In a bid to enhance responsible and circular practices within Bangladesh's textiles industry, a series of train-the-trainer workshops were recently conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. These workshops are part of the SWITCH to Circular Economy Value Chains program, and were led by Circle Economy Foundation in a collaboration with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX), Reverse Resources, Global Fashion Agenda, and global fashion brands H&M Group and BESTSELLER.
The workshops aimed to build capacity in responsible manufacturing practices, with a focus on driving a circular textiles industry in Bangladesh. The training program consisted of a 2-day session for the BGMEA network, including master trainers, trainers, and suppliers, followed by a 1-day workshop for trainers within the H&M and BESTSELLER network.
Participants in these workshops engaged in hands-on activities and discussions, demonstrating their commitment to embracing responsible manufacturing practices. The train-the-trainers model adopted in these workshops is designed to drive lasting change by fostering a culture of sustainability and responsibility within organizations. The goal is to create a ripple effect, where these trained individuals will impart their knowledge and practices, thereby promoting a circular culture in the textiles industry.
''Circularity in the Textile and RMG industry in Bangladesh is a real phenomena. As a major manufacturing hub of textiles and apparel, we have a chance to lead, showcase, and practice the circular economy model. The trained trainers will be the key persons in disseminating knowledge to the industry.'' - Dr. Abbas Uddin Shiyak, Asst. Prof. of Dept. of Dyes and Chemical Engineering in Bangladesh University of Textiles.
As a first step of the SWITCH2CE capacity development program, Circle Economy Foundation assessed circularity training needs of MSMEs from Bangladesh and Morocco with the help of an interactive tool, the Circularity Game. Through the train-the-trainer program, SWITCH2CE now empowers local partners to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting circular economy practices. The initiative also includes the development of training curricula for MSMEs and the launch of a Toolbox that enables local partners to independently deliver these training curricula.
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to build the capacity of trainers, business development service (BDS) providers, and business membership organizations (BMOs) to train MSMEs. By training and certifying at least 30 trainers in each country, Circle Economy aims to create a sustainable framework where trainers and local partners can continue to support MSMEs in adopting circular economy practices. Similar capacity development activities will soon commence to support the circular transition in the plastic value chain in Morocco.