BGMEA delegation explores circular textile innovation in the Netherlands

A delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is on a four-day trade visit to the Netherlands, to strengthen bilateral trade ties and boost collaboration in circular textiles.

The visit, being held from September 8–11 at the invitation of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is part of the "Circular Textile Trade Mission" organised by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Dutch Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with BGMEA. This year's theme is "Together for a Circular Fashion Tomorrow."

The delegation is led by BGMEA Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan, also Deputy Managing Director of Desh Garments Ltd. Other board members on the mission include Shah Rayeed Chowdhury (Evitex Dress Shirt Ltd.), Asef Kamal Pasha (Setara Group), Sakeef Ahmed Salam (Asian Apparels Ltd.) and Mohammad Hosne Quamar Alam (Florence Group). They are joined by apparel manufacturers, textile innovators, and recyclers from across Bangladesh.

During the mission, the team has taken part in seminars on circularity, financing models, and advanced technologies. They also visited leading Dutch companies such as Brightfiber Inside, Wieland Textiles, SaXcell, and Frankenhuis—all known globally for pioneering textile recycling and closed-loop solutions.

The delegation toured the Circular Textile Lab at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, observing cutting-edge prototyping facilities for recycled yarns and fabrics. The program also included participation in Circular Textile Days, a major European platform where global brands, recyclers, and technology providers present sustainable innovations shaping the future of fashion.

BGMEA said the initiative reflects its "Sustainability Vision 2030," which prioritises circularity, reducing carbon emissions, and driving progress toward a greener economy.

"Knowledge and partnerships gained from this mission will help enhance the competitiveness of Bangladesh's textile and apparel sector in the global market," BGMEA noted.

Other participants include Md. Sadruzzaman Rashel (Circular Fashion Industries Ltd.), Mustafain Munir (Cyclo Recycled Fibres), Gobinda Khetan (Khetan Trading), Md. Shamimul Haque (Matin Spinning Mills PLC), Dr. Syed Nazrul Islam Faruk (Ocean Trade International), Ms. Orsolya Jánosi (Recover), Abdur Razzaq (Recycle-Raw Ltd.), Rahidul Islam Amit (Saraz Fiber Tech Ltd.), Ann Runnel (Reverse Resources) and, on behalf of the Dutch Embassy in Dhaka, Tanzila Tajreen.