Identification of Solid Waste Management of Textile Industry Gildan SDS International Limited at Nayarhut, Savar, Dhaka

Abstract

The textile and apparel industry is a major contributor to industrial solid waste in Bangladesh, generating fabric scraps, packaging materials, sludge, and other by-products throughout production. This study evaluates the solid waste management practices of Gildan SDS International Ltd., Ashulia, Savar, with the objectives of identifying waste sources, assessing existing management systems, and evaluating sustainability performance. In the spinning stage, 127.4 kg of cotton fiber is required to produce 100 kg of yarn, generating 27.4 kg of waste and resulting in a material conversion rate of 78%. In weaving, 108.6 kg of yarn is consumed to produce 100 kg of woven greige fabric, producing 8.6 kg of waste and achieving a 92% conversion rate. Warping and sizing sections generate approximately 1.9% wastage due to poor material handling and inadequate expertise, while inspection and quality control sections contribute 1.8% wastage from fabric faults, spots, and shade variations. In apparel manufacturing, the cutting section generates the highest waste (10%), requiring 110 kg of fabric inventory for every 100 kg utilized and resulting in an 83% conversion rate. The inspection section adds 2.7% wastage due to measurement errors and poor handling. During wet processing, 121 kg of greige fabric is required to produce 100 kg of finished fabric, generating 21 kg of waste and achieving an 82% conversion rate. The company records a recycling rate of 12% and landfill diversion of 70%, with moderate occupational health performance and data transparency. Overall, SDS International Ltd. demonstrates relatively advanced solid waste management practices, supporting sustainable industrial development in Bangladesh.