UNCTAD, in partnership with the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group, Primark and H&M, is proud to announce the inauguration of a pioneering wastewater recovery facility at a textile mill (Fakir Knitwear) in Dhaka. Developed with support from the UK-UNCTAD Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme, and led by Primark and Panta Rei, this demonstration site marks a significant milestone in promoting circular water‑management practices within Bangladesh’s textile sector, which is a key source of international textile supply chains.
Bangladesh, among other water‑scarce countries hosting water‑intensive industries such as textiles, faces mounting challenges from pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change. By capturing, treating and recycling up to 1 200 m³ of process water per day, the new facility will immediately reduce freshwater withdrawal and wastewater discharge by 25–30 %, thereby helping to address all three dimensions of the triple planetary crisis. At the same time, the adoption of advanced water‑recovery technologies strengthens the competitive position of local producers by enabling them to meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements in key export markets.
The launch event, the culmination of a multi-stakeholder partnership, brings together high‑level representatives from government, industry and the donor community to underscore the importance of integrated water stewardship for sustainable development. Opening remarks will be delivered by representatives of UNCTAD, the Government of Bangladesh and the 2030 Water Resources Group, followed by perspectives from brand partners Primark and H&M. A technical overview of the wastewater recovery system will be presented by Panta Rei Water Solutions, after which guests will tour the Fakir Knitwear facility to witness firsthand how this public‑private collaboration is transforming wastewater into a strategic resource for growth and resilience, and as a model for national and international replication.
