In Bangladesh, the growing awareness of environmental challenges has led to a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with more people prioritizing eco-friendly products and services. This trend is reshaping the business landscape, as companies respond to the increasing demand for sustainability.
One critical area where this change is most evident is in the effort to reduce plastic and polythene bag usage, which has become a pressing environmental issue. The rise of green businesses, coupled with the government’s initiatives to curb plastic waste, reflects a promising shift towards a more sustainable future.
Bangladesh’s plastic problem
Plastic pollution is a major concern in Bangladesh, particularly in urban areas where plastic waste clogs drainage systems, exacerbating the risk of flooding during the monsoon season. Polythene bags, in particular, have long been a bane to the environment.
Despite the government’s ban on polythene bags in 2002, their use persists due to lack of enforcement, consumer habits, and the availability of cheaper alternatives. These non-biodegradable bags take hundreds of years to decompose, polluting rivers, harming wildlife, and degrading soil health.
Recognizing the severity of this issue, the government and environmental organizations have recently renewed their efforts to tackle plastic pollution. Alongside these initiatives, eco-friendly businesses are playing a crucial role by offering sustainable alternatives to plastic bags and other harmful products.
A major part of Bangladesh’s move towards sustainability involves the push to phase out single-use plastic bags and encourage the adoption of biodegradable and reusable alternatives. Many eco-conscious businesses are leading this change by offering reusable cloth bags, jute bags, and paper packaging, promoting them as stylish, durable, and eco-friendly substitutes to plastic.
Jute, often referred to as the "golden fibre" of Bangladesh, presents a sustainable alternative to plastic. Its wide availability, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal substitute for polythene bags.
Many businesses are now tapping into jute’s potential by producing eco-friendly bags and packaging materials, reviving the jute industry while contributing to environmental conservation. Consumers, particularly those in urban areas, are beginning to embrace this change, recognizing the benefits of switching to reusable bags.
From supermarkets offering jute bags to fashion brands opting for eco-friendly packaging, businesses in Bangladesh are increasingly moving away from single-use plastics. Many grocery stores and retailers have introduced reusable bag programs, offering discounts to customers who bring their own bags and charging extra for plastic alternatives. This not only reduces plastic waste but also encourages consumers to adopt environmentally responsible habits.
In addition to retail, eco-friendly start-ups are emerging that focus on plastic-free products. For example, several zero-waste stores now offer bulk buying options where consumers can bring their own containers to avoid packaging altogether. These stores promote a plastic-free lifestyle and cater to the growing demand for sustainable consumer goods.
The food industry is also adapting. Eco-conscious restaurants and cafés have started using biodegradable packaging made from paper, bamboo, and even leaves. Many have completely eliminated the use of plastic straws and cutlery, opting instead for compostable alternatives. These efforts are aligned with global trends and are helping to change the narrative around plastic dependency in Bangladesh.
As the country moves forward, eco-friendly businesses and the abandonment of single-use plastic will be key drivers of a greener, cleaner Bangladesh
Government initiatives and public participation
The government of Bangladesh has taken several steps to combat plastic pollution. In January 2020, the High Court ordered a ban on single-use plastics in coastal areas, hotels, and restaurants. Moreover, initiatives like the "Plastic-Free Bangladesh" campaign aim to raise awareness and encourage both businesses and individuals to reduce plastic usage. The government is also exploring the introduction of biodegradable plastics, made from materials like corn starch, which decompose naturally and are less harmful to the environment.
Despite these efforts, public participation remains crucial. Businesses alone cannot bring about lasting change unless consumers actively support sustainable alternatives. In this regard, eco-friendly businesses and NGOs are working together to educate the public about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of using biodegradable or reusable products. Consumers can support the movement by making informed choices, such as opting for jute bags instead of polythene ones and favoring products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging.
Challenges and opportunities
While the transition away from plastic presents many opportunities, it is not without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles for businesses is the cost of producing eco-friendly alternatives. Materials like jute or biodegradable packaging can be more expensive to produce than plastic, which often makes sustainable products costlier for consumers. However, as demand for these alternatives grows, the production scale will likely increase, bringing down costs.
Another challenge is changing consumer habits. Despite the availability of reusable bags and eco-friendly products, many consumers continue to use plastic out of convenience or habit. To overcome this, both businesses and the government must work together to offer incentives and raise awareness of the long-term environmental benefits of abandoning plastic.
The rise of eco-friendly businesses in Bangladesh is a promising step toward a more sustainable future, with the initiative to phase out plastic and polythene bags at the forefront of this movement. As more businesses adopt green practices and consumers become more conscious of their choices, the collective effort to reduce plastic pollution is gaining momentum.
The government’s continued support, combined with entrepreneurial innovation and consumer participation, can help accelerate this shift. The future of Bangladesh’s economy and environment depends on embracing sustainability, and the fight against plastic pollution is an essential part of that journey.
As the country moves forward, eco-friendly businesses and the abandonment of single-use plastic will be key drivers of a greener, cleaner Bangladesh.
Afrin Jannat is a Lecturer, School of Economics, ZNRF University of Management Sciences.
