The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan and Stanley Stella Sustainability Director Nafis-Ud-Doula recently met to discuss advancing sustainability and social compliance within Bangladesh’s garment industry, according to a press release from BGMEA.
Stanley Stella, a leader in sustainable apparel production, is known for its commitment to using organic materials and fair trade-certified processes while reducing environmental impact across its supply chain, BGMEA said in a statement.
Both parties discussed the increasing pressure from consumers and governments, especially with the upcoming EU directives, urging greater environmental and social responsibility in the sector.
The conversation centered on Bangladesh’s potential to further strengthen its sustainability efforts as the country navigates its transition in the garment industry. Key topics included renewable energy adoption, emissions reduction, and the green transition.
Despite challenges like limited space, Bangladesh has been increasing its renewable energy capacity and water reuse. The recent Merchant Power Purchase Agreement was cited as a step forward in promoting renewable energy.
Stanley Stella also outlined its target to reduce scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030 and stressed the importance of working closely with supply chain partners to achieve this goal.
The discussion also included finding ways to secure low-cost funding for factories, particularly for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the green transition.
Both parties discussed the need for a unified code of conduct to streamline sustainability practices across the industry and ensure greater compliance.
BGMEA and Stanley Stella have expressed a shared commitment to collaborating on these initiatives to ensure a more sustainable and socially responsible future for Bangladesh’s garment industry, the press release stated.
