Shocking Crisis in Major Tanning Hub: 8 of 9 CETP Units Down! 100,000 Tons of Wastewater with Nowhere to Go! 142 Tanneries Struggling to Survive!
Xuzhou Hoffen Chemicals Co., Ltd. 2025-6-18 17:12:46
Recently, ILM Deputy Editor Tom Hogarth interviewed Golam Shahnewaz, General Manager of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at the Savar Tannery Industrial Park, to gain insight into the park’s ongoing environmental upgrades.
For years, the Savar Tannery Park has faced heavy criticism over delayed wastewater treatment and bureaucratic hurdles, even risking shutdown. Amid strict environmental regulations and export pressures, local tanneries and workers have struggled to survive. In recent years, private companies such as Apex and China-invested Simona Tanning have taken the lead in installing their own treatment facilities, driving the park’s transformation.
Currently, 142 of the 162 allocated tannery plots are operational. The CETP processes around 14,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, with upgrades expected to raise capacity to 18,000 cubic meters, and further expansion plans underway. Six enterprises have been approved to construct independent wastewater treatment systems. The park generates 85,000 tons of solid waste annually, 30% of which is now recycled into feed, fertilizer, and leather products—promoting resource efficiency and by-product exports.
Over the past 18 months, major improvements have been made in CETP equipment recovery, monitoring capacity, and process optimization. Eight filter presses are now operational, the number of laboratory test parameters has increased to 12, and the number of mechanical screens has risen to 7. A chrome recovery unit is set to be launched. Financial controls have been enhanced, and regular environmental awareness sessions have boosted sustainability consciousness among enterprises.
Leading companies like Apex have proactively supported the park’s transformation by investing in environmental facilities. There is a growing consensus that environmental compliance is essential for accessing international markets, shifting industry attitudes from passive to proactive.
Looking ahead, the park aims to further optimize CETP operations, strengthen chrome recovery and waste management, and develop training programs and compliance systems to support circular economy goals. While challenges remain, this marks the most significant transformation in a decade—potentially paving the way for Bangladesh’s leather sector to access premium markets in Europe and North America.
June 16, 2025 | Source: China Leather
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