Green manufacturing showcased at URMI Group's Dhaka factory

In a collaborative effort between Swisscontact's PROGRESS project, the Embassy of Sweden, and URMI Group, sustainable manufacturing practices took centre stage at URMI Group's ISO 14001 Certified Factory in Dhaka. 

The event, themed "Sustainable Manufacturing: A Day at the Environmentally Compliant Factory," was graced by the presence of Alexandra Berg von Linde, the Swedish Ambassador in Dhaka, and Syeda Ishart Fatema, the team lead at Swisscontact (PROGRESS).

During the gathering held at Fakruddin Textile Mills Limited, a URMI group concern, attendees were treated to insightful speeches by key figures in the industry. Ishrat Fatema, team leader-progress at Swisscontact, Mir Ashraful Hossain, group coo and director of Urmi Group, and Biplob Barua, general manager of Fakruddin Textile Mills Limited, shared their valuable insights, reads a press release.

Approximately fifty participants, including representatives from Swisscontact (PROGRESS), the Swedish embassy, and factory management, convened with a shared goal: to support the transition of Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry toward eco-friendly practices.

The central theme of the event revolved around promoting environmentally conscious skills, with a strong emphasis on Swisscontact's innovative Industry-based model (IBT). 

Engaging discussions ensued, where participants openly shared their thoughts, experiences, and challenges regarding sustainable practices within the RMG sector. 

Representatives from Swisscontact (PROGRESS), the Swedish Embassy, and factory management actively contributed to these discussions, reads a press release.

Following the insightful exchange, Syeda Ishrat Fatema delivered an informative presentation summarizing the sustainable initiatives implemented in the PROGRESS project. 

Subsequently, Mir Ashraful Hossain presented the factory's environmentally conscious practices, emphasizing their commitment to product quality and ethical resource management throughout the supply chain.

Participants were then treated to a guided factory tour conducted by the factory management and a consultant selected by Swisscontact (PROGRESS) and the factory.

According to a press release, Fakruddin Textile Mills Ltd. (FTML), a part of Urmi Group, has been a pioneer in synthetic fabric dyeing in Bangladesh since 2002. Notably, they have incorporated sustainable features such as an ETP and rooftop solar panels, earning recognition through multiple awards for their environmental initiatives and inclusive skill development.

The PROGRESS project has partnered with Rajesh Bheda Consulting Ltd. (RBC), a key consulting firm, to enhance the skills of FTML factory workers, particularly women workers, in line with sustainability goals. RBC will implement the Industry Based Training (IBT) model among FTML factory workers with the overarching objective of enhancing their production, quality, and HR practices, narrowing the green skills gap, and promoting gender awareness. RBC also aspires to facilitate management sensitization in harmony with PROGRESS's Environmental and Social Governance component.

The event culminated with a closing ceremony, where heartfelt gratitude was extended to all participants and the factory management. The ceremony acknowledged the factory's unwavering commitment to adopting environmentally friendly practices for a sustainable future.