During a recent meeting, both organisations outlined a programme aimed at helping factories adopt more effective chemical management systems, strengthen wastewater performance, and implement stronger environmental practices.
According to the BKMEA, the proposed programme involves over 100 factories through screening and baseline assessment.
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These factories will be assisted in implementing ZDHC frameworks and tools, such as Chemical Inventory Lists (CIL), InCheck, and Supplier to Zero, and will receive training and technical support for their staff.
In addition, the programme will incorporate ClearStream wastewater testing at 25 wet-processing sites to identify major issues in wastewater and chemical management and guide specific improvements.
Collaboration with chemical formulators and suppliers is also planned to enhance chemical management throughout the supply chain.
Amin & Jahan, a provider of research and development services, and Swiss consultancy firm ECOPSIS participated in the discussion as implementation and solution partners.
BKMEA vice president Mohammad Rashed highlighted the need for transparent, objective criteria for selecting participating factories to deliver “measurable improvements”.
He also pointed to the potential benefits of developing shared environmental infrastructure, including centralised wastewater treatment facilities, to help address industry-wide wastewater management challenges.
BKMEA director Minhazul Hoque stressed the importance of factory support, observing that the scheme should emphasise “hands-on capacity building and technical support,” rather than imposing further “audit or compliance burdens.” He added that on-the-ground guidance and assistance would be central to real progress.
As part of this initiative, BKMEA and ZDHC said the aim is to deliver “practical” factory-level capability and accelerate the uptake of responsible chemical and wastewater management throughout the knitwear sector, with partner organisations supporting factories across each stage of improvement.
