Myanmar has begun investing in environmental sustainability. Till now, only one garment manufacturer in the nation has been certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum. Two other facilities, both operated by garment manufacturer Guston Amava, comprise 34 per cent recycled building materials, such as reclaimed steel, in their construction, along with rooftop solar panels, an evaporative cooling system and water-reduction features.

However, Myanmar has a long way to go. Factories are missing cost-saving benefits of making their operations greener and securing higher investments as buyers pay closer attention to sustainable production. Myanmar is one of the world’s fastest growing garment, footwear and travel goods suppliers. But this growth also results in increased environmental impact, which requires best-practice solutions for improved production efficiency, energy, water and waste management.

At a time when retailers and consumers are paying close attention to the conditions under which their garments are produced, ethical and sustainable production is a big deal. Making their operations more environmentally friendly will help factory owners compete with other sourcing markets and give them a better chance of retaining existing orders and securing new business. Else they face the danger of ceding business to competitor countries.