Leather Export of Pakistan

The Pakistan Leather Industry (LEATHER)


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    CASE NUMBER:         309
    CASE MNEMONIC:       LEATHER
    CASE NAME:           Pakistan's Leather Industry

A     IDENTIFICATION

1.   The Issue
   
    The rampant discharge of untreated effluents tanneries is a
growing problem in   Pakistan's leather industry.   Pakistani exports
of tanned leather is on the increase following a decline of leather
production in the developed world due to more stringent
environmental controls.   The increase of tanneries in Pakistan is
causing severe environmental degradation as the untreated effluent
used in the tanning process is released   into nearby water
reservoirs and the sea.   In addition, air pollution is on the rise
with the tanneries burning residuals (i.e. hair) from the tanning
process into the atmosphere.   Due   to a need for foreign exchange,
the national government is encouraging the growth of tanneries by
offering these industries export rebates while at the same time
lagging on implementing the sparse existing governmental
environment regulations in leather tanning.   The combination of an
increasing demand for the product and a lack of government
regulation is exacerbating whatever fragile balance existed between
the Pakistani leather trade and the environment.

2.   Description

    The relationship between the Pakistani leather trade and the
environment is being   strained by a growing demand for the product
in the world and ignorance of   environmental problems resulting
from the tanning process.   A one noted Pakistani news journalist
commented, "The tanning industry is notorious for its heavy
pollution through   effluents containing organic and inorganic
matter, dissolved and suspended solids,   accompanied by
requirements of high oxygenic demand and having toxic metal salt
residues...these tanneries discharge effluents without any
treatment into water   reservoirs and the sea."(1)... [continues]

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