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Bangladesh’s Accessories and Packaging Industry Shifts Towards Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Bangladesh’s Accessories and Packaging Industry Shifts Towards Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh’s accessories and packaging industry are significantly increasing their investments in sustainable and energy-efficient technologies to meet Western demand while addressing the country’s ongoing power challenges, according to industry leaders. This trend was highlighted during discussions on the third day of the 14th Garments Accessories & Packaging Exposition (GAPEXPO) 2025, which is being held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka, alongside the concurrent Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) 2025 event.

Despite these advancements, industry leaders remain tight-lipped about the specific investment amounts. The four-day exhibition, jointly organized by the Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) and ASK Trade Show and Exhibition Private Limited, features nearly 500 companies from 25 countries, showcasing products, raw materials, and machinery for the garments, knitwear, packaging, footwear, and textile sectors.

Focus on Green Manufacturing

Mohammad Iqbal Ahmed Khan, Chairman and CEO of Blazon Trims and Packaging Ltd, emphasized the company’s commitment to green manufacturing. “We use sustainable materials like recycled yarn and eco-friendly components to meet buyer demands,” he explained. The company also generates renewable energy through a 150 KW solar power plant. Khan noted that buyers are offering higher prices for green products compared to conventional alternatives. Blazon’s factory, designed with more than 40% open space, is aiming for LEED platinum certification.

Operating since 2018, Blazon employs 200 workers and has an annual turnover of $6.5 million, producing products such as labels, packaging materials, and RFID tags. Khan further mentioned that the company is innovating to explore untapped markets and is focused on raw material traceability through a custom-developed ERP system. He also highlighted the development of RFID-based care labels, which will allow next-generation washing machines to read product care information through sensors, helping to prevent counterfeit products.

Quality Machinery and Energy Efficiency

Shishir Gain, Managing Director of Technopack Industrial Machinery Company Ltd, shared insights on the company’s extensive experience in supplying machinery to major industry players for nearly three decades. “Our automated machines require minimal maintenance, and we regularly check in with customers to ensure smooth operations,” Gain said. He also highlighted that the company’s machinery has reduced power consumption by at least 30%, addressing energy efficiency concerns.

Biodegradable Product Expansion

Md Enamul Haque, Managing Director of Expo Accessories Ltd, revealed that the company supplies biodegradable poly bags to 35 companies, including Levi’s, with an annual turnover of $6 million. Expo also exports biodegradable bin and garbage bags to the UK and has recently started producing biodegradable bread bags, with lifespans ranging from 180 days to 18 months, depending on usage. Haque also outlined plans for the company’s LEED-certified Expo Industrial Hi-Tech Park, set to begin operations by year-end, featuring a solar power plant generating 1 MW of electricity.

“For the first time in Bangladesh, we are producing RFID inlays using German technology, with an initial investment of $8 million. The full project is expected to cost $200 million,” Haque added.

Global Collaboration

At the event, BGAPMEA President Md Shahriar stated, “Sustainability is now a key focus for everyone in the industry, and it’s evident here at the fair.” He also announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korean Packaging Federation aims to facilitate collaboration between Bangladeshi manufacturers and Korean companies for direct exports, technology transfers, joint ventures, and direct investments. Given the current geopolitical tensions between China and the USA, Shahriar noted that some companies are turning to Bangladesh for new collaboration opportunities.

Source: The Business Standard

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