Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Seven apparel factories were awarded the ‘1st Social and Environmental Excellence Awards 2012 (SEE Awards 2012)’ at a city hotel on Sunday for their outstanding contribution to environmental protection and social compliance.
The awards were given in three broader categories including Social Compliance, Innovative Idea and Environmental Standards. There are several sub-categories under these categories.
Under Social Compliance category Saiham Knit Composite Ltd has been awarded the ‘Health and Safety’ award, Fakir Apparels Ltd — the ‘Best Worker and Management Relationship’ award and Fakir Apparels Ltd — also the ‘Special Benefits/Benefits Beyond Labour Law’ award.
Aboni Knitwear won the ‘Innovative Idea’ award while Viyellatex won the ‘Resource Use Efficiency’ award, Hamza Textile the ‘Waste Management’ award and Hamza Textile the ‘Factory of the Year for Environmental Sustainability’ award under Environmental Standard category.
Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards in the Industry (PSES), the European Union (EU) and German Government in collaboration with Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) organized the event. 
The award ceremony was supported by International Finance Corporation (IFC), along with Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI).
 
BBN/SSR/AD-25Feb13-10:17 am (BST)