The textile and apparel industry has changed dramatically over the years. What began as a strong emphasis on compliance has gradually evolved into a broader commitment to resource efficiency, climate action, traceability, and sustainable manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, sustainability expert Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain reflects on his professional journey from working in garment manufacturing and compliance consulting to supporting international development organisations and global fashion brands before joining Lindex. He shares practical insights into the industry’s changing priorities, the growing importance of green chemistry, evolving European regulations, and how stronger collaboration between brands and suppliers can accelerate a more resilient and competitive textile industry.
TexSPACE Today: How has the industry’s understanding of sustainability changed over the years?
Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain: The transformation has been significant. In the early years, almost no one discussed energy efficiency. Factories concentrated on meeting minimum compliance requirements related to labor rights and workplace safety. Around 2015, businesses started realizing that improving energy efficiency could reduce operational costs and generate financial returns.
The industry developed from compliance to resource efficiency to GHG emission reduction. Now the industry is on the way to excellence. It has become a strategic business opportunity. Companies are investing in cleaner production, resource efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon reduction because these initiatives improve both environmental performance and profitability.
TexSPACE Today: What role should brand play in helping suppliers to comply with increasing sustainability regulations?
Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain: The industry has developed a lot transferring the compliance requirement to the supplier. This is not the right approach.
Brands should transparently communicate with supplier, explain implementation requirements, understand supplier challenges, and work together on practical solutions. Building trust between brands and suppliers is essential. Both parties should work together to overcome challenges rather than placing the entire burden on manufacturers.
TexSPACE Today: What are the biggest challenges currently affecting the global fashion industry?
Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain: Like every global industry, fashion is influenced by economic uncertainty and geopolitical developments. Consumer confidence declines during economic crises or international conflicts, and because fashion products are largely discretionary purchases, reduced consumer spending directly affects the apparel market.
The industry experienced a significant slowdown toward the end of last year and into the beginning of this year. Although conditions improved slightly following certain international developments, new geopolitical tensions continue creating uncertainty. However, the fashion industry has always faced challenges. Throughout history, manufacturers, brands, and other stakeholders have adapted successfully, and I believe the industry will overcome the current slowdown as well.
TexSPACE Today: Green chemistry is receiving increasing attention across the textile industry. Why is it becoming so important?
Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain: Green chemistry focuses on replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. Although safer chemicals currently cost more than conventional ones, they provide long-term benefits. They reduce wastewater contamination, lower wastewater treatment costs, improve worker health and safety, and produce safer products for consumers.
Factories should not attempt to replace every chemical immediately. Instead, they should prioritize high-risk chemicals, evaluate safer alternatives using Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and gradually transition toward greener chemical management. Brands also have an important role. If sustainable chemistry increases production costs, brands should support suppliers through fair pricing and communicate the added value to consumers.
TexSPACE Today: Which European regulations do you believe will have the greatest impact on Bangladesh’s textile industry?
Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain: There are three major areas that I believe will significantly influence Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry in the coming years: traceability, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, and cleaner chemistry. The first and one of the most important areas is the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
This regulation will require brands to provide complete transparency about the entire supply chain of a product. A garment produced in any manufacturing country will need to show its complete journey from raw materials and fiber production to yarn, chemicals, accessories, manufacturing processes, and the final product. Bangladesh is only one part of this larger supply chain. Proper traceability requires strong technical systems and digital infrastructure at both factory and brand levels to collect, manage, and share supply chain data accurately. The second major area is carbon reduction and greenhouse gas emission management.
The European Union has introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for certain carbon-intensive industries, and although it is currently focused mainly on sectors such as cement, steel, and other heavy industries, there is growing discussion that similar carbon-related requirements could gradually expand to other industries, including textiles. It is currently limited to heavy industries but may gradually expand to fashion.
Product safety is becoming a major priority, especially among European consumers. There is increasing demand for textile products that are free from hazardous chemicals and produced using safer chemical processes. Green chemistry has significant potential, but it also requires proper planning and chemical management. Factories need to understand which chemicals are environmentally safer and which chemicals create risks. Sustainability teams and chemical management professionals need to evaluate chemicals through tools such as Safety Data Sheets and identify safer alternatives.
So, the entire ecosystem needs to support this transition. Brands need to recognize the additional value of sustainable production, support suppliers through appropriate pricing, and communicate the benefits to consumers. In Bangladesh, some factories have already started adopting greener chemical practices, but the industry needs to formalize these efforts, improve communication, and develop stronger systems around certification and sustainability reporting.
TexSPACE Today: How do you evaluate Bangladesh’s current position in global apparel manufacturing?
Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain: Bangladesh performs better than many textile-producing countries, and several factories operate at world-class standards in sustainability, quality, and management. However, the country still relies heavily on producing basic garments at competitive prices.
Because of Bangladesh’s geographical location and relatively long lead times, it is difficult to compete in extremely fast-moving fashion categories. Instead, Bangladesh should focus more on higher-value products such as premium jackets, winter outerwear, and formal suits products that remain in demand for longer periods and depend more on quality than rapidly changing fashion trends. At the same time, Bangladesh must strengthen both its technical capabilities and its international communication about sustainability achievements.
TexSPACE Today: How are new waste regulations changing the purchasing behavior of fashion brands?
Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain: This is one of the biggest changes happening today. In the past, brands often purchased far more products than they expected to sell. Unsold inventory was heavily discounted, and remaining stock frequently became waste. New waste management regulations and the growth of conscious consumerism are changing that approach.
Brands are becoming much more careful with purchasing decisions. If they believe they can sell 500 pieces, they are more likely to order approximately 500 pieces rather than producing large surpluses. This reduces waste throughout the supply chain while encouraging companies to sell products at full value instead of relying on repeated discounts. Ultimately, more responsible purchasing will support a healthier, more sustainable, and more efficient global fashion industry.
