Geopolitical shocks are exposing the fragility of global fertiliser supply chains. A surprising solution – and a major development opportunity – lies rotting in the fields. Worker at pineapple leaf decortication line at Mananasi Fibre, Nairobi, Kenya. Somewhere on the outskirts of Thika, Kenya, a pineapple leaf processing facility hums through its daily routine. Workers […]
The ninety-eight percent opportunity Read More »
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 »
Global Secondhand Clothes Trade Monitor Global trade in secondhand clothing (SHC) plays a vital role in promoting textile circularity. By extending the lifespan of garments, it helps reduce the pressure on landfills in exporting countries and provides affordable clothing options in importing countries where new garments are often financially inaccessible for a large majority of
Global Secondhand Clothes Trade Monitor Read More »
Trade in Secondhand Clothing Analysis of markets in Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and the United States of America Global trade in secondhand clothing (SHC) plays a vital role in promoting textile circularity. By extending the lifespan of garments, it helps reduce the pressure on landfills in exporting countries and provides affordable clothing options
A three-part online webinar series on plastics end-of-life systems in Sub-Saharan Africa Session 1: Making plastics recovery models viableThursday 7 May 2026 Session 2: Traceability, standards and regulatory alignmentWednesday 13 May 2026 Session 3: Substitutes, compostability and regional pathwaysWednesday 20 May 2026 All sessions start at 09:00 UTC / 10:00 WAT / 11:00 CAT /
Making Plastics Recovery Work: Viability, Traceability and Transition Pathways Read More »
Oil price shocks reach far beyond the pump: into the plastic and synthetic fibres woven through global trade. Yet material substitutes, derived from agricultural residues and renewable biomass, already produced in developing countries, remain constrained by trade rules, standards and market access. © UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)/Maria Durleva | Plastic nurdles, small pellets made from fossil fuels or recycled plastics, used as the raw material
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