Stakeholders on Wednesday emphasized the need for specific policies and frameworks to establish a plastic recycling value chain in Bangladesh, warning that the use of plastic products is increasing daily, necessitating an expansion of the plastic recycling process.
This initiative has been identified as a crucial step toward formalizing and transforming the country's plastic recycling industry, with stakeholders united in their commitment to building a sustainable future.
These concerns were raised during a "Stakeholder Dialogue on the Formalization of the Plastic Recycling Value Chain by Forming Recycling Business Units (RBUs) in Bangladesh," held at a hotel in Dhaka.
The event focused on establishing Recycling Business Units (RBUs) in Bangladesh to strengthen the country's plastic recycling ecosystem and bring together various stakeholders in support of a formal and sustainable recycling framework.
BPCL Chairman Khan M Ahsan delivered the opening remarks, followed by BPCL Managing Director and CEO Khadem Mahmud Yusuf and CDIP Executive Director Mifta Naeem Huda, who gave a detailed presentation on the formalization of the plastic recycling value chain.
The presentation highlighted the key aspects of BPCL’s RBU model, which focuses on producing reusable plastic products from waste plastic bottles.
BPCL has generated over $30 million in revenue from more than 50 local customers and export sales.
The company has also established successful partnerships with major international brands, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Unilever.
Additionally, it was revealed that BPCL plans to increase its capacity fourfold by 2026 to meet the growing demand for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) in Bangladesh.
The presentation also outlined the challenges facing the plastic recycling industry and potential solutions to address them.
Following the presentations, Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC), underscored the government’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability through enhanced recycling practices and policy support.
Special guests also shared their insights on the RBU model, including Kuldip Malla, partnership development manager at UNOPS, Ahsan Zaman Chowdhury, managing director of Trust Bank Ltd, Bushra Nishat, environmental specialist at the World Bank, and Dr Fahmida Khanom, additional secretary at MOEFCC.
In her keynote address, Dr Farhina Ahmed emphasized the severity of plastic pollution, saying that it is not only a major concern for Bangladesh but for the entire world, posing a significant threat to biodiversity and ocean health.
She stressed that the informal sector must be empowered and made aware of its role in tackling this crisis.
Since investment is required, financial support is crucial, and initiatives such as those by SACEP and the Fleet Project have been instrumental in making recycling businesses more efficient and sustainable, she said.
Kuldip Malla highlighted the importance of strengthening policies to formalize and protect waste pickers, expanding financial inclusion to ensure fair wages, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to engage manufacturers, encouraging private-sector investment in recycling infrastructure, and leveraging development partners' support for funding and expertise.
Khan M Ahsan reiterated BPCL’s commitment to driving the formalization of the plastic recycling value chain in Bangladesh through the establishment of RBUs, which he believes will enhance environmental sustainability while creating economic opportunities for all stakeholders.
Khadem Mahmud Yusuf described the RBU model as a transformative approach to tackling plastic waste, explaining that by formalizing the recycling value chain, BPCL aims to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and foster a circular economy in Bangladesh.
Nayoka Martinez-Bäckström, first secretary and deputy head of development cooperation, environment, and climate change at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, spoke about Sweden’s longstanding cooperation with Bangladesh in municipal services such as waste management and sanitation.
She emphasized three key areas for progress: the development of a regulatory and policy framework, the integration of the informal sector, and the scaling up of successful pilot initiatives.
Bushra Nishat noted that BPCL is currently supporting Bhutan’s PLEASE Project in setting up its first-ever recycling facility.
She emphasized the importance of awareness-raising, innovation, and ensuring that waste can be used as a resource.
According to her, making sure everyone understands their role in the recycling ecosystem is a crucial component of the project.
Shamim Ahmed, president of BPGMEA, remarked that recyclers and recycled products hold more value than gold because they secure the future and protect the planet.
He urged stakeholders to focus on ending the life cycle of waste through proper recycling and management and praised BPCL’s healthcare and RBU initiatives as commendable steps toward sustainable waste management.
Shadab Khan, managing director of Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages, shared the company’s commitment to sustainability, saying that Coca-Cola aims to make 100% of its bottles recyclable.
Currently, the company has reached 90% recyclability and is working to bridge the remaining gap, he added.
He highlighted that Coca-Cola’s 250ml bottle, weighing only 9.6 grams, is the lightest in the world, exemplifying how innovation can contribute to sustainability by reducing waste.
However, he stressed that sustainability is not just about recyclable bottles, but about adopting a holistic approach to protecting the planet.
Shamima Akter, head of brand, partnership, and communication at Unilever Bangladesh, acknowledged that while plastic consumption in Bangladesh is high, its proper management is crucial.
She said that the successful stakeholder dialogue marked a significant step forward in Bangladesh’s efforts to formalize and scale its plastic recycling industry, with stakeholders united in their commitment to building a sustainable future.
In his closing remarks, Dr Md Kamruzzaman, director general of the Department of Environment, reaffirmed the importance of plastic recycling.
He said that while Bangladesh may have started its efforts later than some other countries, collective action can still significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
He emphasized that cooperation among all sectors is crucial and that strong, effective commitments are needed to ensure lasting progress.
