REBIL Group is your global partner for printed media, labels, and packaging solutions with more than 70 years of experience. All three business areas are characterized by high demands on all of the criteria for exclusive products. REBIL Group is one of the leading suppliers of branding solutions worldwide.

Recently Mr. Esref Hilmi Acik (Managing Director of REBIL Group & Co-Founder of OLEAGO Inc.) visited Bangladesh. During his visit, he conversed with the Denim Focus team.

Denim Focus: How do you see the economic growth of the Bangladesh Ready-Made Garments (RMG) Sector?

Mr. Esref Hilmi Acik: “MADE IN BANGLADESH” has launched a global strategy to diversify partnerships and expand the RMG sector, emphasizing innovation and sustainability. Bangladesh continues to innovate in apparel, creating higher-value products, and is diversifying exports with specialized engineered products such as suits, jackets, lingerie, sportswear, denim wear, technical textiles, and man-made fibers (MMF) apparel. This diversification is part of a broader goal to reach an export target of US$100 billion by 2030.

The sector has also successfully established partnerships with various online brands, broadening its customer base and reducing reliance on single channels. In response to evolving market demands, factories have revamped their production lines to include a range of value-added items like premium denim, swim shorts, loungewear, wedding attire, and fashion accessories. Despite challenges such as anticipated increases in the cost of raw materials and their ripple effects across the apparel, textiles, and fashion accessories value chain, we anticipate
positive economic growth for Bangladesh in 2024 and beyond.

Denim Focus: Could you please share about REBIL Group & what’s your specialty?

Mr. Esref Hilmi Acik: Established in 1951 in Turkey, the REBIL Group has emerged as one of the leading suppliers of branding solutions globally, renowned for our commitment to exclusive sustainable and bio-based trims and accessories. For over seven decades, our dedication to delivering consistently high-quality products remains unwavering. We rigorously adhere to regulatory and quality control standards, ensuring our products uphold their renowned quality, irrespective of their production origin.

In 2021, the innovation-driven minds behind REBIL Group founded OLEAGO Inc., a company at the forefront of transforming materials derived from olive industry by-products and other biological waste into next-generation sustainable products. Oleatex™, developed by OLEAGO Inc., represents the cutting edge in bio-based leather alternatives, disrupting the apparel, footwear, and leather goods industries. This 100% vegan, sustainable material is crafted primarily from biowastes sourced from the olive industry. Oleatex™ boasts certifications from the USDA and DIN as a bio-based product, containing 50% to 90% biological ingredients. It also carries the prestigious V-label for being a 100% vegan product and is recognized as “PETA-Approved Vegan,” underscoring our commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious manufacturing.

Denim Focus: How do you see the Bangladesh market?

Mr. Esref Hilmi Acik: Bangladesh is diligently forging strategic partnerships and trade pacts with a variety of nations to solidify its position as a competitive apparel exporter and establish itself as a key commercial nexus within the South Asia and Southeast Asia regions. To amplify export volumes and minimize lead times, Bangladesh has inaugurated direct shipping services to key markets in Europe and China. These direct routes are not only cost-effective but also crucial in an industry where prompt market delivery is increasingly vital due to rapidly shifting fashion trends. Amidst evolving supply chain requirements, there is a heightened demand for eco-friendly products from both consumers and brands. This demand is reshaping the fashion industry, as stakeholders from every corner call for greater transparency and corporate responsibility in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

Simultaneously, Bangladesh is a frontrunner in sustainable production, boasting 206 LEED-certified green garment factories, including 76 with platinum ratings. Looking ahead, the strategic focus must pivot towards investing in backward linkages, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, skill enhancement, and sustaining the momentum in green initiatives. Embracing circularity and innovation, Bangladesh is committed to nurturing a sustainable, holistic ecosystem for apparel, textiles, and fashion accessories.

Denim Focus: Are you participating in Denim Expo May Edition, what you will be presenting in the upcoming show in Dhaka?

Mr. Esref Hilmi Acik: Having made a strong impression at the Denim Expo in both 2022 and 2023, we are excited to confirm our participation in the 16th edition this May 2024. Our exhibit will be a showcase of innovative and sustainable solutions that span the entire supply and value chain, tailored for the denim industry. Attendees can look forward to exploring our latest collection, gaining inspiration, and discovering new ideas for their upcoming fashion accessories lines. Our presentation will be a fusion of trend-forward concepts and eco-conscious craftsmanship, aligning with the evolving demands of the fashion world.

Denim Focus: What’s your future plan for the Bangladesh market?

Mr. Esref Hilmi Acik: In 2023, we established REBIL Bangladesh Limited in Dhaka, a subsidiary of the REBIL Group from Turkey, in response to the burgeoning opportunities within the apparel, textile, and fashion accessory export markets. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability is the cornerstone of our strategy to empower our customers’ success in a highly competitive market. We aim to bolster our global footprint and diversify our product portfolio to anticipate and lead market trends. As we reflect on a year that posed numerous challenges, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support.

Your trust in our products, our team, and our mission fuels our drive for excellence. We believe in the power of partnership to effect tangible change in the industry. Here’s to a new year brimming with promising opportunities and advancements towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

For more information, please visit the website at: www.rebilgroup.com & www.oleatex.com