Cascale’s report titled ‘Bangladesh Country Report: Macroeconomic and Sustainability Analysis,’ highlights a significant chance for the country to coordinate with the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), which aims to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% by 2030.
This release comes on the heels of Cascale’s earlier “Vietnam Country Report: Macroeconomic, Socioeconomic, and Industry Analysis,” which was created with assistance from the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii).
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The new report on Bangladesh parallels its predecessor in terms of content and focus, shedding light on the country’s notable progress in sustainability.
It outlines ambitious environmental goals, an increase in eco-friendly manufacturing practices, and an enhanced tendency towards cooperative efforts within the industry.
The report said Bangladesh has the potential to capitalise on previous advancements to pave the way towards a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive future.
With alignment to global decarbonisation objectives such as those outlined in the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, it can spearhead a new chapter in responsible manufacturing.
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By GlobalDataAs per the report, Bangladesh stands second after China in global garment exports, holding 7.4% of the market share. The apparel sector accounted for over 80% of national exports and provided employment to over 4m individuals, predominantly women.
Cascale stakeholder engagement director Carolina van Loenen said: “The workforce is both Bangladesh’s RMG sector’s greatest asset – providing the people power behind its competitive advantage – and its greatest responsibility to protect. By investing in organisational health and safety, fair labour practices, and skill development, Bangladesh aims to uphold and protect the wellbeing of the millions who form the backbone of this industrial activity.”
Bangladesh sustainable apparel report highlights
- Textile and garment industries are propelling Bangladesh’s economic growth, which reached a GDP of $451bn in 2024 with an expected 3.8% growth rate in 2025 as per IMF forecasts
- The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has introduced a Sustainability Vision 2030, committing to 30% reductions in GHG emissions, 50% increase in use of sustainable materials, 20% reliance on renewable energy, and elimination of hazardous chemical discharges
- In 2023, nearly 1,300 Bangladeshi factories utilised Cascale’s Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM), which according to the report, surpassed global averages and highlighted potential for expanded use of renewable energy and decreased reliance on natural gas
Bangladesh leads globally with over 240 LEED-certified green garment factories, including 62 among the top 100 highest-rated facilities worldwide. An additional 500+ factories are awaiting certification.
Last year, BGMEA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cascale to foster cohesive sustainability efforts throughout the supply chain.
Bangladesh faces hurdles in its green energy transition, with only 2% of its energy derived from renewable sources against a backdrop where gas constitutes 57%. Nonetheless, factories are increasingly investing in solar photovoltaic systems, bioenergy solutions, and energy-efficient technologies.
In 2024, an interim government in Bangladesh enacted a Renewable Energy Policy set for 2025 that includes tax benefits and strategies aimed at reducing fuel imports.
This policy seeks to balance economic expansion with a transition towards more sustainable energy sources. The interim government has scheduled general elections for April 2026.
