Bangladesh garments accessories, trims and packaging sub-sector Leaders highlight that achieving self-sufficiency in the accessories and packaging sector is the way to achieve $100 billion apparel export target by 2030. The sector leaders opined this view at the recently concluded four-day-long 11th International Garment Accessories & Packaging Expo (GAPEXPO-2023).
Regarding the prowess of the sector Mohammad Moazzem Hossain Moti, President, Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) said, “Bangladesh’s garments accessories and packaging sector is one of the biggest sub-sector of the RMG industry. Moreover, the sector has accomplished 100% self-sufficiency to fully support the country’s apparel industry. Which aspires to achieve the $100 billion export target by 2030.”
“Having a strong backward linkage sub-segment like accessories and packaging is paramount in achieving the apparel export target. In addition, the accessories, trims and packaging sector has been playing a critical role in Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry as a deemed exporting sector. Fulfilling the country’s RMG industry with almost 100% accessories, trims and packaging demands,” Moazzem Hossain Moti added.
As a deemed exporter and backward linkage sector contributed around $7 billion in the last FY2022-23. From the 80s till today, our innovative and courageous accessories, trims and packaging makers have made this sector a powerhouse for globally leading brands and retailers, he said.
This year, at GAPEXPO 2023, participants showcased many ingenious sustainable and innovative accessories, trims and packaging items.
Regarding this BGAPMEA President said, “In GAPEXPO 2023 our BGAPMEA members have showcased top-notch accessories, trims and packaging for garments and other industries. Carrying the legacy of the most sustainable apparel industry – accessories and packaging entrepreneurs also brought sustainable innovative products. For example, our members are making biodegradable poly bag. Not only that, most of the factories have world-class certifications as proof of their commitment to the environment. You name any type of recycled or any other sustainable way of making accessories, trims and packaging – BGAPMEA members are producing it.”
“I will say that Bangladesh accessories, trims and packaging sector have renewed their momentum through this fair and besides fulfilling the local demand we will also boost our export more,” BGAPMEA President added.
Regarding the increasing sustainability concern by consumers and buyers, Naeem Haider, Executive Director, Cosmo Group said, “Globally we are seeing that fashion brands and consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainable fashion garments and as a big part of it – accessories, trims and packaging plays a major role. Wherever I went – from papers to poly to tags – sustainably made products are in hot demand. The whole fashion industry is in a paradigm shift about more and more innovation and sustainability. Those who are offering more and more sustainable and innovative products.”
About how the Cosmo Group is providing maintaining ranges, Naeem Haider added, “Cosmo Group has various sustainable ranges including bio-degradable poly, FSC certified along with other innovative sustainable product ranges.”
While, Perumbuli Arachchige Nimaljith, COO, Epyllion Ltd. (EPL) Accessories Division said, “The expo is a good platform to express innovative and sustainable initiatives to the global brands. In this expo, we have mainly focused on showcasing sustainability through innovation and operational excellence.”
“Epyllion’s have almost all the accessories and packaging ranges – except the zipper and button – and innovation and sustainability is the way forward for us. Our whole product lines are sustainable, as well as, our whole process is sustainable. As an organization, we always give priority to business and environment sustainability and innovation,” Perumbuli Arachchige Nimaljith concluded.
As for the challenges in the market, Nimaljith said, “Being cost-effective is the main challenge at present. And innovativeness and operational excellence are the way forward. In addition, more lean practice, reducing wastage and innovation will ultimately make the apparel industry more environmentally friendly, as well as, competitive.”
As for the trims, packaging and accessories sector scope in Bangladesh, Shaikh Assef, Director of Operations, Harnest Label Industries Ltd. said, “I see huge potential as by 2030, the apparel is targeting $100 billion worth of exports and trims, packaging and accessories is a major portion in garments itself – so, we are seeing good potential in the near future.”
“Harnest Label Industries Ltd. spearheading sustainability and the company is one of the few in the industry that has a zero-discharge accessories factory. It is one of the largest & holistic trims, threads, accessories and packaging manufacturers in Bangladesh.”
“It is a great opportunity for companies like us to showcase our trims, packaging and accessories products. And convey to people about ourselves – how sustainably we are making quality goods. It has been a good place for our exposure.”
Md. Bonday Ali Miah, Managing Director, Miah & Sons Industries Ltd. said, “Once upon a time, Bangladesh used to import all the necessary accessories and packaging from abroad – now we are supplying around 99% of it. And from the deemed exporter, we have the scope to become direct exporters globally after fulfilling the local demand. As we are really competitive compared to other manufacturing nations.”
“In terms of our prospect in the packaging sector and globally packaging demand is skyrocketing as packaging is a must for every product. Bangladeshi manufacturers are doing great in terms of making bio-degradable, recycled packaging.”
Shakawatul Islam Sakif, Deputy Managing Director, Mumtex said, “As the cry for sustainability is growing, Mumtex – since 1998 –has been known for its commitment, quality, loyalty, and lead time – which is why we are trusted by our partners. we are coming out of more and more certifications to stand out for our clients.”
While, Sheikh Md. Khobir Uddin, Managing Director, RSS Thread & Accessories Ltd. – a concern of RSS Group said, “The Expo acts as a window of showcasing our sustainability and innovations in accessories, trims and packaging. At the same time, we can represent our uniqueness and appeal to global brands and buyers as to why they should source from Bangladesh. RSS Thread & Accessories Ltd. has a wide range of products and most importantly we have sustainable product ranges.”
Overall, the concluded GAPEXPO 2023 depicted that the accessories, trims and packaging sector has potential similar to the RMG industry – in terms of backward linkage support, as well as, direct export. And to achieve the $100 billion apparel export target by FY 2030, the country’s garments accessories sector will play a significant role.