Fashion Giants Urged to Drive Renewable Energy Shift in Bangladesh

A new report from Stand.earth Research Group highlights the critical role that major fashion brands can play in reducing Bangladesh's carbon emissions. H&M Group, Inditex, Primark, and Walmart are among 15 companies identified as pivotal in helping the country cut emissions by an impressive 1.26 million tons annually.

Power of the Fashion Industry

The report, titled "Fashion’s Fair Share: Bangladesh Buyers’ Climate Opportunity," reveals that these 15 brands account for 26.3 percent of Bangladesh’s apparel exports by weight. This significant buying power positions them to potentially reduce emissions by an estimated 8.50 million tons by 2040. Notably, Inditex, H&M Group, and Primark emerged as the largest buyers in 2025, with these three alone representing over 11 percent of the nation's apparel exports.

Call to Action for Sustainable Practices

While the report commends H&M Group and Inditex for their 100 percent renewable energy targets, it also sheds light on the lack of concrete public climate adaptation policies among these brands. Only four companies, including H&M and Marks & Spencer, have publicly participated in supplier financing initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability. Stand.earth encourages these brands to take immediate action through its newly launched Clean Energy Investment Pact, which challenges them to commit resources to facilitate a transition to renewable energy in Bangladesh's garment sector within the next 18 months.

Rachel Kitchin, a senior corporate climate campaigner at Stand.earth, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Just 15 brands, acting together, could change the trajectory of Bangladesh’s energy transition." She urged brands to prioritize the health of workers and the planet amidst rising energy costs and climate challenges.

Source: wwd.com