Adzi Trims Ltd. is a leading, sustainability-driven manufacturer of trims, packaging, and accessories based in Bangladesh, serving global apparel brands with high-quality, innovative solutions. The company is widely recognised for its strong commitment to green manufacturing and responsible business practices, having established a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified production facility aligned with the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards. Through energy-efficient operations, renewable energy use, water reuse, responsible material sourcing and strict chemical compliance, Adzi Trims Ltd. continues to play a pioneering role in advancing sustainability and environmental excellence within Bangladesh’s trims and accessories sector.
Team Textile Focus recently conversed with Md. Shahriar, Managing Director of Adzi Trims Ltd. & President of BGAPMEA, discusses sustainable growth in Bangladesh’s trims, packaging, and accessories sector. Highlighting Adzi Trims Ltd. as a LEED-certified role model, he praised its green factory initiatives, energy-efficient production, and eco-friendly practices. Despite limited government incentives, such innovations are helping Bangladesh gain global trust and lead in sustainable textile manufacturing. A brief discussion is presented below for our respected readers.
Commitment to Building a Green Factory in the Trims, Packaging and Accessories Sector
There are about 270 LEED-certified factories in Bangladesh. We did not move towards LEED simply because others had. We entered this journey with a clear commitment to establish a green factory in the trims, packaging and accessories sector and with the vision of making this factory an international role model for the industry. This was the purpose behind starting our journey. As a result of this learning process, we have also encouraged and guided the trims, packaging and accessories sector to move forward towards LEED.
Overcoming Environmental Barriers through Green Practices
In terms of green factory development, we have overcome the environmental barriers in our country. We reuse water in our factory, conserve energy, and have implemented sustainable and renewable energy solutions, particularly solar-based systems. We have always ensured that the machinery installed in our factory is both electricity-efficient and energy-efficient.
Energy-Efficient Infrastructure and Water Management
We have implemented internationally recognised, efficient electrical systems for lighting and other power-related applications to reduce energy consumption across machinery, lighting, and other operational areas. For water management, we use rainwater harvesting systems, ETP facilities and recycled water. We work with RGT products and consistently maintain sustainability practices in our production processes.
Sustainable Materials, Chain of Custody and Chemical Compliance
We use recycled materials through a chain-of-custody system. According to buyers’ requirements, we supply sustainable recycled polybags, recycled fibres and recycled paper. Through a proper chain of custody, these materials are sourced and brought into production as inputs. For inks and chemicals, we use water-based inks and chemical-free options, and we strictly maintain all RSL requirements during production.
Lack of Government Incentives and Green Financing Challenges
As a green factory, we do not receive any direct government incentives, operational benefits or special facilities in Bangladesh. After establishing a factory and applying to banks, if the factory becomes LEED Platinum or LEED-certified, banks will offer comparatively low-interest loans. At present, Bangladesh Bank’s green financing fund has shrunk in size. For new investors, it is no longer attractive, and in practice, such financing is not being provided.
Overall, Policy Reality for Green Factories In short, there is no significant government incentive or dedicated loan facility for establishing green factories in Bangladesh. We have been informed that such initiatives may be restarted under a new government, and if that happens, it will be beneficial for us.
Buyer Perspective and Market Reality
From the buyers’ side, there is no price advantage for green factories. Buyers do not pay higher prices for green factories than for non-green factories. This situation applies not only to the RMG sector but to all sectors. For example, if a non-green factory receives one dollar, a green factory does not receive one dollar and ten cents. The same price is paid in both cases.
Benefits of Orders and Buyer Confidence
However, green factories do enjoy advantages when it comes to receiving orders, and buyers feel greater confidence and satisfaction about working conditions and compliance when they work with them.
Current Status of LEED in the Trims, Packaging and Accessories Sector
At present, just as around 270 garment factories in Bangladesh are LEED-certified, in the trims, packaging, and accessories sector, already seven to eight organisations have achieved LEED certification. To the best of my knowledge, another 20 to 25 factories are currently pursuing LEED certification.
Association-Led Support and Guidance for Members
We are supporting our members by arranging agreements with third-party service providers and by using our association platform and sustainability wing to guide and encourage them. Through our association, we are working to ensure that any new factory is established as LEED-certified from the outset.
Investment Requirements and Certification Pathways
Establishing a new factory as LEED-certified does not require a large additional investment. In most cases, the main investment increases by only about 5 per cent, and at most by up to 10 per cent. If a factory aims for gold or silver certification, the additional cost is even lower. We provide complete guidance to our members on where and how to proceed so that the trims, packaging, and accessories sector can progress in line with the RMG sector through LEED Platinum, LEED Gold, and LEED Silver certifications, and meet other compliance requirements, including energy efficiency and broader sustainability criteria.
Global Promotion and Sector Advancement Through our activities, we support our members and inform global buyers, using our platform, that sustainable and green factories in the trims, packaging and accessories sector are now growing in Bangladesh. We organise various fairs and seminars every year to communicate this message. Through these events, we highlight that the trims, packaging and accessories sector in Bangladesh is gradually developing green factories and that Bangladesh is moving forward in step with the rest of the world.
