Promoting Better Environmental Practices in the Textile Processing Sector of Pakistan

Textile processing sector is one of the most important industrial sectors of Pakistan with regard to production, export and labour force employment. It accounts for 64% of the country's export, 46% of industrial manpower and 8.5% of Gross National Product. As the WTO deadline of year 2005 is nearing, the sector is facing the challenge of conforming to international quality standards and abiding by given legislations. This necessitates employment of improved processes that take into account environmental concerns such as Cleaner Production Processes (CPP).

WWF – Pakistan has recently initiated a project funded by EU- Small Projects Facility on “Promoting Better Environmental Practices in the Textile Processing Sector of Pakistan ”. Under the proposed project WWF – P plans to generate knowledge on Better Environmental Management Practices in the textile processing sector, through research and information exchange with EU. This project also aims to promote environmental reporting in the sector through organising awareness sessions and rewarding industries for their transparency.

In order to come up with practices suitable to the local environment, analysis of successful case studies within the country will be carried out. Many progressive Pakistani textile units have started employing good environmental practices including In-house Improvements (IHI) and Cleaner Production (CP) options. The experience shows that adopting these measures is not too costly and also brings down the cost of End-of Pipe (EOP) treatment. The CP options provided in the local and European context will be documented and communicated to the major stakeholders in the textile processing sector through workshops. Thus, the project aims to promote implementation of the environmental aspect of Corporate Social Responsibility in the textile processing sector in Pakistan .

Target Group:

•  All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA)
•  CEOs and Managers working in Textile Processing Industries in Lahore , Karachi and Faisalabad
•  Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) in Lahore , Karachi , Faisalabad , Sialkot and Islamabad
•  Ministry of Industries
•  Ministry of Textiles

Need for Cleaner Production under the post WTO scenario:

Exports of finished textiles have begun to expand since 1990. In recent years, the industry has been jolted by some trade restrictions based on environmental considerations. Certain exporters in Pakistan have faced cancellation of their orders due to their lack of compliance with certain legislations in the importing countries. This at one hand incurs major losses on their behalf as well as makes other producers sceptical about foreign markets. Worldwide governments and businesses respond to consumer preferences for ecologically friendly production and consumption and set and impose environmental standards. Thus, even the goods currently being exported are increasingly being expected to meet stringent environmental standards.

Benefits:

The action will improve the situation of the textile processing sector through:

•  Improvements to product and processes;
•  Savings on raw materials and energy, thus reducing production costs;
•  Increased competitiveness through the use of new and improved technologies;
•  Reduced concerns over environmental legislation;
•  Reduced liability associated with the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes;
•  Improved health, safety and morale of employees;
•  Improved company image; and
•  Reduced costs of end-of-pipe solutions.

SPF Project Fact Sheet

For further information please feel free to contact:

Hania Aslam
WWF – Pakistan , Lahore
111-993-725
e-mail: haslam@wwf.org.pk

OR

Adeel Siddiqui,
WWF – Pakistan , Karachi
454-4791
e-mail: asiddiqui@wwf.org.pk