Solidaridad project turns 'waste-to-value'
Solidaridad Asia, in partnership with funding partner Switch-Asia, is implementing its 'waste-to-value' model in the “Effective Waste Management and Sustainable Development of the MSME tanning companies in Kolkata Leather Cluster (Bantala)” project.
The project aims to introduce a sustainable solution where tannery fleshings waste can be transformed into valuable resources using the right approach and technology, generating green jobs and employment opportunities.
The extracted materials can be used to create soap, paint, and industrial lubricants, while the protein-rich residue can serve as an ingredient for animal feed production. Utilising this waste promotes a circular economy and reduces waste, making it a more sustainable resource.
Switch-Asia is a programme funded by the EU which seeks to promote Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) in the region. Through its 2019 EU Green Deal and Global Gateway, the EU has further committed to supporting the transition of countries to a low-carbon, resource-efficient and circular economy. This has also strengthened the knowledge basis on which the programme provides meaningful contributions to Asian countries’ SCP commitments as part of SDG 12 and the Paris Agreement.
Other partners in the project include The Calcutta Leather Complex Tanners Association (CLCTA), Leather manufacturer Dugros, International Polytechnic for Industrial and Economic Development (PISIE) from Italy and leather chemicals manufacturer Stahl.
