile mills, manifesting as fibres, threads, or fabric pieces.
The preference for recycled apparel has witnessed substantial growth in Western markets, prompting local traders to directly export these valuable raw materials to countries like India, China, and Turkey.
Data from the Export Promotion Bureau reveals a remarkable 72.15 per cent year-on-year increase in cotton waste exports from Bangladesh, reaching US $ 264.05 million in the July-December period of the current financial year (2023-24).
In the entire fiscal year of 2022-23, cotton waste exports amounted to US $ 411.12 million.
Internationally, numerous clothing retailers and brands are reshaping the fashion industry by prioritizing recycled items, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste.
Major players like H&M are actively encouraging garment suppliers to incorporate more cotton waste in their manufacturing processes.
