“Sustainable Operations in the RMG Sector: Aligning Import Export Practices with Green Supply Chain Requirements”

Abstract

The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economy, yet its import-export operations often lack full alignment with emerging green supply chain requirements. As global buyers increasingly demand environmentally responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and carbon-efficient logistics, ensuring sustainable operations has become essential for continued competitiveness and compliance. This growing pressure highlights the importance of researching how RMG firms can integrate greener practices into their international trade activities. Despite various sustainability initiatives, a significant gap remains in understanding how import-export processes-such as raw material sourcing, customs procedures, packaging, and transportation-can be systematically aligned with green supply chain standards. The purpose of this study is to identify these gaps and propose practical ways for RMG companies to improve environmental performance without disrupting operational efficiency. This research uses a sample of selected RMG companies in Dhaka, collecting data through structured questionnaires and interviews with supply chain professionals. Quantitative data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS to examine patterns, relationships, and operational challenges linked to sustainability adoption. The findings indicate that improved supplier compliance, optimized transportation planning, and eco-friendly packaging are key drivers for greener import-export operations. The results also show that firms with higher digitalization and stronger buyer collaboration achieve better alignment with green supply chain requirements.