Bangladesh is partnering with Finland, Sweden, and Vietnam to use digital tracking technology that improves textile waste recycling and supports a more sustainable global fashion industry. Photo: Waste Direct.
Reuters Foundation reports that Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest exporter of garments, is turning to technology with support from European partners — including Finland and Sweden — to address its growing textile waste problem and build a circular fashion economy.
The country is adopting digital tracking platforms developed by the European company Reverse Resources, which helps factories label, register, and trace fabric waste. Much of Bangladesh’s textile waste is currently exported to countries with established recycling hubs such as Finland, Sweden, Vietnam, India, and China for reuse and upcycling.
A study by the German development agency GIZ and Swedish retailer H&M found that Bangladesh currently recycles only about 5–7 percent of its pre-consumer textile waste. More than 55 percent is shipped abroad, primarily to nations like Vietnam and Finland that have advanced recycling technologies.
Reverse Resources’ platform now connects over 400 factories and 60 global brands, ensuring verified waste streams and fairer pricing. The system also aligns with new European Union regulations requiring textile producers to finance waste collection and recycling — a move that could see greater cooperation between Bangladesh and Nordic markets.
Industry experts say that stronger digital links between Bangladesh and recycling leaders such as Finland, Sweden, and Vietnam could create new export opportunities worth up to 5 billion$, while helping make the global fashion industry more sustainable.
Source: https://scandasia.com/