Textile manufacturing companies and dyestuff and chemical manufacturing companies are under pressure to comply with regulations and requirements and this is increasing the cost for them. A ‘sustainability’ seminar in Dhaka recently came up with some breakthrough solutions which can make real impact in changing the sustainability gamut of the textile value chain. The seminar titled ‘Sustainability 2.0’ highlighted how sustainability was supposed to be the integral part of business not to be considered as an imposed prescription or requirements as per as the concept of ‘Sustainability 2.0. However, use of eco-friendly chemicals and renewable raw materials in textiles, leather and plastic processing would reduce the impact on environment and play a major role in making the world sustainable. An unified platform for certification is better than a number of platforms.

BlueSign is important not only for textile dye and chemical manufacturers but also for textile processing mills. Normally, sustainability seminars are organized by donor agencies and regulatory companies. Normally chemical companies avoid engaging much with sustainability discussions.

Companies are trying to create textile chemicals having the lowest possible impact on environment without compromising on performance. Their technologies help ensure sustainability. They are working with renewable rather than finite raw materials that typically allow them to provide products with a lower carbon footprint as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions. Their approach is to reduce hazards upfront than trying to control them subsequently in an industrial environment.

Companies are developing products that reduce the impact of textile chemical finishes on the environment. They seek to either fully or significantly replace synthetic crude oil based raw materials with renewable ones. In addition, wherever possible, they include bio waste stream components in their formulations.