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In a step toward industrial sustainability, the first-ever CIRCO Track workshop in Bangladesh successfully concluded on the 14th of January 2026 in the capital, Dhaka. The three-day intensive program, organized by LightCastle Partners with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, marks the operational launch of CIRCO Hub Bangladesh as the 19th active international hub in a global network spanning 30 locations.
Figure 1 Track participants and EKN representative at the end of workshop day 1
The initiative to transition from linear to circular comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s manufacturing landscape. As the nation prepares for its LDC graduation in November 2026, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) and Textile sectors face increasing pressure to align with global sustainability standards. Transitioning from a linear “take-make-waste” model to a circular economy is no longer just an environmental goal but an economic necessity to maintain competitiveness in the global market.
During the workshop, experts highlighted that waste should be viewed as a resource. By reducing raw material usage and reusing production waste, such as transforming “Jhut” (cut waste) into mattresses or discarded plastic bottles into yarn, companies can significantly lower production costs while generating new revenue streams. Value addition to the waste streams offers higher returns on these existing circular practices.
The workshop followed the internationally recognized CIRCO methodology, which is rooted in an academic framework from the Delft University of Technology. A unique feature of the CIRCO Track is its dual-representative requirement: each participating company sends two high-level officials, one from business/management and one from design/engineering. This ensures that circular business propositions are both technically feasible and commercially viable.
Figure 2 Co-founder and Trainer, Mr. Pieter engages with Track participants
Conducted by Mr. Pieter van Os, Co-founder of CIRCO International, and Ms. Nattinee Dora Sae-Ho from CIRCO Hub Thailand, the 10 participating organizations moved through a structured three-phase process:
The program was formally inaugurated on January 11, 2026, by Mr. Mohammed Sohel, Director of BGMEA, who emphasized the urgency for industries to pivot toward sustainable production to ensure a competitive advantage. Representatives from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherland also graced the workshop. Mr. Ashim Rahman, Policy Advisor and Ms. Tanzila Tajreen, Senior Policy Advisor reinforced the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s green growth ambitions.
The workshop was further supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Circonnect (Netherlands). By integrating the RMG sector with adjacent industries, such as plastics and recycling, the Hub aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem capable of meeting the EU’s upcoming policy changes, especially the eco-design component for ESPR.
The conclusion of Track 1 is only the beginning of a broader systemic intervention. Over the coming year, CIRCO Hub Bangladesh plans to train a total of 80 professionals from 40 SMEs. These participants are envisioned as “Circularity Ambassadors” who will drive innovation and policy advocacy within their respective organizations and the wider industry.
By fostering these local cohorts and developing certified local trainers, the Hub is designed to eventually operate as a self-sustaining platform. This long-term vision ensures that the transfer of Dutch expertise in circular design will continue to fuel Bangladesh’s transition toward a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
Participating organizations:
For more information about the Hub and upcoming Tracks, visit www.circohubbangladesh.org or connect with CIRCO Hub Bangladesh on LinkedIn.
About CIRCO: CIRCO is a Dutch circular design program that helps companies create business through circularity. It has supported over 2,500 companies worldwide and is a key instrument of the Dutch government to achieve macro-level circular economy objectives.
CIRCO Hub Bangladesh is initially supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh. LightCastle Partners represents and facilitates the platform beyond program engagements in Bangladesh, with technical support from Circonnect (Netherlands).
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