Bangladesh has set a new record in establishing green factories within the ready-made garments (RMG) sector.
Currently, 52 out of the world's top 100 factories certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed)—an international recognition for environmentally friendly establishments—are located in Bangladesh.
According to industrial entrepreneurs, these eco-friendly or "green" factories are bringing a unique prestige to Bangladesh's garment industry in the international market.
Products manufactured in these facilities carry a "Green Tag," which assures consumers of an environmentally conscious production process. This significantly boosts confidence among foreign brands and buyers.
Furthermore, these factories often enjoy greater leverage during price negotiations.
Business leaders believe that green factories are not only protecting the environment but are also making a vital contribution to building a positive brand image for the country's apparel sector.
In 2025, a record-breaking 38 factories achieved Leed certification, the highest in the country’s history for a single year.
Consequently, Bangladesh has further solidified its position as the global leader in green factory counts.
Currently, the country boasts a total of 280 Leed-certified green factories—the highest in the world.
Among these, 118 have achieved platinum ratings and 143 have secured gold ratings, reinforcing Bangladesh’s strong standing in global green industrialization.
With 52 of the top 100 highest-scoring Leed-rated factories globally residing in Bangladesh, the nation is now viewed as a leader in eco-friendly industrialization.
Stakeholders suggest that this achievement is the direct result of investments in sustainable production, energy efficiency, water management, and environmental protection.
On Sunday (March 29), the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) announced that five more garment factories recently received green certifications, including three Gold and two Platinum ratings.
The BGMEA stated that these certificates are awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) based on "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (Leed) criteria.
According to USGBC data, Bangladesh's progress in green manufacturing has created a significant global footprint.
Among the newly certified establishments, Epic Garments Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Unit-7), located in Narayanganj, earned a Gold rating with 67 points in the New Construction category.
The facility was recognized for its eco-friendly infrastructure, energy-saving technology, and efficient waste management.
Similarly, Surma Garments Ltd. in Dhaka achieved a Gold rating with 71 points for its environmentally friendly operation and maintenance of an existing building.
In Joypura, Dhamrai, Nafa Apparels Ltd. – Unit 02 secured a Gold rating with 65 points in the New Construction category, credited to its modern infrastructure and use of energy-efficient technology.
Meanwhile, Winter Dress Ltd., located in the Kalma Dairy Farm area of Savar, attained a Platinum rating with 85 points for its sustainable management of an existing building.
Finally, Meher Garments Ltd. in Pahartali, Chittagong, reached the highest level of recognition with a Platinum rating and a score of 89 points, owing to its exceptional efficiency in energy and water usage alongside eco-friendly production systems.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA and additional managing director of Denim Expert Ltd, noted that the demand for eco-friendly production is rising rapidly in the international market. Foreign buyers are now prioritizing carbon emission reduction, energy savings, and sustainable manufacturing.
He added that the Bangladeshi garment industry has successfully adapted to these demands, propelling the country to a leading global position.