Recycling beyond borders: insights from the Netherlands mission
The recent trade mission to the Netherlands, jointly hosted by BGMEA and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, has been an eye-opening journey that brought together vision, innovation, and collaboration in the sphere of circular textiles.
As a participant, I found the mission to be much more than a series of meetings and factory visits—it was a complete package of learning, networking, and inspiration. The focus throughout was on one pressing agenda: how to advance opportunities in circular textile trade between Bangladesh and Europe.
During our visits to various recycling units—both mechanical and chemical—we witnessed how Dutch innovators are steadily optimizing textile recycling processes, from lab scale to full commercial application. Their approach to building a sustainable value chain was striking: they are determined to recycle post-consumer textile waste from within Europe and convert it into fashion products, thereby creating a self-sufficient, closed-loop model. This model emphasizes their reduced interest in importing waste from other regions and highlights their commitment to building a circular economy within Europe itself.
For entrepreneurs like me, this mission offered a wealth of insights. It gave us clarity on where Bangladesh holds a strong scope in global trade and what challenges need immediate attention—particularly in solving funding barriers for SMEs that aspire to lead in recycling and sustainability. Equally important was the discussion around the upcoming EU Digital Product Passport (DPP), which will reshape global textile trade. Observing how European players are preparing themselves for DPP compliance helped us understand the steps Bangladesh must take now to remain competitive and future-ready.
Our participation in the Circular Textile Days Trade Fair was another milestone, unlocking new possibilities and valuable networks. Beyond business and learning, the mission also gave us the chance to enjoy the rich Dutch culture, from its fresh cuisine to a memorable boat trip—a reminder that sustainability is not only about industry, but also about community and shared human experiences.
Looking ahead, I believe Bangladesh has an immense opportunity to position itself as a key partner in the global circular textile movement. To seize this, we must accelerate innovation, foster strong collaborations, and align ourselves with evolving EU frameworks. The Netherlands visit has reinforced my conviction that with the right strategies, our industry can transition from linear to circular, turning challenges into opportunities and waste into value.
At Recycle Raw Limited, we remain committed to being part of this transformation—building bridges, scaling solutions, and contributing to a sustainable textile future for all.
