Eighteen textile and readymade garment factories in Bangladesh have been honoured with the Sustainability Leadership Award for their outstanding performance in three categories – social standards, environmental excellence and innovative excellence.

The award has been instituted by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the German-based Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit.

The main objective of this award is to recognise the best of the readymade garment industry and present them to the global audience in order to promote complianceand encourage the country's apparel makers to keep prioritising sustainability in the coming days.

Today, Bangladesh’s clothing factories are not only safer but also dynamic, modern, energy-efficient and environment-friendly. Germany which ranks top among the EU countries in importing textiles made in Bangladesh is committed to continuing its support to the compliant factories.

Among the winners, Vintage Denim Studio was announced champion and Echotex runner-up for the most convincing factory setup, while Ananta Garments and Pacific Jeans received the award for women empowerment at the workplace. Epyllion Knitwear and Flamingo Fashions were picked for the best-supported social initiatives in the neighbourhood of factories. Envoy Textiles and Zaber&Zubair Fabrics were recognised as environmental champions while Color City and Universal Jeans were honoured for water use reduction.