The chair opened the session with a question for the audience regarding the connection between fashion industry and sustainable consumption and production. With many opinions centered around pollution, toxic effluent, waste management from the audience, the chair concluded that the Fashion Industry can play a critical role in attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 12. A presentation at the session by the keynote speaker revealed that Fashion Industry is contributing to global water waste by 20%, while apparel industry emits 10% of global carbon emission. With more than 4500+ garment factories currently operating in Bangladesh, Dhaka’s tanneries alone discharge nearly 22,000 cubic liters of toxic effluent daily into the Buriganga River.
In reference to the presentation, the chair requested the discussants to share their, opinions, current initiatives and challenges in achieving SDG12. Dr. Khan stated that there is an absence of updated data in terms of pollution load in amount and type of chemical. These limit us from establishing a projection for the future. He added that it is important to understand where we are now and where we will be in the next 5 years based on the economic growth which will help us to plan and act to deal with possible pollution scenario. Ms. Khair shared her experience on using natural dye. She found it very challenging sometimes where the cost of production gets higher reducing profit margin. Dr. Samiya Selim focused on the social aspect of fashion. She emphasised on how clothes can be reused and the importance of technology and research in this field