The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Union, organized a workshop titled “Criteria and Guideline Development for Used Textiles Trade” under the framework of the Circularity and Used Textiles Trade in Pakistan.
This workshop aimed to strengthen the framework around Pakistan’s growing secondhand textile sector, fostering sustainable practices and policies. Asad Naqvi from UNEP appreciated the workshop outcomes for debunking myths about the secondhand textile industry in the country and underlined the need to study early supply chain components of the sectors, particularly the farmers.
As one of the world’s largest importers of used clothing from the EU, Pakistan’s textile market plays a pivotal role in driving the global circular economy. Zainab Naeem, Associate Research Fellow, Head of Circularity, noted the mission’s focus on assessing Pakistan’s textile value chain to enhance sustainable trade practices.
Beatriz Fernandez of UNEP’s Environment and Trade Team emphasized textiles’ economic importance, especially for women, who comprise 45% of the sector’s workforce. However, she highlighted the need to address environmental concerns such as microplastic pollution, which the textile industry contributes to at a rate of 9%. The workshop provided a platform for experts, industry representatives, and government officials to share insights and foster collaborations. Presentations outlined the current scale of secondhand clothing imports in Pakistan.
