TRITA-Degree Project (number of thesis) ISSN XXXX-XXXX ISRN KTH/Degree Project (number) ISBN XXXXXXXXXX Approaching Sustainability in Textile and Garment Industries, Bangladesh

Abstract:

The garment industry has become the backbone of the economy of Bangladesh. About three million people are involved with garment and textile industries. It is essential to promote sustainability in this large industrial sector. When the world garment market and companies are focusing on environment friendly products, the Bangladeshi garment and textile industries are far beyond of it and it poses a risk of losing the world market. It is high time to adopt special strategies and an approach towards sustainability. This research work emphasis to make the life cycle approach of manufactured products for environmental indicators to achieve sustainability. Life Cycle Assessment defined by ISO 14040 provides three main environmental indicators: water consumption, CO2 emissions and eutrophication.

Processing raw cotton into fabric is an important part of textile process which needs to approve eco-textile process criteria. The cotton processing contributes a large amount of effluent and waste water. Unfortunately, most of the waste water is discharged into a nearby water body or river through the drainage system. Besides, solid wastes and sludges are also discharged into nearby land or a surface water body. Thus these industries pose a serious threat to the environment as well as to the surrounding ecosystem. This study suggests an eco-dying process and efficient textile effluent handling. Introducing cleaner production promotes textile industries towards sustainability.

In terms of the working environment, Bangladeshi garment industries are facing great challenges at present. Fire accidents are common in garment factories. In addition to that, recent building collapses pose a great threat to its future. More than thousands of workers died due to these hazards. Many foreign buyers already decided not to have a further purchase deal with Bangladesh due to its fire and safety issues. Moreover, the workers receive the lowest wages of the world that makes them unsatisfied and causes often clashes and violence during protests against low wages. This study has considered the working environment, fire and safety issues of the garment industries of Bangladesh and suggests significant initiatives towards better environment and sustainability.