Bangladesh must set plastic recycling targets in collaboration with UNIDO: Experts

Bangladesh should introduce mandatory recycling targets for industries, requiring that a fixed percentage of plastic used in packaging be sourced from recycled materials, as part of its efforts to align with a forthcoming global treaty on plastic pollution, officials and experts have said. The treaty, spearheaded by the United Nations in March 2022, aims to address plastic waste across its full life cycle—from production to disposal—and is expected to be finalised in 2026 following ongoing international negotiations. Government officials and experts say that imposing such a cap would not only help Bangladesh comply with the legally binding agreement but also reduce the country's dependence on virgin plastic, much of which is imported. However, industry representatives say that meeting these targets would require significant investment in recycling infrastructure and technologies. They are calling for government incentives to ease the transition, arguing that the shift could bring broader social and economic benefits—including reduced plastic consumption, lower import bills, and increased foreign currency savings. The recommendation came during a roundtable discussion titled "Resource Efficiency and Design for Environment: Pathways to a Sustainable Industrial Future", held under the "Integrated Approach Towards Sustainable Plastics Use and Marine Litter Prevention in Bangladesh" project. According to a World Bank report, annual per capita plastic consumption in Bangladesh's urban areas tripled from 3 kg in 2005 to 9 kg in 2020. That year, the country consumed a total of 977,000 tonnes of plastic, but only 31% was recycled—leaving nearly 70% to end up in landfills, rivers, or the sea, according to environmental groups. Dr Zaki Uz Zaman, Country Representative of UNIDO Bangladesh, said reducing plastic waste is an economic necessity. Morshed Ahmed, Senior Adviser at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, noted that the global treaty on plastic pollution is nearing finalisation and could be signed as early as next year—urging Bangladesh to be prepared. In this context, business leaders, academics, and government officials stressed that greater public awareness is essential to combat the growing plastic crisis. Industries that produce and use plastics said they are also concerned with the rise in plastic problems. But alone they cannot address the menace. "This transition won't be easy for manufacturers unless there is fiscal support," said Minhaz-Bin Mizan, head of operations of Akij Plastics. "But in the long run, it's a win for both the economy and the environment." Minhaz of Akij Plastics, said plastic is a material that has no substitute. But to turn it into a sustainable business model, industries need huge investments. For example, he said it takes $2 million to $3 million investments for reusing and recycling plastics, which is beyond the reach of many entrepreneurs. "That's why we need incentives from the government," he added. Nadia Haq, Managing Director of HAKS Industries, a B2B plastic pioneer in Bangladesh, said cleaner production can reduce costs by boosting efficiency. However, funding remains a major challenge, especially for SMEs. She added that a mandatory recycling cap would compel businesses to comply. Quazi Mashrur Zaman, Brand Manager, Square Toiletries, said they are recycling 80% plastics used in the company's Meril products and by the next year, they've set a target to recycle 100%. But sourcing packaging materials remains a challenge for them. Md Shohel Rana, Deputy Managing Director of Remark HB, said lack of testing facility and laboratory is a big problem for them. Dr Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General of ESDO, said the plastic economy must move beyond the traditional model of produce-sell-dispose. "This cycle isn't a solution. Where is our responsibility?" he asked. He said the international law on plastic use is likely to come into effect in 2026 and if Bangladesh continues to think conventionally, it'll not survive in the long-race. Dr S M Nasif Shams, associate professor and director of Institute of Energy, Dhaka University, said addressing plastic pollution is a social teamwork. He also said use of certain percent of recycled plastic should be made mandatory. Md Azizur Rahman, senior research officer of the International Training Network Centre (ITN) under BUET, also urged the government to make certain percent of plastics to be recycled. Prof Dr Ijaz Hossain, former professor of Buet, stressed on the applied research for recycling, upcycling and less use of plastics. "Bangladesh has to come a big way to increase resource efficiency. Bangladesh has no raw materials, so use of more and more waste can be useful for us," said Hossain.