bluesign Sustainability Forum highlights Bangladesh’s readiness for a sustainable post-LDC future
The bluesign Sustainability Forum 2026 was held on 7 July 2026 at Le Méridien Dhaka, bringing together industry leaders, brands, manufacturers, development partners and sustainability experts to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry and its transition towards sustainable growth.
Delivering the keynote address as the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Reto Renggli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, emphasized that sustainability is not only an environmental responsibility but also a strategic necessity for Bangladesh as it prepares for the post-LDC era.
Drawing on Switzerland’s development journey, he noted that the country possesses limited natural and mineral resources, yet has built its global competitiveness on knowledge, quality and trust. He encouraged Bangladesh to strengthen these same pillars to remain competitive in the global market.
The forum began with a welcome address by Mr. Mehedi Hasan Rubel, Country Relationship Manager of bluesign Bangladesh, who welcomed participants and highlighted the growing importance of collaborative sustainability initiatives across the textile value chain.
bluepass introduced as the next generation of sustainability verification
In her keynote presentation, Ms. Esther Paez, Head of Sustainability & IMPACT at bluesign, introduced bluepass, the organization’s new sustainability verification system designed to enhance transparency and traceability throughout textile supply chains.
She explained that bluepass enables users to verify how fabrics and chemical products are manufactured through a QR code attached to certified products. By simply scanning the code, users can access verified information demonstrating that products have been manufactured responsibly without compromising people or the environment.
bluepass replaces the previous bluesign APPROVED and bluesign PRODUCT labels with a more transparent, digital verification platform.
The bluepass system consists of three certification levels:
- Consumer Product – Applied to finished consumer goods such as garments and footwear, indicating that at least 90% of the materials originate from responsibly manufactured sources.
- Article – Used for textile materials and components such as fabrics, yarns, trims and zippers incorporated into finished products.
- Chemical Product – Applied to dyes, auxiliaries and chemical formulations before they enter textile manufacturing processes.
Industry leaders emphasize collaboration for sustainability
The forum was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Helal Hussain, Country Director of Swisscontact; Mr. Rezanur Sohel, Managing Director of eS Trims Ltd.; Mr. Abdur Rashid, Country Manager of SGS Bangladesh and President of the Swiss-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SBCCI); Mr. Mahir Ahmed, Director of Apex Holdings Ltd.; and Mr. Minhazul Hoque, Director of BKMEA and Director of Fatullah Dyeing & Calendering Mills Ltd.
The speakers highlighted the growing role of the bluesign system in helping Bangladesh’s textile industry improve environmental performance, responsible chemical management and global competitiveness.
Panel explores why sustainability matters for Bangladesh
A panel discussion titled “Why is sustainability important to Bangladesh?” was moderated by Mr. Marco Volpi, Head of CRM at bluesign.
The panel featured Mr. Aminul Islam, Country Manager of Transfar Chemical; Mr. Tauhidul Islam, Senior Programme Manager at Swisscontact; Mr. Kazy Iqbal, Sustainability Manager at Lindex Bangladesh Liaison Office; and Mr. Fakir Rafsanuzzaman, Director of Fakir Apparel Ltd.
Mr. Aminul Islam said, “For sustainability, new chemistry is a must, and we should be ready to pay for that.”
Mr. Fakir Rafsanuzzaman said, “Our attention should be on transforming from cost-centric to value-centric. Mutual agreement and cooperation among brands, manufacturers and suppliers are required. The industry is willing to invest when it can see tangible benefits.”
Mr. Kazy Iqbal said, “If Bangladesh cannot successfully implement sustainability in the textile and apparel sector, then it will be difficult for others to do so. Cooperation among brands, manufacturers, suppliers and development partners is essential.”
Mr. Tauhidul Islam said, “We are focusing on preparing SMEs so they can become part of the sustainability journey through systems such as bluesign.”
The programme was hosted by Mr. Enamul Hafiz Latifee, Chief Research Officer of Textile Today, who served as the master of ceremonies.
