According to the latest study by the US Fashion Industry Association, higher sourcing costs and low profit margins are the top challenges in expanding the sourcing of clothing using recycled or other sustainable textile materials.
Sourcing clothing made from recycled textiles requires substantial financial and human resources due to factors such as a very different supply chain and vendor base, the additional complexity of traceability, and meeting unique legal requirements.
On the other hand, growing numbers of western companies, ranging from fast-fashion retailers to luxury brands, are prioritizing clothing made from recycled or other sustainable materials, in view of the magnitude of environmental impacts.
According to industry insiders, Bangladesh exports clothing items worth about US$47 billion annually from the country's biggest export sector, with the turning amount by 0.4-0.5 million tonnes of such waste or jhut, primarily consisting of cutting waste, scraps and fluffs.
