SMEP Projects: Spotlight on Bangladesh The Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh is a target country within the SMEP Programme. In 2023, Bangladesh became the fastest-growing economy in the world, with a 7% average GDP growth over the past decade. Today, the country is the second-largest exporter of ready-made garments in the world, with the industry constituting […]
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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 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
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
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
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Textile waste segregation and traceability The Upstream Circularity Podcast This podcast is Episode 1 in the Upstream Circularity podcast series posted by the Global Fashion Agenda. This three-part series unpacks The Upstream Circularity Playbook – exploring the technical innovations, systemic shifts, and real-world solutions shaping the future of textile recycling. This episode on ‘Textile waste segregation and
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Join us for a webinar on leather supply chain traceability! Understanding Traceability and Due Diligence in the Leather Supply Chain: Perspectives from Pakistan and Bangladesh 🗓 Date: 16 April 2025🕒 Time: 2:00 PM UTC+5 | 11:00 AM CEST | 11:00 AM SAST⌛Duration: 1.5 hours📍 Venue: Online (Zoom) Register here Background The leather industry plays a
This project seeks to address key environmental impacts from the tanneries and leather sector by developing and piloting a digitised traceability and environmental footprint system that will assist tanneries in Bangladesh to transition to more sustainable methods of production in their manufacturing processes.
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