Textile Hack

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡, 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦-𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞.

This initiative—led by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), BUFT, the University of Groningen, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and funded by RVO—was built with a deeper purpose: to turn ideas into real, scalable circular solutions for the country’s textile and apparel sector.

Through this journey, Textile Hack has positioned itself as a trailblazer; it sparked a movement, nurtured innovators, and proved that Bangladesh is ready to lead the next chapter of circularity in the global textile industry.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡!

Bangladesh’s apparel sector is the backbone of its economy—but it also generates hundreds of thousands of tons of textile waste every year. Pre- and post-production waste, from cutting-room scraps to discarded clothing, often ends up in landfills or is incinerated, creating environmental damage and economic loss. Studies show that recycling cotton waste alone could save Bangladesh up to $500 million annually, while also reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and cutting reliance on imported raw materials.

With initiatives like Textile Hack, organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology, University of Groningen, and supported by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland - RVO and Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, we’re already seeing innovators design solutions that bring circular ideas to life. And we look forward to see more from our followers!

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐱 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟.

First, we must shift towards natural and recycled fibres, reducing our dependence on virgin resources. Equally important is increasing garment durability, ensuring clothes last longer and stay in use instead of ending up as waste. Alongside this, producing natural fibres sustainably helps protect ecosystems and secure resources for the future.

The industry also needs to embrace slow fashion, shifting the focus from volume to value, while advancing circular manufacturing that recycles, reuses, and minimizes waste at every step. Finally, by transforming supply chain dynamics, we create systems built on transparency, collaboration, and responsibility.

These scenarios are not just concepts—they are calls to action. With initiatives like Textile Hack, organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology, the University of Groningen and supported by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland - RVO and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, we’re already seeing innovators design solutions that bring these ideas to life. Together, we can shape a future where fashion is both circular and sustainable.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

A $500 million opportunity in textile recycling awaits Bangladesh!

Recent research by the Circular Fashion Partnership—led by Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) in collaboration with Reverse Resources and BGMEA—has unveiled a compelling opportunity for cost savings and sustainability in Bangladesh’s textile sector.

In 2019, the country generated approximately 577,000 tonnes of waste from its RMG and fabric mills. Of this, 250,000 tonnes was 100% pure cotton waste—a resource largely underutilised.

Bangladesh imported around 1.63 million tonnes of cotton fibre in 2019, valued at $3.5 billion. The study suggests that recycling just the pure cotton fraction could cut cotton imports by 15%, translating into annual savings of up to $500 million.

This analysis not only demonstrates a powerful environmental benefit but also presents significant economic value—highlighting how circular approaches can unlock both financial and ecological resilience for Bangladesh’s textile industry.

Jointly organised by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT), and the University of Groningen, with support from the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Textile Hack highlighted the path to scale this effort. And we are excited to see the movement continue.

If you have an idea that can scale sustainability in textiles, we want to hear from you. Let’s build circularity—together.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲

From its inception, Textile Hack has been a catalyst for change in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry. Over two cohorts, we’ve brought together bright minds, bold ideas, and a shared vision for a circular future.

Cohort 1 marked the birth of this platform, uniting young innovators from across the nation to reimagine waste and sustainability. With hands-on workshops, expert mentorship, and groundbreaking prototypes, it set the tone for what was possible.

Cohort 2 built on that momentum—engaging 50+ students from 5 universities, hosting immersive workshops, a heritage-rich field trip, and culminating in the Grand Finale where transformative ideas took center stage. Together, with our organizers Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, BGMEA University Of Fashion And Technology, University of Groningen, the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland - RVO, and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh we’ve proven that innovation can power a more circular textile industry.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚? 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮!

Textile Hack is a platform dedicated to accelerating circular innovation in Bangladesh’s textile industry. Jointly organized by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology and the University of Groningen, with support from the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland - RVO and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, this initiative opens doors for those ready to re imagine the industry. By bridging young talent, industry experts, and global collaborators, Textile Hack empowers students and innovators to rethink waste, re imagine resources, and reshape the future of fashion.

Whether you’re working on bio-based materials, waste-to-product models, or smart circular designs, this platform is built to help your ideas grow. With mentorship, exposure, prototyping support, and access to a wide network, Textile Hack is where bold thinking meets real-world impact.

If you have an idea that can scale sustainability in textiles, we want to hear from you. Let’s build circularity—together.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭!

Textile Hack Cohort 2 has been a powerful reminder that innovation can come from anyone, anywhere. From biodegradable materials to waste-to-resource systems, this cohort introduced us to bold, thoughtful, and deeply practical solutions that rethink how we produce, use, and reuse.

Jointly organised by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), BUFT, and the University of Groningen, and supported by the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration in advancing circular design.

We believe these ideas hold the power to inspire a new wave of innovation. If you’re a student, creator, or changemaker—explore what they built. Learn from their process, get inspired by their vision, and think: what could you create next?

Innovation thrives on shared ideas. See what’s possible—then take the next step. We’re here to hear your ideas when you’re ready.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧—𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬

When we think of innovation, we often picture cutting-edge machines and futuristic tools. But true circularity begins with people — their values, habits, skills, and care. At its core, a circular economy isn’t just about technology; it’s about rethinking how we produce, use, and value resources, guided by empathy and purpose.

In Bangladesh, circular practices have long existed within our traditional textile systems. Handloom weaving, for instance, minimizes energy use and waste by relying on human skill rather than machines. Natural dyeing methods—using indigo, turmeric, or onion skins—avoid toxic chemicals and support low-impact production. In rural craft clusters, artisans routinely reuse water, repurpose leftover yarns, and work with natural and biodegradable materials. These age-old techniques prioritize durability, low waste, and community-based production—principles that modern circular frameworks now emphasize.

Rather than replacing tradition with technology, the future of circularity can build on these practices, showing that circular innovation is not always digital—it’s often deeply cultural and human.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬. 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭—𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫!

The ideas sparked, the prototypes built, and the conversations ignited during this journey are just the beginning. Textile Hack Cohort 2 has shown what’s possible when young minds, industry mentors, and committed collaborators come together for a shared purpose. But the road to a circular future is long—and it needs all of us.

Let’s continue to challenge linear thinking, embrace innovation, and support bold solutions that tackle textile waste at its roots. The momentum is real. Now’s the time to scale it, strengthen it, and shape a system that works for people and the planet.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

Bangladesh Apparel Exchange
BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology
University of Groningen
Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland - RVO

𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟐

Textile Hack Cohort 2 was a powerful journey of ideas, innovation, and collective purpose. Over several months, 13 finalist teams representing 5 universities worked closely with industry mentors, academic experts, and circularity pioneers to tackle the pressing challenge of pre-consumer textile waste in Bangladesh’s RMG sector.

From concept development workshops to hands-on field visits in Tangail’s craft clusters, participants explored the intersection of tradition, technology, and circularity. Guided by a strong ecosystem of stakeholders—our organizer Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology, the University of Groningen, our supporter Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland - RVO and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, and our media partner Haal Fashion—the cohort turned creative visions into working prototypes that champion circular design.

We saw the winners emerge, highlighting that the young innovators of our country are capable and ready to tackle new challenges to build a circular future for all. This impact will continue to resonate and we are ready to see the momentum continue.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟐

To the visionary mentors who steered every brainstorm, challenged assumptions, and championed each prototype—your guidance turned big ideas into actionable solutions. Thank you for investing your time, expertise, and patience in the next generation of circular innovators.

Our gratitude also goes to the inspiring guest speakers, sharp-eyed judges, and the partners who amplified this journey: Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology, the University of Groningen, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland – RVO, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, and our media ally Haal Fashion. Your collective support built the ecosystem that made Textile Hack Cohort 2 thrive.

Because of you, young changemakers have reimagined waste and designed pathways to a more circular, resilient textile industry. Explore their stories and learn more at textilehack.com.

The Grand Finale of Textile Hack Cohort 2 witnessed a powerful display of ingenuity as 13 finalist teams unveiled their circular design prototypes aimed at reshaping Bangladesh’s textile future.

Jointly organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology and the University of Groningen and supported by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland - RVO, The initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration in advancing circular design.

From upcycled garment boards to biodegradable fashion fibers, each prototype tackled the challenge of pre-production textile waste with bold, solution-driven ideas. With concepts ranging from zero-waste weaving to sludge-to-fertilizer conversion and fish-scale buttons, students demonstrated deep understanding, creativity, and purpose. These innovations weren’t just visionary—they were actionable, scalable, and grounded in sustainability. Atthe grand finale, the Textile Hack platform reaffirmed its role in sparking the next generation of circular design leaders.

Learn more: https://textilehack.com