Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme

Textiles

SMEP grantees make their mark at the 3rd Africa Waste is Wealth Summit

News post / By

The third edition of the Africa Waste is Wealth Summit (AWWS III), held in June 2026, brought together a broad cross-section of stakeholders from across Africa – government agencies, private sector actors, UN bodies, financiers, researchers, and innovators – united by a common agenda: transforming waste from a problem into an economic and environmental opportunity. […]

SMEP grantees make their mark at the 3rd Africa Waste is Wealth Summit Read More »

Used Textiles in Practice: Trade, Impacts and Development Pathways

Event / By

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

Used Textiles in Practice: Trade, Impacts and Development Pathways Read More »

Made in Bangladesh: How SMEP Projects are Powering Local Enterprise

Showcase Story / By

“Anything that is possible in the world, is also possible here, in Bangladesh.” Aniruddha Kumar Roy, Managing Director of Leather Industries of Bangladesh Limited An enthusiastic footwear factory owner summed up the spirit and overarching message of a recent SMEP trip to Bangladesh. His confidence was palpable, reflecting not only his personal ambition and drive, but it also spoke to the wider attitude of an industrious and

Made in Bangladesh: How SMEP Projects are Powering Local Enterprise Read More »

Innovative Water Recycling Project Tackles Bangladesh’s Textile Industry Pollution

News post / By

A SMEP-funded pilot project in Bangladesh is combining wastewater treatment technology with an innovative financing model to address one of the textile industry’s most pressing environmental challenges: water pollution. A short technical webinar was hosted earlier in February 2026 by the project team to present pilot outcomes to industry stakeholders.  The Technical Breakthrough The project, led by Solidaridad Network Asia and QStone Capital BV, has deployed a modular 5m3/hr pilot plant, designed by Lenntech Water Solutions (the project’s Technical Solution,

Innovative Water Recycling Project Tackles Bangladesh’s Textile Industry Pollution Read More »

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

Showcase Story / By

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

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

Scaling sustainable natural fibres for a circular bioeconomy and industrial growth in East Africa

Event / By

Photo Credit: Maria Durleva. SMEP Programme Global textile systems are shifting in response to questions about the sustainability, sourcing, and environmental footprint of the fabrics we use. The textiles industry, valued at $1.6 trillion in 2023, is projected to reach $3.3 trillion in 2030, contributes to 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes about

Scaling sustainable natural fibres for a circular bioeconomy and industrial growth in East Africa Read More »

Circular bioeconomy and closed-loop circular solutions

Event / By

While the specific figures on the contribution of organic waste to the Republic of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) are not available, the economic potential of this waste is locally and regionally recognised and is growing. Large volumes of organic waste stem from agriculture, food and beverage industries, households, and commercial sources. In Nairobi, organics

Circular bioeconomy and closed-loop circular solutions Read More »

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

News post / By

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

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

Scroll to Top