DECEMBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK19Sustainability & CSR ActivitiesAzim Group believes that sustainability is the cornerstone of how it manages its business and that it applies to all stages of operations. It has adopted industry-leading eco-friendly technologies and means of production to make high quality sustainable products. Their state- of-the-art denim washing plant is equipped with machines like the E-flow and O-zone, which replicate traditional denim washes by using only a fraction of the water or chemical compared to traditional methods. As an industry leader, the company recognizes the importance of Prioritizing corporate social responsibility for setting standards of social consciousness in their communities and beyond. The company sponsors workers from their garment factories to pursue under graduate degrees at the Asian University for Women (AUW) with the option of returning to the company to take up managerial positions after graduation. The company promotes positive outcomes throughout the fashion industry, from material sourcing to delivery, by empowering the people they work with, supporting its communities, and safeguarding the environment. Azim Group establishes periodic goals for long-term progress, thereby improving the industry and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. In order to ensure long term incremental improvement, they are constantly investing in modern methods. Synonymous with its commitment to sustainability, the firm is certified by global standards, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standards), OCS (Organic Content Standard), GRS (Global Recycle Standard), RCS (Recycle Claim Standard), High Standard (Social and Environmental), ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemical), Join Life Program by Inditex, Step By OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN, amfori BEPI, RTM(Ready to Manufacture), REDE and Supply Chain Sustainability Program with Wal-Mart.Azim Group also takes initiatives in CSR activities- which includes establishing Women's College in Noakhali, Bangladesh, Pre-Primary Education Programs in collaboration with Save The Children in factory nursery, providing milk to workers' children, donating warm clothing in the winter to the under-privileged, organizing annual excursions for the workers/employees, Women Workers Scholarship Programs for Higher Education with Asian University For Women, Neutrinos Program (Change Bangladesh/ Shopno), Annual Health Check-up, Workers Health Checkup (HAIFA Program), and conducting empowering and awareness workshops for RMG Workers through BRAC, a world leading NGO.The Success SagaAzim Group has grown exponentially since its inception in 1975 and carved a niche for themselves in the industry owing to its standardized quality work. In the beginning, the company was primarily focused on trading automobile parts, bicycle parts, and fabric. The firm then expanded into the textile industry by importing cloth fabrics from Japan, Korea, and China. Mohammad Fazlul Azim had the notion to start a garment factory at the time. In this regard, he was inspired to start his own garment factory by his cousin who worked as the Managing Director in the Industrial Development Bank, and his friend who also worked as a Development Officer in the same bank. The idea gained traction when Azim was introduced to Shimijo of JUKI Corporation, a prominent Japanese producer of industrial sewing machines, by a Frenchman who was the Country Manager of Wrangler Denim in Hong Kong. Shimijo of JUKI Corporation sponsored Azim's visit to the garment factory in Hong Kong known as Texwood which was his first visit to a Hong Kong garment factory. Upon his return from the trip, Azim decided to establish Azim Group's first garment factory in Bangladesh on 23 January, 1980.What began as a one-man show has evolved into an ever-expanding company that maintains efficient business operations while always exploring new opportunities. Over the years, the firm has built a strong clientele of leading apparel companies including American Eagle, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, Pull & Bear, Wrangler, Bershka, Costco, Amazon, Aeropostale, Perry Ellis, Mango, Walmart, JCPenny, and many more. The firm takes great pride in its strengths, which are - honesty, sincerity, and dedication. Azim Group is a pioneer in Bangladesh's garment manufacturing business, having made significant contributions to the country's development since its independenceDECEMBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK19
< Page 9 | Page 11 >