Please login first
PROMOTING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS THROUGH THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND MATERIAL WASTE CIRCULARITY IN THE TEXTILE–APPAREL SECTOR: A CASE STUDY FROM BANGLADESH
* , , ,
1  North South University
Academic Editor: Wataru Takeuchi

Abstract:

The global quest for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is intricately linked with the utilization of technology and the efficacy of decision-making processes. This research delved into the assessment of the ecological sustainability of thirteen manufacturing facilities in the textile and apparel sector, closely associated with the production of fast fashion in Bangladesh. The study employed a multiple case study methodology, gathering qualitative and quantitate data through brief questionnaire-based interviews followed by focus group discussions. The textiles and apparel manufacturing industry is notorious for generating substantial amounts of material waste, necessitating immediate and efficient management to alleviate its adverse environmental impact. There exists a significant research opportunity in effectively managing waste materials originating from the initial phases of textile and apparel manufacturing, aligning with the principles of a circular economy, and aligning with Bangladesh's pursuit of SDG 12.This study also encompasses the systematic identification and categorization of waste materials generated throughout various production stages, alongside exploring the possibilities of recycling pre and post-consumer textile waste. Additionally, it involves the evaluation of economic consequences and proposes a conceptual model for a circular economy aimed at the recovery and reuse of these textile waste materials. In addition to material waste from the production processes, another pressing concern within the textile sector in Bangladesh is the issue of wastewater. The industry generates substantial volumes of wastewater, often discharged into nearby rivers, leading to the contamination of surface water bodies. The treatment of this wastewater is imperative, as it plays a crucial role in advancing 11 of the 17 SDGs. Another objective of this research was to assess the quality of treated wastewater discharged by textile industries and explore methods for the recovery of valuable resources from this wastewater to achieve and promote SDG 6 and 12. The study investigated the recovery of caustic soda and heat from the raw wastewater generated during the wet processing, subsequently reusing these resources in the wet processing of denim manufacturing. The results demonstrated a material conversion rate of 78% (from cotton to finished apparel). Notably, denim jeans manufactured using these recovered resources and treated wastewater exhibited comparable outcomes in terms of color fastness, both under dry and wet conditions, as well as tear strength, in comparison to those produced using treated groundwater sourced by North American and European brands. The collaboration emphasizes the vital link between sustainable textile practices and effective wastewater management, significantly contributing to SDG achievement. It underscores the importance of technology-driven decision-making and the need for comprehensive strategies to address challenges and promote a sustainable future.

Keywords: Circular Economy; Caustic Soda; Heat Energy; Material Waste; Sustainable Development Goals; Wastewater
Comments on this paper
Currently there are no comments available.



 
 
Top