The “100% pure cotton waste”, which includes cuttings and yarn from the end of bobbins, could reduce imports by 15% and save about half a billion dollars, according to the CFP. Currently, local collectors of cotton waste tend to use it as filling for mattresses or export it to other countries for recycling. According to 2020 research by the GFA and consultancy McKinsey & Company, the fashion industry accounts for 4% of global emissions, equal to the annual total of France, Germany and Britain combined. Castle urged the country to foster a recycling industry to reap the “benefits of cost and carbon footprint reduction” and to gain “massive competitive edge”. Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said factories were “enthusiastic” about the circular economy, but urged caution until the potential impacts for manufacturers - and solutions - were better known.

Source: Dhaka Tribune June 16, 2021 10:30 UTC