Green Fashion: a Movement Towards Sustainable Factories

Bangladesh is making progress toward a more sustainable fashion industry production system.

“To me, every every drop of water, or a tree, matters greatly. The Earth where we live needs to be cared for. Business is not to make money but to create employment and for the people’s well-being. Similarly, we can’t endanger the planet through our production cycle,” says Md. Zillur Rahman Mridha, who leads the country’s first ready-made-garment (RMG) factory with LEED Platinum certification.

Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of the RMG industry. Within the last 15 years, the country has worked on establishing numerous certified green and sustainable factories. “Green” factories are expected to reduce their environmental footprint by reducing energy and water consumption and ensuring quality indoor air and safety for workers. Though Bangladesh competes with many other countries in the fashion production industry – including Vietnam, Turkey, Pakistan, and India – they now have the highest number of green factories among their closest competitors. “I have the responsibility to protect the Earth for the next generation and curtail environmental impacts while manufacturing clothing items,” adds Khaled.