Spent Batteries A global strategy for navigating the emerging e-mobility divide Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are becoming one of the fastest-growing and least-governed waste streams globally. While Global North (classified by UN Trade and Development, UNCTAD) markets are building formal lithium-ion recycling systems, many Global South markets still rely on cheaper but highly toxic lead-acid
Decent work for emerging circular supply chains, informal workers and MSMEs Learning briefs by Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) The Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme aims to address the environmental and human health impacts of the manufacturing sector and plastics pollution in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. SMEP works with businesses, NGOs and universities active
Geopolitical shocks are exposing the fragility of global fertiliser supply chains. A surprising solution – and a major development opportunity – lies rotting in the fields. Worker at pineapple leaf decortication line at Mananasi Fibre, Nairobi, Kenya. Somewhere on the outskirts of Thika, Kenya, a pineapple leaf processing facility hums through its daily routine. Workers
Event Details Date: 23 June 2026Time: 18:30-19:30 CESTVenue: Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), Switzerland International trade in used textiles plays an important role in supporting textile circularity by extending the life of garments, reducing pressure on disposal systems, and supplying affordable clothing to consumers in many developing countries. At the same time, concerns about textile
Global Secondhand Clothes Trade Monitor Global trade in secondhand clothing (SHC) plays a vital role in promoting textile circularity. By extending the lifespan of garments, it helps reduce the pressure on landfills in exporting countries and provides affordable clothing options in importing countries where new garments are often financially inaccessible for a large majority of
Climate action is accelerating. Governments, businesses and investors are looking to circular economy models, cleaner production and green industries as part of the transition to a more sustainable future. But what kind of work is being created in this transition? At COP30, countries agreed to establish a Just Transition Mechanism. This has been welcomed as an opportunity
Joint Policy Brief Controlling Single-Use Plastics at a Regional Level in East Africa Plastic pollution presents a growing environmental and economic challenge across the East African Community (EAC), degrading ecosystems, contaminating water bodies, and imposing rising costs on public waste management systems. Recently, in the context of the Hormuz Strait conflict, prices of plastic items
Improving occupational health & safety and meeting decent work standards Resource Pack The purpose of this resource pack is to help SMEP grantees strengthen their organisational practice around decent work and occupational health and safety (OHS). It complements three online workshops hosted in September and October 2025. The pack introduces the concept of decent work