Bangladesh-based denim manufacturer and washing plant Denim Expert Limited has been named a “New Champion” by the World Economic Forum, the not-for-profit foundation that engages political, business, cultural and other leaders to shape global and industry agendas.
The World Economic Forum’s New Champions Awards recognizes excellence in sustainability, digital disruption and agile business governance, calling attention to business models, technologies and sustainable growth strategies that it finds necessary as the world prepares for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
A member of the World Economic Forum, Denim Expert Ltd. was recognized as an honorable mention in the “excellence in sustainability” category for sustainable goals and targets in 2019 across several areas including reducing consumption of energy and water, CO2 emissions, and waste generation. The manufacturer was also lauded for its work to provide opportunities to transgender people and human-trafficking survivors.
Denim Expert Ltd. is the only apparel and textile company that received recognition on the list this year.
“I believe this recognition is an appreciation for the sustainable strides of the Bangladesh apparel industry as a whole,” said Mostafiz Uddin, Denim Expert Ltd. managing director and 2019 Rivet 50 honoree. “I am proud for [earning] this accolade for the country.”
The company has emerged as a leader in adopting sustainable protocols and guidelines, particularly in Bangladesh.
It was the first Bangladeshi manufacturer to join the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and the first to become a contributor to ZDHC Foundation, which drives improvement in the management of textile chemicals globally.
Denim Expert Ltd. was also the first denim manufacturer from Bangladesh to join Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign initiative, which employs the principles of a circular economy to ensure positive impacts for the environment, society, and the health of those people working in the industry.
