Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT): Transforming Bangladesh’s Textile Value Chain through Cleaner Production
The Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT) is an advisory initiative led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), in collaboration with Bangladesh’s garment industry associations, financial institutions, technology providers, brands, and the government. It supports the entire textile value chain—from spinning and weaving to wet processing and garment factories—in adopting Cleaner Production (CP) practices to drive systemic and positive environmental change while enhancing long-term competitiveness.
Five-Axis Transformation through PaCT
Data: PaCT monitors resource consumption and environmental impact across participating factories, generating insights that guide interventions and performance tracking.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance: The programme provides advisory services, training, and support for process improvements—ranging from low-cost housekeeping enhancements to process modifications and larger investments.
Technology / Machinery: PaCT supports capital upgrades in areas such as energy efficiency, water-saving equipment, and cleaner chemical management to modernise industrial practices.
Finance: It helps engage financial stakeholders and has catalysed sectoral funds—such as enabling the creation of a Green Transformation Fund—to provide low-cost financing for resource efficiency improvements.
Policy: PaCT engages with policymakers and industry bodies to influence regulations and promote a favourable environment for cleaner production practices across the textile sector.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Resource Savings: Participating factories—numbering in the hundreds—have achieved massive reductions in freshwater consumption and wastewater discharge, alongside significant energy savings and greenhouse gas emission cuts.
Cost Reduction & Efficiency: Cleaner production methods have led to operating cost savings and improved cost-competitiveness among textile firms.
Sectoral Transformation: PaCT has fostered a shift in mindset across the industry, catalysing broader adoption of sustainability measures and elevated environmental standards.
Knowledge Infrastructure: Initiatives under PaCT include the establishment of knowledge hubs and local auditor pools, which support longer-term capacity building and innovation within the sector.