Income potential from leather waste
In Hemayetpur, Savar, Dhaka, where the tannery industry is located, foul-smelling solid waste is falling into the Dhaleshwari River. It also contains liquid mixed with cancer-causing chromium.
Therefore, the air in that area is also not good. The entire environment here has become polluted. However, many people believe that the country’s leather industry is moving forward despite this environmental aspect.
But the reality is not like that. In developed countries, the Leather Working Group certificate is required for the export of leather and leather products.
To obtain this certificate, 300 marks are related to waste management out of a total of 1,710 marks. Out of more than two hundred factories in the country, only 7 have this certificate. Of these, only one is in the BSCIC Industrial City of Savar.
Foul-smelling solid waste is being dumped on the banks of the Dhaleshwari River, contaminating the environment and the river water.
The leather industry has not improved, even after the tannery industry was moved from Hazaribagh in Dhaka city. The target could not be met in any year except for two fiscal years. This includes environmental pollution.
Dr. Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Director of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology in Dhaka, states that by being mindful of liquid waste, we can separate and reuse hazardous chromium waste, which poses a threat to rivers and the environment.
Now let’s talk about solid waste. Every year, about 90,000 tons of solid leather waste accumulates in Hemayetpur. These decompose day after day, polluting the environment.
Experts believe that modern infrastructure for solid waste management could convert about 95% of waste into various materials, such as tiles and bonded leather, even in this pollution-heavy environment. This can generate an additional income of 400-500 crore taka every year.
Economists suggest that adopting eco-friendly waste management will reduce river pollution and enhance the value of the country’s leather and leather products internationally by obtaining LWG certification.
This year, six leather companies have been permitted to establish their own liquid waste treatment plants (ETPs). Environmentalists see this as a positive development for the environment.
