Recycle Raw is leading Bangladesh’s textile waste revolution

In a country that has become the world’s second-largest garment exporter, the challenge of managing post-industrial waste is growing every day. Bangladesh produces nearly one million metric tons of post-industrial textile waste annually, yet much of it remains underutilized. Against this backdrop, Recycle Raw Limited has emerged as a pioneer, transforming waste into opportunity and sustainability.

Founded in 2016 by three university friends with a vision to build a business that was both profitable and purposeful, Recycle Raw is now one of the first registered limited companies in Bangladesh’s textile waste sector. With a monthly processing capacity of 3,500 tons, the company operates as a one-stop solution for collecting, sorting, and supplying textile and garment waste to recyclers. What sets them apart is their strong focus on traceability and compliance—working with global partners like Reverse Resources to ensure complete transparency from the factory floor to the final product.

In this exclusive interview with TexSPACE Today, Chairman Ibrahim Sajib and Managing Director Abdur Razzaque share their journey of building Recycle Raw, the challenges of working in a “waste” industry, their efforts in R&D and international collaboration, and their bold vision for Bangladesh’s role in the global recycling revolution.

TexSPACE Today: Your business model seems very different from the traditional nature of the Bangladeshi textile market. Why did you choose this path?

Ibrahim Sajib: Recycle Raw’s journey began in 2016 when three of us—university friends with textile engineering backgrounds—decided to pursue a business that was not just profitable but also meaningful for our country and the industry. We saw recycling as the future and a sector with tremendous potential.

As a first-generation business, it was not easy. Many of our peers went into jobs, but we stayed committed. Today, we are proud to be one of the first registered limited companies in Bangladesh’s textile waste sector, providing a complete, transparent, and traceable solution for managing garment and textile waste.

TexSPACE Today: Transparency seems central to your model. How do you ensure traceability in your operations?

Ibrahim Sajib: Traceability is at the heart of what we do. We work with Reverse Resources, a global traceability partner, which helps us certify and track materials. Each bag of waste we collect is tagged with details—such as brand (H&M, Walmart, C&A) and composition of the specific order.

We maintain records of where each category of waste goes, which yarn is produced, and who the end buyer is. This database-driven system ensures accountability and builds trust with brands, recyclers, and customers.

TexSPACE Today: What were the toughest challenges in setting up this business?

Ibrahim Sajib: The stigma of working with “waste” was our first big challenge. Convincing banks was also tough—seven banks rejected our application before one finally agreed to open our export account. On top of that, managing dust during the sorting process is another daily challenge. But with passion and the right tools, we’ve turned these hurdles into stepping stones.

TexSPACE Today: Could you explain your collection and sorting process?

Ibrahim Sajib: We collect waste directly from factories and also from local markets. Once the waste arrives, we trace its origin and segregate it in a two-step quality process.

• Stage 1: Separate by color and composition.
• Stage 2: Remove impurities and refine.

We categorize materials into four groups—by color, composition, chemical properties, and size—tailored to each recycler’s requirements. With a monthly capacity of 3,500 tons, we supply to mechanical recyclers and work closely with R&D teams to deliver consistent quality.

TexSPACE Today: How do you maintain consistent quality standards?

Ibrahim Sajib: We run strict quality control with a zero-tolerance policy. Our workers receive continuous training, and we use tools like burn tests to identify fibers. Before packaging, every batch goes through an AQL system check. Only approved batches are shipped—ensuring trust and reliability for our partners.

TexSPACE Today: What role does R&D play in your company?

Ibrahim Sajib: R&D is central to our growth. We collaborate with universities, NGOs, and research centers across Bangladesh, Europe, and America. We’ve also shared our expertise in Cambodia, Vietnam, and now operate a unit in Indonesia. Soon, we’ll be in Singapore, Copenhagen, and Milan. Our vision is simple: to create a zero-waste world where everything is recycled.

TexSPACE Today: Bangladesh produces huge amounts of pre-consumer waste, while the US and Europe struggle with post-consumer waste. How do you see Bangladesh’s role in this global discussion?

Abdur Razzaque, Managing Director: That’s a key question. Bangladesh generates about 1 million metric tons of post-industrial waste annually, but the bigger challenge is the post-consumer waste piling up in the West. Unlike factory waste, which is homogeneous, post-consumer garments vary in composition and color—making recycling much harder.

Countries like Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam can play a huge role here. With lower costs and large manufacturing ecosystems, we are better positioned to recycle this waste. But we need enabling policies.

TexSPACE Today: What policy support would make this possible?

Abdur Razzaque: Right now, Bangladesh has an embargo on importing textile waste. This discourages global investors since they can’t rely solely on our local waste supply. If the government introduced a bonded facility system for textile waste imports, similar to RMG, it would allow us to import waste under strict monitoring.

This would encourage FDI, create jobs, and help recycle waste systematically—preventing environmental harm while boosting exports.

TexSPACE Today: You mentioned chemical recycling. How do you see its future?

Our dream is to build a world where everything is recycled and nothing goes to waste.

Ibrahim Sajib, Chairman, Recycle-Raw Ltd

Abdur Razzaque: Between 2026 and 2040, chemical recycling will be the game-changer. Unlike mechanical recycling, which requires almost 100% uniformity, chemical recycling can work with mixed colors and compositions, allowing up to 5% tolerance. This will reduce dependency on labor-intensive sorting.

However, the government must strictly regulate chemical use to avoid misuse or environmental damage. If done right, chemical recycling can open a new era for Bangladesh’s textile industry.