Cotton Council International (CCI) hosted an event at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka to discuss the apparel sector's evolving commitment to sustainability, particularly through initiatives focused on traceability and circularity. The event highlighted both progress and challenges in this transformative journey
Acknowledging the momentum toward sustainability, speakers at the event emphasised the importance of aligning with legislative initiatives and industry targets. Amit Gautam, CEO and Founder, Textile Genesis, underscored the significant regulatory shifts driving the industry towards greater accountability and transparency. He outlined key drivers such as regulatory compliance, responsible sourcing goals, and the imperative to authenticate product claims, all aimed at mitigating supply chain risks.
Melissa Bastos, Director- Corporate Strategy and Insights, Cotton Incorporated, shared insights from the 2023 Industry Circularity Survey, revealing a growing consumer awareness of circularity concepts. However, she also noted challenges in expanding circularity initiatives, including cost implications, implementation complexities, and the pricing dynamics of recycled materials.
The discussion reflected a collective commitment to advance sustainability practices, with voices from various stakeholders, including Ali Arsalan representing CCI in Bangladesh, Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe from Cotton Council International, and Arif Razzaque from Kiabi International Supply Services Ltd, Bangladesh, etc.
