Three WRAP-certified factories in Bangladesh have been honored for their achievements in environmental protection and social compliance. Saiham Knit Composite Ltd., Fakir Apparels Ltd., and Aboni Knitwear were recognized at the first annual Social and Environmental Excellence Awards on February 24.
As a joint venture between the Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) and the German Academy for International Cooperation (GiZ), the awards are designed to recognize best practices in social and environmental compliance within the readymade garments and textiles industries.
Additional support for the awards was provided by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), and the Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI).
Awards were presented under the categories of Social Compliance, Innovative Ideas, and Environmental Standards. In the Social Compliance category, Saiham Knit Composite Ltd. received the ‘Health and Safety’ award while Fakir Apparels Ltd. was given awards for ‘Best Worker and Management Relationship’ and ‘Special Benefits/Benefits Beyond Labor Law.’
Additionally, Aboni Knitwear was given an ‘Innovative Idea’ award. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dipu Moni spoke at the event along with Germany’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Albrecht Conze, who urged all of the country’s garment makers to hold high social compliance standards.
Bangladesh’s garment export industry is the second largest in the world behind China and accounts for the vast majority of the country’s export revenue. WRAP currently has over 200 certified factories in Bangladesh.
