The textile industry is increasingly turning to sustainable materials and innovative production methods to address the environmental challenges posed by fast fashion. As BEXIMCO’s Ahmed Shahryar Rahman said, “we are proud to lead in advanced material technology, and other sustainability practices by integrating cutting-edge sustainable practices into its operations.”
Innovative Sustainable Materials
Many companies are now exploring eco-friendly alternatives to traditional textiles. They are looking for materials that are fast-growing or a renewable resource, plant fibers that can be grown without negative environmental impact from pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and ways to recycle materials to repurpose waste.
As President of BEXIMCO’s Textiles, Apparel, and PPE divisions, Ahmed Shahryar Rahman has explained that the company has committed to exploring and implementing as many sustainable measures as they can in economic, social, and environmental spheres.
In their creation of textiles, BEXIMCO is pioneering the use of hemp fiber, recognized for its environmental benefits. Their patented electrical cottonised hemp process enhances the usability of hemp fibers, allowing them to overcome the traditional limitations of hemp’s coarse texture and poor spinnability. Additionally, this innovation offers environmental advantages because hemp requires substantially less water and pesticides compared to other natural fibers and presents a resilient alternative in the context of climate change.
Beyond hemp, BEXIMCO has expanded its sustainable material portfolio by utilizing recycled and biodegradable materials. The company incorporates biodegradable synthetic fibers and recycled polyester made from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles and textile scraps, which directly reduces landfill contributions and resource consumption. Recycled polyester can be further recycled through mechanical or chemical processes at the end of its life, while bio-based polyester uses renewable feedstocks like crops or bio-waste instead of petroleum.
Advanced Production Methods
Sustainability in the fashion industry extends beyond material selection. It requires transparency. Consumers need to trust that materials are sourced where companies say they are sourced, and that the fibers are being produced in ethical and sustainable ways.
The company FibreTrace works with over 60 suppliers of cotton, recycled polyester, viscose, wool, and leather and combines physical tracers with real-time digital monitoring to provide transparency and traceability in the textile industry. They work with companies like Target, Cargill, Reformation, 7 For All Mankind, and many others including BEXIMCO.
For BEXIMCO, FibreTrace provides traceability for their GOTS-certified organic cotton supply chain which is grown with low environmental impact methods that maintain soil fertility and reduce pesticide use and have achieved certification from the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). All of this ensures that consumers can verify the origins of their products, enhancing trust and accountability. Ahmed Shahryar Rahman has said that the company is searching for other ways to integrate this kind of technology into other aspects of their textile production as well.
By integrating these advanced sustainable practices, BEXIMCO demonstrates how large-scale textile manufacturers can reduce environmental impact while meeting growing consumer demand for ethical fashion. The company’s approach serves as a model for sustainable textile production, balancing technological innovation with environmental responsibility and setting new standards in the industry.
