SMEP Resources
Battery Value Chains: The challenges for e-mobility in South Asia
In South Asia, the urgent need for affordable mobility has led to a rapid embrace of e-mobility, but often with regrettable technology choices like lead-acid batteries (LABs) used in electric 3-wheelers. This report explores the challenges associated with LABs as well as potential solutions to managing these in Bangladesh.
Pineapple Farming Waste Management: A Case Study on Mananasi Fibre Ltd
This case study report provides an overview of pilot activity that has been undertaken by Mananasi Fibre at the Del Monte Pineapple Estate in Thika, Kenya, commencing in July 2023.
Dirty, difficult and dangerous: Establishing a plastics waste upcycling system in Nepal
The growing global issue of plastic waste can be offset by upcycling it into new and useful products. This article relays the lessons from the Plastic to Ghar upcycling project in Nepal.
Solutions in Traditional Knowledge: Gravity water filters
This study examines the challenge of improving water access to meet SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), while also reducing dependence on plastic-based water delivery systems, such as those using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sachets by considering the traditional technology of ceramic gravity filters.
Database for tracking international trade in non-plastic substitutes
A global shift towards non-plastic materials holds significant potential to deliver economic opportunities for the developing world. A new database tracking international trade in non-plastic substitutes is now available on UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) online Data Hub.
Poisoned power: Why lead-acid batteries need a cleaner and greener alternative
Invented more than 160 years ago, lead-acid batteries, which are reliable and cheap, are still the most widely used rechargeable batteries despite containing toxic lead. The UNCTAD Weekly Tradecast looks at lead-acid batteries and why they remain so popular despite the world moving towards greener energy with UN Trade and
