SMEP Resources
From waste to value: Upcycling agricultural residues for sustainable textiles
Frame waste to value Upcycling agricultural residues for sustainable textiles The global textile industry is massive, valued at $594.1 billion in production in 2022 alone (Euromonitor, 2023). It represents one of the most important “ladder” industries for developing countries seeking to promote industrialisation and create jobs. Yet, the industry is
Beyond the technical loop: Driving the circular bioeconomy through global policy coherence
Beyond the technical loop Driving the circular bioeconomy through global policy coherence As of April 2025, 76 countries have adopted national strategies or roadmaps for the circular economy (Chatham House, 2025). These strategies reflect growing recognition of the need to address cascading environmental risks while unlocking new avenues for competitiveness,
The Flipflopi Toolkit: Recycling solutions for remote communities
The Flipflopi Toolkit Recycling solutions for remote communities There is no one-size-fits-all solution for deeply rural contexts. Adaptable solutions are required to maintain commercial viability especially when the value of recycled plastic in relation to transport costs to market is unlikely to be sufficient to keep “business as usual” operations running sustainably in
Biochar enriched compost produced from pineapple waste: The impact on soil and crop health in commercial pineapple production as part of a full waste management strategy
Biochar enriched compost produced from pineapple waste The impact on soil and crop health in commercial pineapple production as part of a full waste management strategy This study investigates the effects of biochar and biochar-enriched compost on soil and crop health, focusing on soil properties and the growth of pineapple
Life Cycle Analysis of Mananasi Fibre Ltd’s pineapple leaf waste processing facility
Life Cycle Analysis of Mananasi Fibre Ltd’s pineapple leaf waste processing facility The global pineapple market is growing almost exponentially and currently produces 28 million tons per annum, with an estimated market size of USD 28.79 billion in 2024, which is projected to reach USD 39.13 billion by 2029. In
Leaving the shore: Marine-based plastic substitutes and alternatives to plastic
Leaving the shore Marine-based substitutes and alternatives to plastic In response to this growing crisis, a United Nations Global Plastics Treaty is under negotiations. UNCTAD has been conducting research and advocating for the recognition of non-plastic substitutes and alternatives in the future treaty. This report builds on previous research and