Bangladesh leather roadmap includes Italprogetti assessment
Bangladesh’s government is set to adopt a roadmap this month aimed at improving the competitiveness and environmental performance of the country’s leather industry.
Speaking in parliament on July 8, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the plan would focus on waste management, environmental compliance and helping the sector meet international standards. The government has set a target of increasing annual leather export earnings to $10-12 billion through improved competitiveness.
As part of the initiative, Italian leather technology specialist Italprogetti has completed a technical assessment of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at the Savar BSCIC Leather Industrial City.
Following the assessment, the government plans to urgently increase the CETP’s treatment capacity to 25,000 cubic metres, with future expansion designs targeting 40,000 cubic metres and eventually 50,000 cubic metres to support industry growth.
The minister also said six tanneries had been approved to establish their own effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to reduce pressure on the central facility. Two are already operational, while a further 20-25 larger tanneries have been encouraged to install their own treatment systems.
Alongside wastewater improvements, Bangladesh is looking to increase the value recovered from leather waste. Production of industrial-grade protein powder from chrome shaving dust has already started, while initiatives are being developed to produce tallow and organic fertiliser from fleshing waste, and gelatin from raw cutting waste for export.
The involvement of Italprogetti in the Savar assessment forms part of wider efforts to modernise Bangladesh’s leather infrastructure and improve alignment with international sustainability requirements.
