RMG Leftover Based Recycling Centre

Project idea

Bangladesh, a global leader in the export of ready-made garments, is currently facing an environmental and industrial challenge due to the generation of over 500,000 tons of textile waste annually. Despite the country's strong position in the global garment industry, a significant portion of this waste remains unutilized, largely due to a lack of organized recycling infrastructure and policy intervention. As the world increasingly recognizes the necessity of transitioning from a linear economy to a circular one, there is an urgent need to explore alternative production models that minimize waste and environmental degradation. This project emerges as a response to that need—aiming to introduce a sustainable architectural intervention that redefines how garment waste is managed in Bangladesh. It envisions a Green Readymade Garments Recycling and Innovation Center that would serve as a national model for sustainable industrial practices, promoting the upcycling of textile waste into new, value-added garments. The project aligns with global efforts toward sustainability, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and aims to contribute meaningfully to seven of these goals. The core idea is to use architecture as a tool to catalyze industry-wide transformation by creating a facility that supports innovation, knowledge-sharing, and eco-conscious manufacturing, ultimately reinforcing Bangladesh’s position as a global leader in sustainable fashion.

Project description

The ready-made garments (RMG) sector is the backbone of Bangladesh's economy, contributing over $24.49 billion in exports in the last fiscal year alone. This massive industry, comprising more than 5,000 factories and employing around 1.2 million people—of which 85% are women—generates an equally massive amount of textile waste. Currently, due to inadequate recycling systems and industrial policies, approximately two-thirds of this waste is exported, resulting in missed economic and environmental opportunities. As global awareness of climate change and resource depletion rises, the traditional linear model of “take-make-dispose” is being increasingly scrutinized. This project aims to challenge that outdated model by establishing a circular approach within the garment sector through a recycling and innovation facility. The proposed Green Readymade Garments Recycling and Innovation Center will integrate various functions such as waste collection and sorting, material processing, research and development, and educational programming. It will house design studios, production spaces, and public interfaces that foster collaboration among artisans, designers, and researchers. By promoting eco-conscious production methods and innovative reuse strategies, the center will not only reduce the environmental burden but also empower local communities and create sustainable livelihoods. The design of the center itself will emphasize the use of adaptive reuse principles, environmentally friendly materials, and energy-efficient technologies. The overall goal is to create a holistic, scalable architectural model that reflects the values of sustainability, resilience, and equity.

Technical information

The Green Readymade Garments Recycling and Innovation Center is envisioned as a technically sustainable facility that reflects a deep understanding of both the textile waste stream and the commercial dynamics of the fashion industry. Central to the facility's operation is a well-organized collection and sorting system, designed to handle large volumes of pre-consumer and post-consumer garment waste efficiently. The architectural design will prioritize environmental sustainability by incorporating passive cooling strategies, solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and green building materials with low embodied energy. The processing systems will be developed to ensure minimal use of hazardous chemicals, aligning with eco-certification requirements in key export markets such as the European Union. The facility will also include modular spaces for R&D and production innovation, enabling rapid prototyping and experimentation with recycled materials. From an economic perspective, the center is structured to be both sustainable and scalable. It will generate new employment opportunities, particularly for women and artisans, and foster a circular economic model where waste is viewed as a resource. The initiative will reduce landfill dependency, promote energy and water conservation, and lower the industry's carbon footprint. Social and cultural considerations will be embedded into the design, ensuring community participation and stakeholder engagement. This facility will serve as a critical step forward in transforming Bangladesh's garment industry into one that not only leads in production volume but also in sustainability and innovation.

Documentation

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