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As part of the operational launch of CIRCO Hub Bangladesh, LightCastle Partners, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, convened a high-level Engagement Day roundtable on January 12, 2026, in Dhaka. The session brought together manufacturers, ecosystem enablers, associations and development partners. Assessing prevailing circularity mindsets and identify systemic bottlenecks within Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) and textile sectors.
The roundtable functioned as a consultative platform to evaluate the sector’s preparedness to shift from linear to circular business models. Moderated by Mr. Pieter van Os, Co-Founder of CIRCO International. The discussion positioned circularity as the next strategic step toward long-term industrial resilience.
Participants undertook a structured mapping of existing practices. Noting that while some manufacturers have begun incorporating recycled inputs, the transition remains constrained by several systemic challenges. Key bottlenecks identified included limited access to circular design tools and high upfront technology costs. The absence of a sufficiently enabling regulatory framework to incentivize waste-to-resource models.
The roundtable discussion underscored the importance of a collective-impact approach to advancing circularity. The discussion was informed by perspective from a wide range of stakeholders across the value chain, including:
The participation of both established manufacturers and emerging startups enabled a dynamic exchange. Allowing participants to explore collaboration opportunities and share practical insights on scaling circular business propositions.
The outcomes of the roundtable are particularly timely as Bangladesh faces headwinds from shift in policies and upcoming LDC graduation that directly impact export competitiveness. Participants emphasized that compliance with evolving global sustainability standards is no longer discretionary. But a prerequisite for sustaining Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international markets.
The discussions also highlighted the need for data democratization through shared platforms. Visibility of waste generated by type or excess inventory could give other stakeholders an efficient opportunity to utilize these resources. Contributing to the closed-loop ambitions. Development sector partners emphasized the need for unification. Circularity-based projects across sectors, ensuring resources are best used without repetition.
Altogether, insights generated during the Engagement Day will feed directly into the policy advocacy agenda of CIRCO Hub Bangladesh. By channeling identified barriers to relevant government stakeholders and the Dutch Embassy, the Hub aims to contribute to the development of a legislative and incentive framework that makes circular business models more viable for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The Engagement Day represents a foundational step in CIRCO Hub Bangladesh’s first-year objective to train 40 SMEs, reaching a total of 80 professionals in circular design and business innovation. Through the creation of a growing “Circularity Community,” the Hub is cultivating a network of early adopters equipped to translate environmental challenges into commercially viable opportunities.
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.
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