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The LeatherTrace Bangladesh TCLP project is an initiative aimed at transforming Bangladesh’s tannery sector into a model for sustainable leather production. It focuses on developing and piloting a digital e-traceability system that will help facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices across the industry.

The leather industry is one of Bangladesh’s key economic drivers, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and export revenue. It provides employment for hundreds of thousands of workers and plays a crucial role in global supply chains, particularly in markets such as Europe and North America.

The sector faces several sustainability challenges, including inadequate waste management, reliance on toxic chemicals, limited transparency in production processes, and negative social impacts stemming from traditional tanning methods. These issues have resulted in soil and water pollution, as well as adverse effects on local communities and ecosystems.

The digital e-traceability system being developed by the project aims to track the environmental footprint and adehrence to social sustainability standards during the leather production cycle, ensuring greater transparency and accountability within the supply chain. This system is designed to support the industry in adopting sustainable practices and aligning with international environmental and social compliance standards.

As global markets increasingly demand higher environmental and social compliance, sustainability is critical for the tannery sector to maintain its competitiveness. Adopting sustainable practices helps reduce environmental pollution, improve social standards, and enhance the sector’s reputation as a responsible and ethical industry.

The project promotes sustainability by introducing traceability technologies and circular economy principles. These initiatives help reduce pollution, encourage efficient resource use, and align the tannery sector with international sustainability benchmarks.

The project is funded by the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme (SMEP). SMEP is funded by UK International Development and is implemented in partnership with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The project aims to position Bangladesh’s tannery sector as a global leader in sustainable and ethical leather production. By adopting traceability systems and sustainable practices, the industry will address environmental and social challenges, enhance its competitiveness, and contribute to a more resilient and responsible future.

By reducing pollution and improving resource management, the project aims to mitigate the adverse environmental and social impacts of traditional tanning methods. This will lead to a healther naturual environment and better employment/social conditions for communities who are intefrated into the supply chain of tanneries.

Stakeholders, including tanneries, industry associations, and policymakers, can contribute by participating in the development and implementation of the e-traceability system, adopting sustainable practices, and supporting initiatives that promote environmental and social compliance in the sector. All interested stakeholders should contact the project team directly through the 'Contact Us' feature.