IN Button Ltd., the sister company of D&J Corporation Limited, China, is committed to advancing sustainability in the fashion accessories industry. Specializing in eco-friendly garment buttons and trims, the company integrates green materials and low-impact manufacturing processes to reduce its environmental footprint. With a strong belief in responsible innovation, IN Button promotes circular practices, ethical sourcing, and energy efficiency across its operations. In alignment with global sustainability goals, the company collaborates with partners worldwide to foster a greener, more conscious fashion supply chain—driving positive change and setting new standards for environmental stewardship in the industry.
Recently Team Textile Focus talked with Mohammad Abdur Rouf, CEO of IN Button Ltd. the sister company of D&J Corporation Limited, China. Mr. Rouf shared the sustainable journey of this globally reputed garment accessories company.
Textile Focus: Could you please share with us the green industry revolution in Bangladesh?
Abdur Rouf: Bangladesh’s RMG industry is undergoing a silent green revolution—driven by strong demand for sustainability, global accreditation (LEED), technological innovation, and a shift toward circular production. While challenges remain, the industry’s leadership in green factories is redefining Bangladesh as a green sourcing hub and positioning it for long-term resilience and reputation. In 2024, Bangladesh had over 226 LEED-certified RMG factories, with 60 Platinum-certified—a global high-water mark. At least 550 more factories are registered for certification. Previously, Bangladesh reached 171 certified factories by September 2022 (53 platinum, 104 gold, 10 silver, four certified) with hundreds more in process.
The reasons of transforming factories to green facility actually pushed by the Rana Plaza Disaster in 2013 that catalysed safety reforms and created momentum for broader industry changes, including environmental, structural and social sustainability. To retain export growth in RMG industry, Government and policy frameworks also promoting green innovation, clean energy support, and tax or loan incentives for sustainable investments. The green revolution in Bangladesh’s RMG sector is not just about environmental stewardship—it’s delivering tangible commercial value, stronger international positioning, long-term resource resilience and “green sourcing” status that helps reinforce Bangladesh as a reliable and sustainable apparel destination.
Textile Focus: Besides Textile and Apparel Industry, Accessories factories also enter in LEED Certified, why?
Abdur Rouf: Accessories and packaging factories in Bangladesh are investing in LEED certification not just for environmental reasons—but to build stronger business resilience, reinforce buyer confidence, and integrate into a broader green industrial ecosystem. They’re raising the bar for sustainability across every link in the value chain.
Buyers today expect sustainability across the entire supply chain. Accessories—labels, trims, packaging—are integral parts of garment production. LEED certification signals enduring environmental commitment beyond just apparel, improving competitiveness with global brands. For accessories manufacturers, obtaining LEED certification provides reputation capital—demonstrating leadership in sustainability and positioning them as trusted partners in green and sustainable supply chain cycle.
Textile Focus: LEED is a totally investment and what is your opinion, manufacturer told buyer not providing price?
Abdur Rouf: Although buyers rarely pay higher prices for sustainability upgrades, they tend to prefer ordering from LEED-certified suppliers to ensure compliance with social and environmental policies. This translates into more consistent order flow and stronger long-term partnerships. Choosing for LEED certification offers far more than a one-time price hit from buyers. It’s a strategic investment that yields:
- Sustainable energy and water savings [30% – 40%]
- Waste reduction [50% – 90%]
- Better working conditions, reduce absenteeism
- Healthier, more motivated workforce and increase productivity by 10%
- Greater operational stability
- Enhanced trust and preference from global brands
Even if buyers don’t directly pay more per item, factories enjoy indirect financial benefits—consistent orders, improved margins from lower operating costs, and strengthened global positioning. In many cases, these cumulative gains balance charging a small “green premium”, especially over the life of the facility. LEED becomes not just a badge, but a core part of long-term business value.
Textile Focus: Could you plz share your LEED story, under your leadership?
Abdur Rouf: In 2017, when I joined with Dekko Legacy Group as Executive Director of Dekko Accessories Ltd. and Agami Accessories Ltd. from different industry [Retail], I started learning about LEED. The factory was below average in standard of all compliance parameters and having all old facilities. I took challenge to make it the best accessories factory in the country; accordingly, I communicated and onboarded LEED consultant Mr. Ananto Ahmed [360 Total Solution Ltd.] After initial assessment, I started working closely with the consultant and identified areas of high scoring by spending minimum amount. I formed an internal LEED execution team and monitored every single indicator’s completion by targeting specific deadline. We achieved the highest Green status by spending only around $ 75,000 [+-]
In February 2021, Dekko and Agami Accessories achieved LEED EB O+M v4 2014 Platinum with an outstanding 87 points, placing both among the top ten green factories worldwide, and securing a perfect 35/35 in campus review. I have steered Dekko Accessories Ltd. and Agami accessories Ltd. to global sustainability leadership—turning it into only two garment accessories factories in the world to earn LEED Platinum certification.
Under my leadership and supported by Dekko Legacy Group Chairman Shahadat Hossain Kiron, I embraced a long-term people-first leadership model. This vision prioritized sustainability in manufacturing, employee welfare, employee happiness, better working condition, and raising an accessories factory of Bangladesh as the best choice factory to global buyers—leading to deliberate investments in eco-friendly infrastructure over the years.
Dekko’s LEED Platinum status, combined with quality, eco-certifications (like LCA, GRS, OEKO‑Tex, GOTS), and transparency, helps us compete with multinational standards and enhances Bangladesh’s image as a sustainability leader in the accessories supply chain. Over the years, Dekko and Agami achieved as designated suppliers for many major international buyers operating in Bangladesh. Many top brands now nominate Dekko Accessories as their preferred accessories supplier based on product quality and sustainable credentials My inclusive leadership transformed Dekko from a local accessories maker into a shining example of sustainable manufacturing, reinforcing Bangladesh’s place on the global stage. I have built a model where environmental stewardship, community care, and operational excellence merge—delivering not only LEED recognition, but long-term buyer trust and industry-wide impact.
Textile Focus: What is your next goal with sustainability in new company?
Abdur Rouf: I recently joined IN Button Ltd. a subsidiary of D & J Corporation, China, and I am going to setup a progressive metal garments accessories manufacturer in Bangladesh that will be deeply committed to environmental sustainability and innovation. This is going to be the one of the most exciting projects with the ambitious goal of achieving highest scoring LEED Platinum certification in the Accessories Category.
This project reflects our deep commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. We’re taking a holistic approach that includes:
- 100% Solar Power System to achieve Zero Energy goal
- Energy Efficient Technology and Machinery to reduce carbon footprint
- Zero Waste Strategy by recycling of water and production wastage
- Water Efficiency through Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) with Ultra Filtration (UF) along with rainwater harvesting to further reduce freshwater dependency.
- Worker Wellness and Community Focus
Joining IN Button Ltd. at this exciting time has given me the opportunity to contribute to a truly forward-thinking and sustainable industrial project. This project is more than a building; it is a step towards a sustainable, resilient future for the garments accessories industry in Bangladesh.
