A policy launch event for the LeatherTrace Bangladesh Traceable and Circular Leather Production (TCLP) project took place in Dhaka. The project aims to improve traceability, sustainability and global compliance in Bangladesh’s leather industry.
iDEA TREE organized the event along with SERA Bangladesh. The TCLP project is being implemented by iDEA TREE under the SMEP initiative funded by FCDO and UNCTAD in partnership with the University of Northampton, Aston University, the University of Hertfordshire, the Sustainable Leather Foundation and SERA Bangladesh.
Md Abdur Rahim Khan, Secretary (Acting), Ministry of Commerce, attended the event as the Chief Guest.
Md. Mijanur Rahman, General Secretary of Bangladesh Tanners Association, Maksudur Rahman Shopon, Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear Exporters Association and Ibnul Wara, Director of Footwear Leather Goods and Accessories Exporter Association, joined as Special Guests.
Industry leaders, academicians, experts, supply chain members, brand representatives, NGOs, INGOs and UN bodies also attended the programme.
Project teams from SMEP, University of Northampton, Aston University, University of Hertfordshire and Sustainable Leather Foundation joined online and presented the policy blueprint.
The programme started with a welcome speech by Dr. Ebenezer Laryea, Project Director from Aston University, followed by remarks from Elzette Henshilwood of SMEP. Organizers also shared updates on TCLP activities and screened a documentary on developing a digital traceability system for the leather sector.
Ebenezer and Deborah Tailor from Sustainable Leather Foundation presented a blueprint titled “A Strategic Roadmap for Enhancing the Adoption of Digital Traceability in Bangladesh’s Leather Sector.”
Speakers highlighted the need for digital e-traceability, circular practices, better funding access and stronger collaboration to improve global supply chain integration and competitiveness in the leather industry.
The event ended with closing remarks from Kauser Ali, Head of Operations at iDEA TREE, who said the TCLP project has delivered benefits to the sector through its baseline report, policy brief, carbon calculator and LCA report with support from industry stakeholders and associations.
