Tannery Industry in Pakistan

Tannery Industry in Pakistan

More than 2500 tanneries, both recognised and unregistered, exist in Pakistan. Sialkot, Karachi, Kasur, Korangi, Gujranwala, Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Hyderabad, and Peshawar are some of the major towns having well-developed leather industries.

he tannery industry in Pakistan is an important sector of the country’s economy. It plays a significant role in the leather and leather products manufacturing value chain. Pakistan has a long history of leather production, and its tanneries are spread across various cities, with the most prominent tannery clusters in Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot.

Here are some key points about the tannery industry in Pakistan:

1. Production and Exports: Pakistan is one of the world’s leading producers of leather and leather products. The country’s leather industry produces a wide range of products, including leather garments, footwear, gloves, bags, and accessories. A significant portion of these products is exported to international markets, contributing to foreign exchange earnings. 
2. Tannery Clusters: The major tannery clusters in Pakistan are located in Karachi and Lahore. These clusters are home to numerous tanneries and related businesses involved in the leather processing and manufacturing of leather products. Karachi, in particular, has a well-established leather industry.
3. Raw Material Availability: Pakistan has a reasonably good supply of raw materials for the leather industry, including hides and skins from cattle, goats, and sheep. These raw materials are sourced from local farms and through imports.
4. Environmental Concerns: The tannery industry in Pakistan has faced environmental challenges due to inadequate waste management and pollution control measures. The disposal of wastewater and chemical waste from tanneries has been a source of concern, leading to environmental degradation and health issues for the surrounding communities. In recent years, there have been efforts to address these environmental concerns through stricter regulations and the establishment of common effluent treatment plants.
5. Regulations and Compliance: The Pakistani government has introduced regulations and standards to improve the environmental and working conditions in tanneries. Compliance with international standards, such as those set by the Leather Working Group (LWG), is also encouraged to enhance the industry’s competitiveness in the global market.
6. Challenges and Opportunities: While the tannery industry in Pakistan faces challenges related to environmental compliance and infrastructure, it also offers significant opportunities for growth and exports. There is potential for the sector to further diversify its product range, enhance quality, and explore new markets.
7. Research and Development: Efforts are being made to promote research and development in the leather and tannery sector in Pakistan. This includes improving leather processing techniques, product design, and the use of eco-friendly materials.

Overall, the tannery industry in Pakistan is an integral part of the country’s economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to its exports. However, addressing environmental concerns and modernizing the industry will be essential for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global market.