Bangladesh is set to become a major source of recycled yarn and fabrics made from plastic bottles as the country looks to capture more market share of global high value-added garment items such as active wear, outerwear, padding and quilting. Seven local mills have already set up plants investing Tk 1,670.73 crore collectively to make flakes from waste plastic bottles to make recycled yarn and fabrics.
Globally, the recycling of plastic bottles for clothes is a growing trend, as conscious consumers in the western markets are demanding more garment items be made from recycled yarn to save the earth from plastic pollution. As a result, international retailers and brands are increasingly asking suppliers to add 25-30 per cent of the raw material to the finished garment items.
Growing numbers of mills are manufacturing fibre and yarn from plastic bottles mainly to make quilts, jackets, padding and outerwear for its international buyers in Europe and the US. Many local companies collect plastic bottles from vendors, who buy them from small traders in villages and urban areas, then turn them into chips and yarn as the demand for plastic yarn is growing worldwide because of the comfort, durability and longevity of the dresses made from such raw materials. As a result, international buyers are asking suppliers to add 25 per cent to 30 per cent recycled plastic yarn to cotton yarn.
The BTMA urged the National Board of Revenue to waive the duty on the imported recycled plastic fibre and yarn so that local producers can grab more share of the global recycled garment market. Since plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern globally, alternative uses of pet bottles and plastic in the circular economy will trigger the collection of discarded single-use plastic an adventurous event. Yarn and fabric manufacturers should explore the opportunities and clean the country for business purposes. The government can provide policy support if needed.
