Matex Bangladesh Limited (MBL) a sister concern of Apex Holdings Limited, started its production and distribution of specialty chemicals in 1994. The main objective of MBL’s local production facility was to supply fresh textile auxiliaries with the highest activity to local industries. Recently Matex Bangladesh Ltd. celebrated 30th Anniversary and Bluesign partnership with grand success. Recently Team Textile Focus met Mr. Mahir Ahmed, Director, Apex Holdings Limited. Mr. Mahir grew up in Bangladesh. He went to the American school over here and graduated with an IB Diploma. For his higher studies, he was at the University of Toronto studying Genetics and Biotechnology. He continued his education at the School of African and Oriental Studies in London in Chinese studies. He then took one year in Shanghai to develop close relationships with all his business suppliers and studied the Chinese language because he wanted a deeper understanding of Chinese business culture. In 2016, he came back and joined Apex as a Director. For him, it has been a good journey but given his experience in China, it naturally made sense for him to take part in their supply chain and procurement. Now he is very happy with the business volume and welcomes the competition that is forthcoming. Key discussion points are mentioned below for our readers-
The textile industry in Bangladesh is at a crossroads, requiring both innovation and sustainability to remain competitive in the global market. As a leading producer of textile auxiliary chemicals, Matex is embracing a forward-thinking strategy to redefine chemical solutions for the textile sector. This article explores new initiatives and technological advancements that Matex is introducing to shape the next generation of textile chemistry in Bangladesh.
Advancing Smart Chemical Technologies
One of Matex’s key focus areas is the development of smart textile chemicals, engineered to enhance fabric performance while reducing environmental impact. These include:
- Low temp scouring & bleaching: A game-changer for the apparel industry, this technology allows to reduce steam & water consumption with excellent fabric quality.
- Low temp soaping: This process reduces steam & water consumption at soaping stage. It offers water fastness level 4 for any kind of dark shade.
- One Bath dyeing: Innovative process to reduce production cycle time. It offers to reduce huge steam & production runtime. The process also reduces chemical consumption which leads to minimize inventory cost.
Waterless Dyeing and Finishing Technologies
The traditional dyeing process consumes vast amounts of water, posing a significant environmental challenge. Matex is investing in waterless dyeing solutions, such as:
- Supercritical CO2 Dyeing: A revolutionary method that eliminates water usage while improving color fastness and reducing chemical waste.
- Foam-Based Finishing: This approach minimizes water consumption by using foam carriers to apply dyes and finishes, cutting water and energy requirements by up to 50%.
Localized Production for Supply Chain Resilience
To address supply chain disruptions and reduce dependency on imported raw materials, Matex is expanding its localized production capabilities. By establishing strategic partnerships with Bangladeshi raw material suppliers and setting up a new production hub outside Dhaka, Matex aims to reduce lead times, enhance cost efficiency, and support the local economy.
Expanding Global Footprint
While Matex has established itself as a key player in Bangladesh, the company is now gearing up for regional and international expansion. By leveraging its expertise in sustainable chemistry, Matex is positioning itself to supply markets in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Plans include:
- Setting up export hubs for efficient global distribution.
- Acquiring international compliance certifications such as REACH, OEKO-TEX, and ECO PASSPORT to meet global standards.
- Collaborating with global brands to co-develop innovative chemical solutions for their supply chains.
A Future Built on Innovation and Responsibility
The textile chemical industry is evolving rapidly, and Matex is at the forefront of this transformation. Through investment in smart chemical technologies, AI-driven formulations, and sustainable manufacturing practices, the company is shaping a future where efficiency, performance, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
As Bangladesh’s textile industry moves towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, Matex is not just keeping pace—it is leading the way.
