Sustainable leather project launches in Bangladesh

14/11/2024
The Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF) has initiated a project in collaboration with the University of Northampton, SERA Bangladesh, IdeaTree, and the University of Hertfordshire. The “Leathertrace Bangladesh TCLP” project is funded by the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme (SMEP), supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The project aims to implement a digitised traceability system within Bangladesh's tannery and leather product manufacturing sector. This system is designed to facilitate a shift towards more sustainable practices by enhancing transparency, reducing environmental impact, and supporting compliance with international human rights standards.

Bangladesh's leather industry is a key contributor to the national economy and a significant player in the global leather supply chain. However, the sector faces challenges related to environmental sustainability, such as waste management and the use of toxic chemicals, which have affected its international standing.

An inception event in Dhaka on November 14 will bring together policymakers and industry stakeholders to outline the project's goals and encourage collaboration. The initiative seeks to support the sector’s transition to more sustainable operations, in line with increasing global demand for environmentally responsible production.