Chattogram, Bangladesh- Silkflex, a global leader in eco-friendly, water-based textile printing inks, successfully organized the “Print Summit – Explore Chittagong” at Hotel Bonanza Port, Chattogram. The event brought together key stakeholders from Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry to explore the future of sustainable printing and officially introduced Silkflex’s latest innovation, Re-Act, a next-generation ink series designed to enhance performance while reducing environmental impact.
The summit attracted more than 200 industry participants, including manufacturers, printers, buyers, association leaders, and technical experts, highlighting the increasing demand for sustainable solutions in Bangladesh’s textile sector.
The event showcased Silkflex’s continued commitment to sustainability, compliance, and technological advancement in textile printing. With over 20 years of operation in Bangladesh and a customer base of more than 200 companies, Silkflex has established itself as a trusted partner in the textile chemical industry.
The company is globally recognized for its eco-friendly water-based inks and holds internationally accredited certifications, including GOTS, REACH, OEKO-TEX, and ZDHC Gateway compliance. Silkflex is also a nominated supplier for leading global apparel brands such as PUMA, C&A, and H&M, reinforcing its position in sustainable global supply chains.
The event was graced by Fouzul Imran Khan, Director of BKMEA and Managing Director of Benchmark Apparels Ltd., as a special Guest. The keynote technical session was delivered by Dr. Eric HL Tan, Managing Director of Silkflex Polymers Sdn. Bhd., who presented the innovation framework behind Silkflex Re-Act and discussed global trends in sustainable textile printing.
In his welcome address, Md. Kabir Mollah, Managing Director of Silkflex Bangladesh, expressed gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the remarkable transformation of Bangladesh’s textile printing industry over the past two decades.
He stated that the sector has evolved from relatively low print-quality standards to a highly competitive, innovation-driven industry. He emphasized Silkflex’s role in supporting this progress, noting that the company remains committed to advancing quality, efficiency, and sustainable innovation.
He further added that the industry is currently on a strong path to recovery, supported by rising demand and continuous improvements in manufacturing capabilities.
Fouzul Imran Khan stated in his speech: “The knitwear sector of Bangladesh is progressing rapidly, and sustainable solutions such as Silkflex’s water-based inks are essential for maintaining global competitiveness and ensuring environmental responsibility. By adopting eco-friendly technologies, our factories are contributing to a cleaner and greener future.”
Delivering the keynote technical presentation, Dr. Eric HL Tan introduced the Silkflex Re-Act series, explaining its advanced formulation designed for modern textile screen printing applications.
He noted that Re-Act represents a new generation of water-based ink technology offering improved adhesion, enhanced durability, superior softness, and optimized drying performance. The innovation is aligned with Silkflex’s long-term mission to provide environmentally responsible alternatives without compromising print quality or productivity.
Dr. Tan also shared insights on global industry trends, highlighting the steady recovery of the printing sector following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical challenges. He pointed to increasing ink consumption as a strong indicator of market recovery, alongside a growing shift toward automation, compliance, and green manufacturing practices.
However, he also cautioned that challenges persist, particularly in managing non-compliant chemical usage and cost-driven production behaviors. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between R&D teams and manufacturers to build a more sustainable and responsible chemical ecosystem in Bangladesh.
The program was hosted by Mr. Ahmed Javed Jamal, Deputy Managing Director of Silkflex Bangladesh, who welcomed the participants and emphasized Silkflex’s ongoing commitment to innovation and industry development.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants engaged directly with Silkflex technical experts on product performance, sustainability standards, and application techniques.
A networking dinner followed, providing attendees with the opportunity to exchange insights, strengthen partnerships, and explore future collaboration opportunities.
