Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme

UNCTAD

Biodegradability and compostability: Definitions and Standards Toolkit for Policymakers

Toolkit / By

Biodegradability and Compostability: Definitions and standards toolkit for policymakers This definitions and standards toolkit for policymakers is based on the SMEP Report “Reduction Management: Regional policies and standards on biodegradation and compostability in East and West Africa”. Developed by UNCTAD, the following list of recommended definitions has been based on the assessment of the most […]

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

Policy brief / By

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

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Plastic substitution in developing countries: Sectoral opportunities and challenges

Report / By

Plastic substitution in developing countries Sectoral opportunities and challenges Plastic pollution poses significant threats to environmental health, human well-being, and economic stability. Emerging research has detected microplastics in human blood and brain tissues, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects. Despite numerous international initiatives aimed at governing plastic use, critical issues persist, primarily due to

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Plastics reduction and management: Regional policies and standards on biodegradation and compostability in East and West Africa

Report / By

Plastics reduction and management Regional policies and standards on biodegradation and compostability in East and West Africa The issue of plastic pollution in East and West Africa is transboundary in nature, requiring a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration at national, regional, and international levels. To effectively tackle this crisis, comprehensive policies and coordinated bans such

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Decarbonising the textiles sector in Bangladesh

Policy brief / By

Decarbonising the Textile Sector in Bangladesh Insight’s from a Textiles Wastewater Management project at Fakir Knitwears The SMEP Textiles Wastewater Management project, co-led by Primark and Panta Rei Water Solutions in collaboration with the Fakir Group, Grundfos, WaterAid and H&M at the Fakir Knitwear Plant, in Dhaka, demonstrates how integrating advanced wastewater treatment and reuse

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A review of parameters and requirements for an effective consumer label on plastics and plastics alternatives

Report / By

A review of parameters and requirements for an effective consumer label on plastics and plastics alternatives Labelling has played a crucial role in guiding consumer choices, dating back to ancient Egyptian and Greek civilisations, where symbols denoted the origin and authenticity of goods. Plastic labelling began in 1988 with the Resin Identification Codes (RIC), introduced

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UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update: Mobilising trade to curb plastics pollution

Policy brief / By

UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update Mobilising trade to curb plastic pollution Plastics have fuelled global growth across various industries, but at an increasing environmental, economic, and social cost. Today, plastic pollution represents a systemic and transboundary crisis, disproportionately affecting developing countries that have limited capacity for waste management. Drawing on several outputs from the SMEP Programme,

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

Policy brief / By

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

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