Textile sector is considered as the backbone of Pakistan economy as it is the most important industrial sector of Pakistan in terms of export and labor force employment.
Around 700 textile processing units are currently working in the country. The units carry out various textile processes, ranging from desizing and bleaching to calendaring. Textile and its made-ups account for more than 65 % of the total exports from the country amounting to US $ 8 (eight) billion in the year 2003-04.
Environmental problems associated with the Textile Processing sector are well known. With increasing global awareness regarding the issues of environment and pollution, improved environmental performance has become a major factor in the dynamics of the world markets, and successful businesses around the globe are striving to achieve the goals of responsible environmental behavior.
To enhance and sustain the textile exports of Pakistan it is essential to address the associated environmental problems on urgent basis. The new regime of international trade under World Trade Organization (WTO) demands that the production of textile products should comply local environmental standards. If these standards are not followed precisely, the Pakistani textile products would not be accepted in the international markets.
Keeping this point in view, Cleaner Production Institute (CPI) has initiated ‘Cleaner Technology Program for Textile Industries with the financial assistance of Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN). |