Bangladesh is losing approximately $500 million annually in leather and leather goods exports due to the absence of Leather Working Group (LWG) certification, experts revealed at a workshop. Out of over 200 factories in Bangladesh, only eight have obtained LWG certification, despite more than 1,000 global brands and suppliers being members of the organization.
The workshop, titled “Environmental Impact in the Leather Industry,” was organized by the Nature and Life Foundation on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Gazipur Sadar Upazila Officers’ Club. Speakers emphasized the need to develop a sustainable leather industry in Bangladesh to minimize environmental damage and improve workers’ living standards.
They noted that advanced countries require LWG certification for leather and leather goods exports, as it ensures environmentally responsible production. Although the global leather goods market is valued at approximately $650 billion, Bangladesh’s contribution is only $1 billion. Implementing modern waste management systems could reduce environmental pollution and, by obtaining LWG certification, significantly increase the demand and value of Bangladeshi leather products in developed markets.
The workshop, moderated by Khandaker Ahmed Shahed, Program Manager of Nature and Life Foundation, featured a keynote presentation by Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, AGM of Apex Footwear. Other speakers included Md. Monir Hossain, Chairman of Bangladesh River Foundation, A.M.M. Khairul Anam, Coordinator of Nature and Life Foundation, Fazlul Haque Moral, Gazipur correspondent for Channel i, Sharif Ahmed Shameem, staff reporter for Kaler Kantho in Gazipur, and representatives from various industrial organizations.
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