Pakistan

Sustainability must be built from the bottom up: A showcase of Reverse Resources

Traceability enables textile manufacturing and recycling companies to be more transparent and to visualise recycling practices for more accountability. SMEP grantee Reverse Resources, expands the circulation of post-industrial textile waste (PIW) in Bangladesh and Pakistan using the Reverse Resources platform, which integrates digital tools, standardised processes, and business models to align and connect stakeholders in

Innovation beyond high-tech: Traceability for resilience and fair trade in the Global South

As commodity‑reliant economies face growing demand for environmental and labour accountability, SMEs are combining traditional practices with adapted traceability solutions that fit local realities, helping them meet global trade rules, strengthen market access and protect livelihoods. At a tannery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian and Indian project researchers are testing enzyme-based methods to replace harmful chemicals

From traceability to biotechnology: Trade-led innovative solutions for sustainable leather

From Traceability to Biotechnology Trade-led innovative solutions for sustainable leather Leather was one of the first materials used by humankind, alongside natural fibres. The leather industry involves some of the oldest examples of a circular economy, adding value to meat, primarily through by-products such as animal hides and skins from slaughterhouses, while solving a significant

Beyond compliance: Trade as a channel for the adoption of industrial wastewater treatment in the Global South

Beyond Compliance Trade as a channel for the adoption of industrial wastewater treatment in the Global South Water emerges as a pivotal element within the context of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity. As a fundamental resource for all life forms, water plays a multifaceted role in our ecosystems, as a

What we have learnt: Understanding traceability and due diligence in the leather supply chain

The global leather industry—valued at over USD 400 billion—supports millions of livelihoods, especially in South Asia and Africa. Yet, despite its economic significance, the industry faces critical challenges regarding environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and global compliance with evolving regulations. As climate-conscious regulations tighten, particularly in Europe, the sector faces a critical juncture. Countries like Pakistan

Rethinking Leather Production: A four-part SMEP series on Sustainable Leather Production

“There once was a king who ruled a wealthy country. One day, he decided to visit every corner of his kingdom. After returning to his palace, he complained about the pain in his feet from the rocky roads. Frustrated, he ordered his men to cover all the roads in his country with soft leather. This,

SMEP-funded Projects: Turning Wastewater into a Resource

SMEP-funded projects that are turning wastewater into a resource Water scarcity is a global issue, with approximately 2.7 billion people afflicted world wide. With the impacts of climate change and the increasing growth in economic development and populations, the need for freshwater water sources will become ever more pressing. One way of addressing this growing

Comprehensive overview of the Pakistan Textile Waste Industry

Comprehensive overview of the Pakistan Textile Waste Industry This report, developed by Reverse Resources and their Consortium Partners through the SMEP-funded project Using data to revolutionise textile waste management and recycling, investigates the Textile Waste Industry in Pakistan. The textile industry is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. However, it

Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme