Sustainable and profitable: Bangladesh’s jute entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs have a vital role to play in rebuilding the economy as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the IKEA Foundation, we believe this should happen in a sustainable way, that benefits both people and planet.

In Bangladesh, young women are setting up jute businesses that are good for the environment and their communities. They are supported by our partner Youth Business International (YBI) and their local member organisation Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Advice and Helpcentre (B’YEAH).

Jute is a traditional crop of Bangladesh with many environmental benefits. It is biodegradable, cleanses the air, needs less fertiliser than other crops and improves soil texture. Higher demand for jute also creates employment and boosts the rural economy.

Young jute entrepreneur

In 2017, Fatiha Islam (24) founded an enterprise called JUCOF, manufacturing jute bags, gifts and clothing. Within just two years JUCOF grew from employing just one person to 15 employees.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fatiha had to shut down her business for two months and all her orders were cancelled. However, things started looking up again when she was introduced to YBI member B’YEAH and attended training in e-commerce as part of the programme we fund.

Following the training, Fatiha started advertising and selling her products online. She managed to get new orders from the buyers who had originally cancelled on her.

Decent work training

She also took part in B’YEAH’s decent work training, which is part of the same programme. The training helped her put health and safety measures in place in her factory and ensure proper documentation and written contracts for all her employees.

Fatiha is working on opening her first showroom very soon as well as increasing her exports. Her goal is to reduce the use of plastic materials by promoting jute.

She says: “I sell Jute products to reduce the use of plastic materials. This will be a blessing for the environment. I believe it is our duty to ensure that the next generation can live a safe and healthy life in a clean environment.”

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#IKEAFoundation #GOGLA #RenewableEnergy
The IKEA Foundation supports @goglassociation to strengthen and develop the global industry around Productive Use of Renewable Energy (#PURE). Their #PuttingSolar2Work series highlights the benefits that renewable energy can bring to people like Doreen Njoroge. Doreen is a mother of three from rural Kenya. In 2022, she adopted an Agsol solar-powered micro-mill, which has not only reduced costs and saved time but also provided her community with cleaner flour. Her story illustrates the potential of #OffGridSolar technology to foster opportunities and resilience. 🌽 🌍 By #PuttingSolar2Work, smallholder farmers aren't just enhancing their businesses but also becoming agents of climate action and economic growth. 🔗 Visit our link in bio to learn more. *Image credit to Agsol/GOGLA. #IKEAFoundation #GOGLA #RenewableEnergy
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✅ Support 500+ waste enterprises.
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By working with global and local partners, we are strengthening plastic recycling supply chains to be fair, just, and inclusive—helping people and protecting the planet.

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Over the past five years, Climate Governance Initiative has grown into a powerful global movement, empowering over 100,000 board directors across 33 Chapters worldwide to drive bold climate action. 
 
"Climate Governance Initiative has built the foundation of a truly global and influential movement, and this Annual Report portrays a vigorous movement, ever-growing in strength and purpose." - Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Governing Board, Climate Governance Initiative
 
🔗 Head to our link in bio to read the report in full. 
 
#IKEAFoundation #ClimateGovernanceInitiative
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The IKEA Foundation proudly supports Climate Governance Initiative because we believe effective climate leadership within business is vital to transition towards a sustainable and inclusive future.
 
Over the past five years, Climate Governance Initiative has grown into a powerful global movement, empowering over 100,000 board directors across 33 Chapters worldwide to drive bold climate action. 
 
"Climate Governance Initiative has built the foundation of a truly global and influential movement, and this Annual Report portrays a vigorous movement, ever-growing in strength and purpose." - Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Governing Board, Climate Governance Initiative
 
🔗 Head to our link in bio to read the report in full. 
 
#IKEAFoundation #ClimateGovernanceInitiative
We’re pleased to share the Climate Governance Initiative 2024 Annual Report. 🌍 🙌

The IKEA Foundation proudly supports Climate Governance Initiative because we believe effective climate leadership within business is vital to transition towards a sustainable and inclusive future.
 
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"Climate Governance Initiative has built the foundation of a truly global and influential movement, and this Annual Report portrays a vigorous movement, ever-growing in strength and purpose." - Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Governing Board, Climate Governance Initiative
 
🔗 Head to our link in bio to read the report in full. 
 
#IKEAFoundation #ClimateGovernanceInitiative
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