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SMEP Programme briefing papers

Fabric worker
  • Public
  • 25 June 2026
  • Tools, Guidelines & Briefings
Subject(s)
Just transitions
Leather
Apparel and textiles
Food and farming
General merchandise
SMEP briefing - Decent work in circular supply chains
SMEP briefing - Decent work and informal employment
SMEP briefing - Decent work in MSMEs

The Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme aims to address the environmental and human health impacts of the manufacturing sector and plastics pollution in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. SMEP works with businesses, NGOs and universities active in supply chains of plastics, organic waste, textiles and apparel, tanneries and leather, and used lead acid batteries.

Lessons from this work have informed a series of briefing papers:

  • Enabling and supporting decent work in MSMEs
  • Decent work for all: Reaching workers in informal employment
  • Decent work in emerging green and circular supply chains and green industries

These papers also draw on a literature review and key informant interviews with experts, practitioners and programme partners. 

They highlight practical lessons for businesses, funders and implementing partners on how to make environmental initiatives more worker-centred, inclusive and effective.

A training resource pack on decent work is available here.

Page

Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution

Hands feed raw leather through a press. Photo credit: Bangladesh Labour Foundation.
Improving environmental and social conditions in the Tannery Industrial Estate in Savar, Bangladesh
Read more

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