Experts and entrepreneurs have highlighted that inefficient chemical usage in dyeing fabrics within the ready-made garment (RMG) industry is leading to an estimated waste of nearly 70 per cent of chemicals, translating into billions of dollars lost annually. This wasteful practice not only drains financial resources but also contributes significantly to environmental pollution, either through high-cost treatments in Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) or unchecked discharge into rivers and canals.
During a roundtable discussion titled Textile Pollution Control and Improving Workers’ Occupational Health Safety through Chemical Management, held in Dhaka, stakeholders emphasised the urgent need for enhanced chemical management in the RMG sector.
According to data from the central bank, Bangladesh imported chemical products worth approximately US $ 7.5 billion for the chemical and allied industries in FY ’23, accounting for 12.2 per cent of the country’s total annual imports.
Shajedul Islam Maruf, deputy general manager of the Sustainability Department at Beximco, noted that around 70 per cent of the chemicals used in textile dyeing are wasted. He proposed strategies for recovering and reusing valuable chemicals like caustic soda, salt, and indigo, rather than discarding them after a single use. Maruf further stressed the importance of developing multi-functional chemicals to minimise waste and enhance efficiency in chemical usage.
Professor Mohidus Samad Khan from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) underscored the critical need for sustainable practices in the apparel industry, which includes minimizing waste and pollution. He pointed out the absence of a central database for monitoring chemical use in the sector and highlighted the necessity of raising awareness about chemical management among workers.
Other experts echoed the need for partnerships with chemical suppliers to ensure better quality chemicals. They also mentioned that improved training and R&D resources are crucial for the industry’s growth and sustainability.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of chemical safety for protecting workers’ health and preventing environmental damage. Ali Asraf Khan, sustainability and value chain adviser at the Danish Embassy in Dhaka, reiterated that inadequate chemical management has dire consequences, advocating for stricter compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.
Selim Reza Hasan, country manager of Solidaridad, pointed out the need for a collective effort to tackle chemical pollution, while Fauzia Sultana, managing director of ESTex, emphasised the importance of understanding the purpose of chemical usage and the necessity of recycling processes.
