Bangladesh is one of the top exporters of ready-made garments (RMG) in the world. Every year, our factories produce millions of garments that are sent to different countries. This industry helps our economy grow and gives jobs to millions of people. But while we celebrate this success, there is a problem we don’t talk about much -- garment waste.

In almost every RMG factory, a lot of fabric goes to waste. When clothes are cut and stitched, extra pieces of fabric fall to the floor. Some fabrics are left unused. Some clothes are rejected due to small faults. All of this becomes waste.

Experts say that Bangladesh produces more than 400,000 tons of textile waste every year. But most of this waste is either burned or thrown into landfills and rivers. Some of it is even sent illegally to other countries, where it is recycled, and then we sometimes buy back the recycled products at a higher price.

This is a big loss. Because this waste is not just garbage but a great opportunity that can be harnessed.

Today, many big brands like H&M, Zara, etc are asking for clothes made from recycled materials. They want their products to be more sustainable. This is a big chance for Bangladesh. If we can recycle our RMG waste and use it again, we can sell recycled clothes to these brands and earn more money.

Some local companies are already trying this. In places like Savar and Narayanganj, people are making bags, cushion covers, and even new yarn from waste fabric. Some start-ups are turning denim waste into fashionable products. These efforts are inspiring but still very small in scope.

Most factories in our country still do not have proper systems to collect and recycle their waste. They do not sort the waste by colour or fabric type. As a result, valuable fabric is thrown away every day. We are losing not only money, but also the chance to create new jobs and protect our environment.

If we can build proper recycling systems, we can turn this waste into useful products. Recycling can help reduce pollution, save resources, and open up new export markets. It can also create green jobs for many people, especially women and the youth. Imagine how many people could work in sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing fabric, and how many new items could be made from things we used to throw away.

Of course, this is not easy. It needs planning, investment, and support from both the government and the private sector. Factories need training and guidance. Recycling machines are costly. There should be support for entrepreneurs and workers who want to work in this field.

Brands also need to pay fair prices for recycled products. Most importantly, we need awareness. People need to know that recycled products are not bad or cheap -- they are smart, sustainable, and good for our future.

Bangladesh has already shown the world that it can make high-quality clothes at affordable prices. Now, we must show that we can also lead the way in sustainable and recycled fashion. The waste we see on factory floors today can become the foundation of a greener, cleaner, and stronger garment industry tomorrow.

If we use our waste wisely, we will not only save money, we will also save our environment and build a better future in the process.

Asif Hossain is a merchandiser at Urmi Group and a Post Graduate Diploma student at Brac University.