After an engaging and informative panel discussion, the event "Piloting solutions for increased traceability in the Bangladesh textile industry: the approach of Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project" has successfully achieved its objectives. Organized as a side session at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector 2024, the panel aimed to raise awareness of the necessity of traceability in circular value chains, inform about how traceability supports due diligence and CSR reporting, inspire brands/manufacturers to increase traceability in their supply chains, and share examples and lessons learned from the Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project (SWITCH2CE).
The panel discussion, moderated by Holly Syrett, VP of Impact Programmes & Sustainability at Global Fashion Agenda, featured a distinguished lineup of speakers including Vidiya A. Khan (BGMEA), Alexander Granberg (BESTSELLER), Real Kamruzzaman (H&M), Nin Castle (Reverse Resources), Somatish Banerji (Intellecap), Camille Tahon (Circle Economy Foundation), and Patrick Schroeder (Chatham House).
The event was officially opened by Mr. Mohammad Navid Safiullah; Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh and Mark Draeck, Chief Technical Advisor at UNIDO, both of whom reinforced the importance of SWITCH2CE project in enhancing competitiveness, promoting social responsibility, and fostering circularity among businesses in the textile industry in Bangladesh.
Key takeaways from the discussion included the importance of traceability in future-proofing textile and garment industries like Bangladesh, how traceability supports due diligence and CSR reporting, and the need for companies to increase traceability in their value chains. The panelists shared insights into current policy landscapes, case studies, and initiatives aimed at improving traceability in the textile industry.
The event highlighted the importance of collective action and collaboration in promoting traceability and circularity in the fashion industry. It also emphasized the role of initiatives like the Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project in driving sustainable practices and creating a more circular and just fashion system.
For those who missed the event, a recording of the panel discussion is available online: