In numerous developing countries, SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) are the backbone of economic and industrial activity, contributing to approximately 75% of the industrial output. But with increasing resource prices, it is becoming difficult for SMEs to sustain the high costs of energy, water, and material resources for production while remaining competitive in the market.

The SMEs are often high polluters due to obsolete technology in their small-scale operations and/or the lack of efficient end-of-pipe pollution control systems. Furthermore, most countries lack the necessary institutional structures and capacity to provide the required technical support services to industries. When limited institutional capacities exist, SMEs often suffer the most.

Those factors drive the urgent need to improve the Resource Efficiency (RE) of industrial production in any of the world‟s regions. This, combined with the increasing awareness of environmental pollution caused by these industries, provides the basis for promoting cleaner, safer and resource efficient production programs.

UNIDO helps with the adaptation and adoption of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) methods, technologies and systems by enterprises and other organizations in developing and transition countries.

These contribute to:

• Efficient use of natural resources, including materials, water and energy.
• Minimization of wastes and emissions, including those discharged to water, air or on land.
• Reduction of risks to humans and environment from use of chemicals and disposal of chemical used in industry

Textile industry is one of the longest and most complicated industrial chains in manufacturing industry, with a demand largely driven by three main end-uses: clothing, home furnishing and industrial use. The main environmental concern in the textile/garment industry is about the amount of water discharged and the chemical load it carries. Other important issues are energy consumption, air emissions, solid wastes and odors, which can be a significant nuisance in certain treatments.