The Society for Asian Circular Innovation Network (SACIN), a newly formed research-driven think tank focused on advancing circular economy solutions, was formally launched in Dhaka on Saturday, with stakeholders stressing the need for sustainable production systems, climate resilience and regional cooperation.
The launch event, held at the BCI Conference Room in the capital, brought together business leaders, academics, development professionals, sustainability experts and policymakers to discuss how circular economy principles can address mounting environmental and economic challenges in Bangladesh and across Asia.
SACIN Founder President Priti Chakraborty said the organisation was created to accelerate sustainable development by linking research, innovation, policy advocacy and cross-border collaboration.
“Today we are not just introducing an organisation; we are beginning a new journey, a new way of thinking, and a new responsibility,” she said.
She said Asia stands at a critical juncture where countries must rethink traditional economic models based on extraction, consumption and disposal, which fail to account for long-term environmental costs.
SACIN’s guiding slogan — “Think Circular. Innovate Regionally. Impact Globally.” — reflects its ambition to position Asia as a global leader in circular economy practices and sustainable development.
Initially, SACIN will focus on the textiles and apparel sector, Bangladesh’s largest export-earning industry, which is under growing pressure to adopt greener manufacturing practices and improve environmental compliance.
Its activities will later expand to agriculture, manufacturing, construction and real estate, healthcare, plastics, water and sanitation, financial services, power and energy, and shipbuilding — sectors identified for their significant environmental footprints and potential for circular interventions such as waste reduction, resource recovery and cleaner production.
Experts at the event said circular economy approaches are becoming increasingly vital for export-dependent economies, particularly as global buyers and investors tighten sustainability requirements.
Among the keynote speakers, Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of EuroCham Bangladesh, said sustainability should not be seen merely as a compliance requirement imposed by international markets.
“Bangladesh can no longer view circular economy and sustainability merely as compliance requirements imposed by global markets,” she said.
She warned that climate vulnerability, inefficient resource use and outdated industrial systems are already affecting Bangladesh’s long-term competitiveness.
Lopez said transitioning to circular production models could help Bangladesh strengthen its position in global supply chains and attract green investment.
“Embracing circularity now presents Bangladesh with a major opportunity to become a sustainable global supply chain hub, attract green investment, strengthen exports to Europe, and ensure long-term economic and environmental resilience,” she said.
Chakraborty also drew from her experience in healthcare, saying environmental degradation is directly linked to public health.
“If water is polluted, people become sick. If air is polluted, children and the elderly suffer,” she said. “Sustainable development is no longer optional; it is essential.”
She criticised the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, calling it unsustainable amid rising waste, resource scarcity and climate impacts, and advocated instead for a circular system focused on reuse, recycling and efficient resource use.
Sustainability experts said circular economy systems aim to reduce dependence on raw material extraction while minimising waste and pollution.
SACIN announced four core pillars of its work: research and development; policy advocacy and support; networking and collaboration; and knowledge dissemination and awareness-building.
Organisers said these will involve cooperation among governments, industries, universities, development agencies and civil society organisations.
The network also unveiled several planned flagship initiatives, including the Asian Sustainability Data & AI Portal, a digital sustainability knowledge hub; the Circular Tech & Innovation Marketplace; and the SACIN Academy & Certification programme for skills development.
Other initiatives include a Circular Solutions Investment Platform to promote green financing and the Asian Circular Economy & Climate Summit to advance regional dialogue.
The event featured participants from academia, business and sustainability sectors.
Guests of honour included Ashraful Haq Chowdhury, president of the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI); Prof Dr Monir Uddin, former chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Chittagong; ZM Golam Nabi, president of the Organisation for Reduction of Carbon Footprint in Bangladesh; and Mollah Amzad Hossain, editor of Energy & Power.
Several SACIN executive committee members also spoke, including Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Shiabur Rahman Shihab, Shafayat Hosen, AKM Jahidul Alam, Sheikh Md Rezvi Newaz, Architect Md Nazmus Sakib and Mahfuzur Rahman.
The programme drew researchers, academics, development practitioners, industry representatives and journalists, reflecting growing interest in sustainability-driven policy and business transformation.
SACIN said its mission aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Speakers concluded by calling for stronger cooperation among governments, businesses, development partners, universities, researchers, young people and local communities to build a sustainable and circular future for Asia.
