Environmental prize awarded to DEG customer

The textile company Jinnat Knitwears promotes environmental protection and fair working conditions. It thus stands as a shining example for the textile industry in Bangladesh, which is often being criticised for its poor working conditions and safety deficiencies. The Carbon Performance Improvement Initiative (CPI2) has now honoured Jinnat with the "CPI2-Top-Factory Award".

The industry-wide initiative aims at lowering energy consumption in textile production in developing and emerging-market countries and at markedly reducing CO2 emissions.

Strong commitment to environmental protection and fair employment

The most impressive feature was Jinnat's constant effort to reduce its energy consumption along the entire production chain. The enterprise from Gazipur had LED lamps installed in all its buildings, switched to modern sewing machines and cut petrol consumption in its fleet of lorries, just to name a few examples.

The company is also active in improving working conditions and social benefits for its workforce in the textile industry, which is of such vital importance for Bangladesh. As a subsidiary of the DBL Group, Jinnat pays salaries well above the minimum wage. Moreover, the DBL Group also offers its staff accommodation, medical care and childcare places.

The DBL Group has been a customer of DEG since 2010. DEG, in cooperation with OeEB - Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG (Development Bank of Austria), provided the group with a loan earmarked for a textile dyeing facility including a wastewater treatment plant. Furthermore, it provided comprehensive advice with regard to international environmental and social standards along the entire value chain.

Online tool for increased energy efficiency

CPI2 has created an online tool to help textile companies achieve a more energy-efficient production. Companies that use it receive tailor-made recommendations on how to use energy efficiently and pursue production methods generating low-emissions.

A total of 500 companies from 18 countries are already employing the tool. By ensuring low-emission production they are protecting the environment while reducing their energy costs, boosting productivity and improving competitiveness.