Stakeholders’ dialogue on Clean Leather, Green Industry

Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF), in collaboration with the Leather Development Forum, successfully organized a landmark Stakeholders’ dialogue titled “Clean Leather, Green Industry: Tanning the Future with Just Transition”—bringing together key actors from across the tannery sector to collectively chart a roadmap toward a sustainable, climate-friendly, and rights-based leather industry.

Held in the heart of Bangladesh’s leather-producing region, this gathering created a vibrant platform where workers, employers, government representatives, trade unions, civil society organizations, environmental experts, and industry bodies engaged in deep dialogue around the challenges and opportunities of Just Climate, Energy, and Technological Transition.

Key discussion highlights included:

– The environmental and social impacts of current tanning practices, including pollution, health risks, and carbon emissions

– The need for cleaner production technologies and energy-efficient systems

– Policies and investment mechanisms to support green innovation in tanneries

– The critical role of workers’ participation, social dialogue, and equity in the transition process

– International compliance requirements and market expectations for ethical and sustainable leather production.

At the heart of the discussions was a common understanding: A just transition must leave no one behind—especially the workers who are the backbone of the industry. From safeguarding occupational health to ensuring skills development and decent work, all parties recognized the urgency of building a leather sector that is not only economically viable but also environmentally responsible and socially just.

The meeting ended with strong commitments from all sides to collaborate in transforming the leather value chain through sustainable practices, inclusive policies, and rights-based governance frameworks.

As the world shifts towards greener economies, Bangladesh’s leather sector stands at a crossroads. Through inclusive, transparent, and justice-driven actions, we can truly tan the future—one that respects both people and the planet.