To increase the quality of apparels and boost value addition, Bangladesh denim fabric and apparel manufacturers are opting for more advanced technologies. This is helping manufacturers reduce production costs by at least 30 per cent and lead the global high value denim market.

Technologies aid eco-friendly denims

World’s first LEED platinum-certified denim manufacturer Envoy Textiles has set up a state-of-the-art laboratory to manufacture sustainable products at lower costs. Set up in collaboration with Spanish company Jeanologia, the eco-efficient lab facility will cost Envoy Textiles €270,000 (some Tk2.62 crore) for every 12 months. The lab will be first of its kind at commercial level across the world, says Kutubuddin Ahmed, Chairman, Envoy Textiles.

Adoption of such technologies are helping manufacturers produce eco-friendly denims by using sophisticated washes and curbing water and chemical use. Pacific Jeans another denim manufacturer is also using latest technologies. This helps the company get all technology samples from the world’s most renowned denim technology providers, notes Mohammad Tanvir, Managing Director.

Meeting consumer demand

The only Bangladeshi denim exporter to work with Dutch Fashion brand G-Star Raw for the last 10 years, Genesis Denim adopted sophisticated technologies to meet consumers’ demand in terms of styles, washes and chemical usages. Today, the manufacturer supplies one million jeans worth about $20 million, to the company every year, points out Shafur Rahman, Regional Operations Manager. In return, G-Star RAW pays them up to $35 for a pair for denim pants, while low value denim exporters get $6 on an average, explains Munir Ahmed, Managing Director.

Strong backward linkage help retain position

Strong backward linkage has helped Bangladesh become a global leader in denim manufacturing. The country has maintained its position in the global market despite the ongoing economic recession. As the economic situation in the country improves, more buyers are expected to place new orders as the county offers denims at lucrative price and shorter lead time, points out Kutubuddin Ahmed, Chairman, Envoy Textiles.

Prolonged lead times prevent value addition

Bangladesh denim manufacturers also have an opportunity to add more value to their denim by exploring new quality washes. However, exporters are yet to tap this potential due to long lead times, says Sharif Zarif, Managing Director, Annata Apparels. Also, to produce high-value jeans, these manufacturers need to import fabrics from Turkey, China and Pakistan, he adds.