Bangladesh is becoming increasingly important as a sourcing market for leather goods. With an average export volume growth of 15% in the last 11 years, the industry employs more than 850,000 people. This development must be secured in a sustainable way, as compliance to international standards is crucial.
Within the project, a local consultancy conducted a Status Quo Analysis regarding resource efficiency (water, energy, chemicals) at the footwear manufacturer and a tannery supplier and compiled improvement measures in a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). Another international consultancy provided workshops on social compliance standards, production and quality management. A total of 1223 workers have received training through more than 30 workshops. Additionally, personnel was trained who can monitor the performance in the future and ensure a continuous and long-lasting improvement. Overall, the improvement measures have achieved savings of 18% of groundwater, 11% of heat and 8.5% of Co2.
To embed latest industry know-how in Bangladesh, the consultancies provided workshops for students and lecturers of the „Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology“ , 7 representatives of the „Leathergoods & Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh“ (LFMEAB) and 27 members. 20 students conducted an internship and assisted in developing handbooks on the above mentioned topics, which are available for workers and management.
