H&M, Chorka team up to pilot sustainable textile production

Swedish retail giant H&M Group has partnered with Chorka Textile Ltd in Bangladesh to pilot new technologies that significantly reduce water, energy, and chemical consumption in the textile production process.

The partnership involves European Plan Zero members Revozona AG, Imogo AB, and Pluvia, whose technologies will be assessed together for the first time under one roof, according to a statement from H&M Global Communications.

The goal is to evaluate the combined potential of these technologies to make production processes more sustainable.

Under this partnership, supporting and investing in new technologies is crucial to finding scalable solutions to climate change, according to Ziaur Rahman, country manager of H&M Bangladesh.

He stated that the partnership supports their ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56% and freshwater extraction and consumption in the retail brand's supply chain by 30% by 2030.

"This is an excellent example of how we can shift towards using more electricity. Only if we move to electricity can we achieve systemic solutions, and this partnership is a great example of how we can make a significant impact together," said Zia.

"We hope this project will prove that electrification is possible. Of course, the transition will be fully dependent on reliable grid infrastructure, and it will therefore be crucial to have a conversation with key stakeholders on how we can achieve that," he added.

"Plan Zero is more than just a technology cluster; it is a catalyst for a sustainable revolution in the textile industry. By combining innovative solutions and empowering companies to reduce their environmental impact, we are paving the way for a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand," said Gérard J Peters, global coordinator of Plan Zero.

He mentioned that this partnership is a catalyst for sustainable transformation in the textile industry. He noted that combining innovative technologies will help reduce environmental impacts and align fashion with sustainability.

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman and CEO of Pran-RFL Group, which owns Chorka Textile, said, "As we continue to grow in manufacturing, the environment remains an extremely important agenda for us. In a small country like Bangladesh, where so many people depend on a sustainable future, our commitment to the environment is not just a responsibility but a necessity."

Partnering with H&M Group, a leading global fashion and design company that shares our goal of bringing sustainability to the forefront, allows us to connect and implement best practices that will benefit not just Bangladesh but the world, he added.

"This partnership sets a strong example for the entire industry, demonstrating how growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. With H&M's leadership and our shared vision, we aim to elevate our industrialisation to the next level while setting new standards for sustainability," said Ahsan.