ESTex

Given the annual exports value of textile sector (nearly USD 28 billion) [upto 2017] in Bangladesh, there is rising demand for chemicals as well as environmental and safety concerns, restriction for using hazardous chemicals and waste management. Hence, to meet the demand and simultaneously maintain a sustainable sectoral growth, comprehensive survey work on chemical sustainability and capacity building in chemical use and waste management are required. And that’s the responsibility ESTex intends to undertake. ESTex is currently performing chemical mapping for the textile sector, which will indicate the type, quantity, origins (import or local production), transportation, storage condition, handling, usages (production or wastewater treatment) and hazard factors of the chemicals consumed in the local textile industries. Separate workshops, training, and seminars on chemical safety and management and ETP operations and management will also be organized to build local capacity and to reduce pollution load to the environment. To assess toxicity and presence of restricted substances in textile chemicals, capacity of local laboratories in advanced testing techniques will be developed; a list of existing local laboratories that perform analysis of toxic and restricted substances, parameters typically measured, services and price of services offered will be developed. Textile ETP sludge mapping is also being conducted, with the aim to build decision-making capacity of factory management on sludge disposal and management option(s) that is/are best suited for the type of sludge generated.