Greenpeace wins lawsuit to stop clothing factories dumping wastewater in Indonesia

Greenpeace has won a lawsuit against the Indonesian government which, it claims, will prevent permits being issued to companies allowing them to dispose of waste in the Citarum River.

The textile belt in Java’s Rancaekek district is one of the many industrial areas along the stretch of water that is considered one of the most polluted in the world.

The area houses several textile companies, including some of the largest companies in South East Asia. A number of leading apparel brands source from the area, among them Nike, Gap, Walmart, H&M and Adidas.

The lawsuit was filed after dozens of brands committed to detox their supply chain back in 2015; however, little change occurred, said Greenpeace.

Greenpeace Indonesia, together with community groups Pawapeling, Walhi (Friends of the Earth Indonesia) and Legal Aid Bandung, filed a lawsuit against the government’s decision to continue issuing wastewater discharge permits to three textile companies: Kahatex, Insan Sandang Internusa and Five Star Textile.

As a result of the verdict, wastewater discharges from these companies can now be considered illegal, according to Greenpeace International.

For the full story, see the July 2016 edition of Textiles South East Asia. Not a subscriber? Sign up HERE