In today’s global apparel industry, the demand for ethically produced garments has never been higher. Buyers, especially from Europe, North America, and Australia, are prioritizing suppliers who meet international standards for social compliance, worker welfare, and environmental sustainability. Recognizing this global shift, Tex Garment Zone, one of Bangladesh’s leading garment manufacturers, embarked on a journey to develop their factories in line with internationally recognized certifications such as BSCI, SEDEX, and WRAP.
Achieving these certifications was not an overnight process but a testament to Tex Garment Zone’s long-term commitment to building a responsible, transparent, and worker-friendly manufacturing ecosystem. This article explores the comprehensive steps Tex Garment Zone took to develop their factory and align their operations with the strict requirements of these globally respected certification bodies.
Understanding the Importance of BSCI, SEDEX, and WRAP
Before diving into the factory development process, it’s crucial to understand what these certifications represent:
- BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)
BSCI provides a system for companies to improve working conditions in global supply chains. Based on the principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN’s guiding principles on business and human rights, and national labor laws, BSCI emphasizes fair wages, safe working environments, freedom of association, and the prohibition of child or forced labor.
- SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange)
SEDEX is a global membership organization that provides an online platform for companies to manage and share data related to labor rights, health and safety, the environment, and business ethics. It’s particularly known for the SMETA audit (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit), which is a leading ethical audit format recognized worldwide.
- WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)
WRAP is dedicated to promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing through certification and education. It requires factories to comply with 12 Principles, covering everything from legal compliance to health and safety, environmental practices, and customs compliance.
Tex Garment Zone’s Vision for Responsible Manufacturing
Tex Garment Zone has always believed that true business success is not only measured by profits but also by the positive impact it creates for workers, the community, and the environment. With growing demand from international clients in Canada, the USA, the UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Australia, and beyond, Tex Garment Zone realized early on that achieving globally recognized certifications was critical to:
✅ Gaining buyer confidence
✅ Ensuring sustainable growth
✅ Creating a safe, ethical workplace
✅ Aligning with international labor and environmental standards
Thus, a strategic roadmap was developed to transform Tex Garment Zone’s manufacturing operations to meet and exceed the requirements of BSCI, SEDEX, and WRAP.
Step-by-Step Development of Tex Garment Zone’s Certified Factory
- Initial Factory Assessment
The first step towards certification was conducting an in-depth assessment of the existing factory setup. Tex Garment Zone collaborated with external consultants and internal compliance teams to evaluate:
- Health and safety standards
- Labor conditions and contracts
- Wage structures and benefits
- Working hours and overtime policies
- Environmental management practices
- Legal documentation and licenses
- Fire safety and building integrity
This assessment identified both strengths and gaps compared to international standards.
- Upgrading Factory Infrastructure
A major part of certification readiness required physical improvements to the factory premises, including:
- Fire Safety Measures
- Installation of advanced fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers
- Clearly marked emergency exits
- Conducting regular fire drills
- Building Safety and Structural Integrity
- Comprehensive building inspections
- Reinforcement of structural elements where needed
- Compliance with Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC)
- Worker Welfare Facilities
- Hygienic, gender-segregated restrooms
- Proper ventilation and adequate lighting
- Safe drinking water and clean dining areas
- Separate medical room with first aid and health check-up arrangements
- Policy Development and Documentation
BSCI, SEDEX, and WRAP require extensive documentation of policies and operational practices. Tex Garment Zone developed, implemented, and documented key policies including:
- Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy
- Child Labor Prevention Policy
- Forced Labor and Harassment Prevention Policies
- Grievance Mechanism for Workers
- Environmental Management Policy
- Occupational Health and Safety Policy
- Wages and Working Hours Policy
These policies were translated into the local language and displayed prominently across the factory.
- Worker Training and Awareness Programs
Certifications focus heavily on worker rights and empowerment. Tex Garment Zone organized extensive training programs covering:
- Health and safety protocols
- Workers’ rights under national and international laws
- Grievance reporting mechanisms
- Fire safety and emergency response
- First aid and medical support
- Environmental awareness
The company also established worker welfare committees, ensuring employee participation in decision-making related to factory operations and safety.
- Implementing Environmental Sustainability Measures
Tex Garment Zone recognized that ethical manufacturing goes beyond worker welfare; it extends to environmental stewardship. To comply with WRAP, SEDEX, and BSCI environmental requirements, the company invested in:
- Waste Management Systems
- Segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste
- Safe disposal practices in line with government regulations
- Water and Energy Conservation
- Installation of energy-efficient lighting and machinery
- Water-saving fixtures in restrooms and production areas
- Chemical Management
- Proper storage and handling of chemicals used in production
- Regular training on chemical safety protocols
These steps not only ensured compliance but also aligned with global buyers’ increasing focus on eco-friendly production.
- Engagement with Certification Bodies
Once the factory upgrades, policy implementations, and training programs were in place, Tex Garment Zone initiated formal engagement with the certification bodies:
- For BSCI, the company became part of the amfori BSCI platform, completing self-assessments and preparing for third-party audits.
- For SEDEX, Tex Garment Zone registered on the SEDEX platform, submitted required documentation, and scheduled the SMETA audit.
- For WRAP, the company applied for certification, underwent pre-assessments, and invited WRAP-approved auditors to conduct on-site evaluations.
- Third-Party Audits and Continuous Improvement
Independent audit firms conducted comprehensive factory inspections, interviewing workers, reviewing documents, and verifying compliance in areas such as:
- Wages and benefits
- Working hours and rest breaks
- Occupational health and safety
- Anti-harassment measures
- Grievance procedures
- Environmental practices
Although Tex Garment Zone passed these audits, the company embraced the process as an opportunity for continuous improvement. Any minor non-conformities identified were promptly addressed with corrective action plans.
- Achieving and Maintaining Certifications
Through months of preparation and unwavering commitment, Tex Garment Zone successfully achieved:
✅ BSCI Certification, demonstrating strong social compliance and worker welfare standards
✅ SEDEX Membership, with a positive SMETA audit report reflecting ethical trade practices
✅ WRAP Certification, ensuring lawful, humane, and ethical production
However, Tex Garment Zone understands that certification is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing responsibility. Regular internal audits, worker feedback, management reviews, and re-certification processes ensure that compliance standards are consistently maintained.
The Benefits of Certification for Tex Garment Zone
The investments and efforts towards achieving BSCI, SEDEX, and WRAP certifications have yielded significant benefits for Tex Garment Zone:
- Increased Buyer Confidence
Global brands, particularly from Canada, the USA, Germany, the UK, Australia, and Sweden, now view Tex Garment Zone as a trusted, compliant manufacturing partner.
- Access to New Markets
Many buyers require factories to be certified before considering them as suppliers. With these certifications, Tex Garment Zone has expanded its reach to new clients and markets.
- Enhanced Worker Satisfaction
A safe, fair, and respectful working environment has improved employee morale, reduced turnover, and increased productivity.
- Environmental Responsibility
Sustainable practices have reduced the factory’s environmental footprint, aligning with Tex Garment Zone’s commitment to responsible manufacturing.
- Long-Term Business Sustainability
Compliance with international standards ensures Tex Garment Zone remains competitive and future-proof in an evolving global apparel industry.
Conclusion: A Model for Ethical Apparel Manufacturing in Bangladesh
Tex Garment Zone’s journey to becoming a BSCI, SEDEX, and WRAP-certified factory demonstrates that responsible, ethical, and sustainable apparel manufacturing is achievable in Bangladesh. Through strategic investments, worker empowerment, and unwavering commitment to global standards, Tex Garment Zone has positioned itself as a role model for others in the industry.
As the demand for ethically produced garments continues to rise, Tex Garment Zone remains committed to not only meeting but exceeding expectations — ensuring their workers, customers, and the environment are all part of their success story.