The Woolmark Company, part of Australian Wool Innovation, has been a pioneer in the wool industry, supporting the use of Australian Merino wool in textiles worldwide. Keen to grow their presence in South Asia as part of its Emerging Markets strategy, Woolmark has expanded its reach into Bangladesh, emphasizing the country’s potential as a key market in the region. Recently Textile Focus conversed with Azeezur Rahman Khan, Country Development Representative for The Woolmark Company.
Read the full conversation here-
Textile Focus: Could you please share with us the current scenario of Bangladesh’s RMG sector?
Azeezur: Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector remains the cornerstone of the nation’s economy, contributing approximately 84% of total export earnings and employing around 4 million workers, predominantly women. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, the sector achieved export revenues of USD 46.99 billion, marking a compound annual growth rate of 10.27%. However, since early 2024, export growth has slowed, particularly from major buyer countries, and the industry is also grappling with rising labor costs and demands for wage adjustments.
Recent labor unrest and factory closures due to wage disputes have impacted production schedules, raising concerns among international buyers. Despite these challenges, the sector continues to show resilience, with growing investments in sustainable production and value-added products.
Textile Focus: How do you see the Bangladesh market for Woolmark?
Azeezur: The Bangladesh market presents significant opportunities for The Woolmark Company. While the RMG sector traditionally focuses on cotton and synthetic fibers, there is a growing interest in diversifying product offerings, especially in the high-value and sustainable segments. With global consumer demand shifting towards natural and renewable fibers, wool has immense potential to thrive.
A key area of focus for Woolmark is promoting Wool Denim and denim-inspired designs on wool fabrics. These innovations combine the timeless appeal of denim with the unique properties of wool, such as breathability, thermoregulation, and sustainability. Given that Bangladesh is one of the largest exporters of denim globally, this presents a tremendous opportunity for collaboration. By integrating wool into denim and denim-inspired creations, Bangladeshi manufacturers can diversify their product lines, attract premium buyers, and tap into the growing demand for sustainable alternatives in the global market.
Bangladesh’s manufacturing expertise, coupled with Woolmark’s emphasis on quality, innovation, and market development, positions us perfectly to drive this transformation and open new avenues for wool-based products in both domestic and international markets.
Textile Focus: What percentage of RMG items use wool, and is it pure wool or blended?
Azeezur: Currently, wool constitutes a small percentage of Bangladesh’s RMG production, with the majority of garments made from cotton and synthetic fibers. When wool is used, it is often in blended forms, combining wool with other fibers like polyester, nylon, or viscose to achieve specific textures, functionality, and cost-efficiency. While the use of pure wool remains limited due to cost and processing complexities, there is growing interest in wool blends as a way to access wool’s benefits—such as breathability, thermoregulation, and sustainability—at a competitive price point. We see this as a major area for growth in the coming years.
Textile Focus: How does Woolmark help RMG manufacturers with product innovation and value addition?
Azeezur: The Woolmark Company provides a wide range of services to RMG manufacturers, all offered at no additional cost to ensure accessibility. These include:
- Technical Expertise: Guidance on wool processing, fabric development, and garment manufacturing techniques to produce high-quality outputs.
- Innovation Support: Collaborative research and development projects to create innovative wool products that align with evolving market demands.
- Training Programs: Tailored workshops and training sessions to enhance skills in wool handling and garment production.
- Marketing Assistance: The globally recognized Woolmark logo helps manufacturers establish and communicate quality standards to their customers.
While all services are freely available, manufacturers have the option to apply for Woolmark certification. The Woolmark logo is a trusted symbol of quality and sustainability, which can help manufacturers enhance their credibility and access premium markets. Our support is designed to empower Bangladeshi manufacturers to innovate and create value-added wool garments, helping them to stand out in competitive global markets.
Textile Focus: As the Country Development Representative of Woolmark, what are your future plans for the Bangladesh market?
Azeezur: As the Country Development Representative for The Woolmark Company, my focus is on expanding wool’s presence in Bangladesh’s RMG sector and fostering long-term growth. My plans include:
- Market Development: Partnering with key industry players to incorporate wool into their product offerings and unlock new opportunities in high-value categories.
- Capacity Building: Providing training programs to help manufacturers and designers enhance their technical skills in working with wool, ensuring innovative and quality outputs.
- Sustainability Advocacy: Promoting wool as a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fiber to align with global trends toward sustainable fashion.
- Consumer Awareness: Launching campaigns to educate both manufacturers and consumers about wool’s benefits, driving demand for wool-based products.
- Partnerships and Licensing: Encouraging manufacturers to explore Woolmark licensing, which helps them better establish their quality standards and build trust with customers.
My goal is to position wool as a vital fiber in Bangladesh’s RMG sector, offering manufacturers the tools and resources to create high-value, sustainable products. By bridging Woolmark’s global expertise with Bangladesh’s manufacturing excellence, we aim to unlock wool’s untapped potential in this region.
