Turning rice waste into sustainable industrial materials in Bangladesh
EDFI TGVC guarantee under EFSD+ supports BIO’s $3.7 million loan to Super Silica to scale circular manufacturing
Brussels, 9 July 2026 — EDFIManagement Company (EDFI MC), through its Transforming Global Value Chains (TGVC) guarantee programme under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), is supporting BIO’s $3.7 million senior term loan to Super Silica Bangladesh Limited, the country’s first ISO‑certified producer of green sodium silicate transforming rice husk ash into industrial materials.
BIO’s loan will finance machinery and equipment to expand Super Silica’s production of sodium silicate and launch two new products, green precipitated silica and sodium sulphate. These materials are used in everyday products including toothpaste, tires and shoe soles, while green precipitated silica is currently imported into Bangladesh.
Super Silica’s model is rooted in circular manufacturing. The company processes rice husk ash, an abundant agricultural residue that is often dumped illegally, and converts it into valuable industrial inputs. By turning waste into higher-value products, the company helps reduce pollution risks, avoid natural resource extraction and support more resource-efficient local production. Super Silica is also the country’s first ISO‑certified producer of green sodium silicate, reflecting its commitment to high-quality and sustainable manufacturing.
The investment is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s sustainable manufacturing sector, support import substitution, and create jobs. It will also generate additional income for local intermediaries and rural communities involved in the rice husk ash value chain.
The transaction aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and EFSD+ objectives by supporting sustainable production, private sector development and more resilient value chains in a Least Developed Country and Fragile State. BIO has also developed an Environmental and Social Action Plan to support decent work improvements as the company expands.
The TGVC guarantee helps de-risk BIO’s investment in a company contributing to circular economy solutions and climate-aligned manufacturing in Bangladesh. TGVC is one of the EFSD+ guarantee programmes managed by EDFI MC to help European Development Finance Institutions mobilise investment in businesses that strengthen sustainable local, regional and global value chains in emerging markets.
About EDFI Management Company
EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) is a multilaterally owned impact asset manager which delivers innovative development finance solutions that enable European DFIs, development banks and private sector investors to increase the scale and impact of their work. The company focuses on business models, technologies and geographies where other investors have not been able to operate at the desired scale given their resources and investment criteria. For more information, visit www.edfimc.eu
About the EDFI Transforming Global Value Chains (TGVC) Programme
The EDFI Transforming Global Value Chains (TGVC) Programme is a joint EFSD+ guarantee programme developed by European Development Finance Institutions and EDFI Management Company under the EU’s Global Gateway. The Programme supports and de-risks debt investments in companies and projects that make global value chains more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, with a focus on high-impact sectors and challenging markets. For more information see https://edfimc.eu/what-we-do/transforming-global-value-chains-tgvc/
About EFSD+
The European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) is the financing arm of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. It provides guarantees and blended finance instruments to support investments that contribute to sustainable development, particularly in fragile and emerging markets.
About Global Gateway
Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to boost smart, clean, and secure connections in digital, energy, and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education, and research systems across the world. It aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments between 2021 and 2027 to support sustainable and trusted partnerships globally.
About BIO
BIO is the Belgian Development Finance Institution and investment arm of Belgian international cooperation. It supports the growth of a strong, locally anchored private sector in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Ukraine. BIO’s investments create jobs and generate local tax revenues, attract additional private investments, focus on sectors often lacking access to capital and respect local priorities. Priority areas include sustainable agriculture, local value chains, renewable energy, and inclusive financial services, with special attention to women’s economic inclusion. For more information: www.bio-invest.be
