TEL Plastics: A story of largest plastic recycler in Bangladesh

While many critics view plastic as a pollutant, others argue that it is not the material itself, but the way societies manage it, that creates environmental hazards. In this context, Kamrul Hasan, executive director of TEL Plastics, a concern of PRAN-RFL Group, shared the company's vision in an interview with The Business Standard, detailing how the company is making recycling a central part of Bangladesh's industrial landscape.

Many people say plastics are a major cause of environmental pollution. What is your perspective?

We often hear that plastics pollute the environment, but in reality, plastic itself does not pollute. The problem lies in our management. Users throw it anywhere, city corporations often fail to collect it properly, and manufacturers don't always recycle 100% of their waste. That is why plastic gets the blame.

If we use plastic responsibly, it can actually save the environment. For example, furniture that once required cutting down trees can now be made from plastic. In fact, plastics are replacing many metals and woods. The issue is not the material but how we handle it.

What role is TEL Plastics playing in this transformation?

TEL Plastics started its journey in 2012, when our founder Amjad Khan realised that recycling needed to be a separate business entity to flourish. While RFL is Bangladesh's leading brand in plastic products, TEL Plastics was established specifically to promote sustainability. Our motto is "Trade for Environment."

We are not just a recycling company; we are an environmental brand. Our focus is to convert wastage into resources. Last year, 15% of our production was made from recycled plastics. Our target is to raise this to 25% by 2027.

Currently, we have the capacity to recycle about 50,000 metric tonne annually. This is not only reducing reliance on virgin raw material imports but also saving foreign currency. The same piece of plastic, once imported, can be reused multiple times through recycling.

TEL Plastics is currently among the top three players in the household plastic segment, with rapid year-on-year growth.

How large is your recycling network?

We estimate that about 1 lakh people across Bangladesh are directly or indirectly connected to our recycling chain – from waste collectors to suppliers. We also provide training to ensure they can handle materials properly.

We are pioneering sustainability as the largest recycler in Bangladesh. We have also supported government drives on waste collection and circular economy initiatives, setting up 12 collection centers across Bangladesh to ensure responsible sourcing of plastics. Through this we are supporting small scrap suppliers with good prices to keep them motivated in collecting more scraps, keeping Bangladesh less polluted.

What challenges do you face in recycling operations?

Cost is the biggest challenge. Waste often comes mixed and dirty, requiring extensive segregation and washing, which increases processing costs. This makes recycling more expensive than general manufacturing.

Another issue is perception. In Europe, recycled products often sell at a premium because buyers value their contribution to the environment. In Bangladesh, recycled products are often undervalued. Even if we produce virgin-quality products, people assume recycled means lower quality. We are working to change this mindset through awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and universities.

Where does Bangladesh stand in terms of plastic consumption?

Bangladesh consumes only about 10 kg of plastic per capita, compared to around 100 kg in developed countries. This means there is still huge potential for growth in our market. Already, the size of Bangladesh's plastic market is about Tk5,000 crore annually. If our per capita use rises closer to global levels, you can imagine how big the market will become.

But plastic use is not just about household items. Our lifestyle today – from mobile phones to televisions and household appliances – relies heavily on plastics. The demand will continue to expand.

What achievements make you most proud?

TEL Plastics has already invested around Tk400 crore in recycling infrastructure. We maintain full compliance with international standards such as the Global Recycling Standard (GRS). We use state-of-the-art technology adopted from global leaders.

Recently, we have plans to export recycled products to European markets within a very short time, where compliance and certification requirements are very strict. This is a major milestone for us, as it positions TEL Plastics not just as a national leader but also as a player in the global recycling industry.

Currently, we are exporting in South Asia, Africa and some West Asian countries.

Our 12 collection centers gather used plastics from across the country. This material is recycled in our facilities and turned into new products. Additionally, we run the "Tk2 Donation Fund", which contributes to CSR campaigns and community welfare for every recycled product sold.

I take pride in the fact that our company is driven by a single motto – to make our country greener and more sustainable.

What policy support do you expect from the government?

In countries like France, recyclers receive incentives of up to 1,000 euros. In Bangladesh, there are no such incentives. Currently, raw materials imported for recycling are VAT-free, but when recycled into products, a 15% VAT is applied. We want recycled products themselves to be VAT-free.

Government advocacy is also crucial. If policymakers promote recycled products as environmentally beneficial, it will help build positive public perception and encourage wider use.

Finally, what is your long-term vision for TEL Plastics?

Our vision is to become Bangladesh's leading sustainable organisation and a globally recognised recycling brand. Just as PRAN-RFL has made "Made in Bangladesh" known in 146 countries, we want TEL Plastics to be known worldwide for recycling excellence.

Our focus is on building a circular economy where waste becomes a resource, foreign exchange is saved, and future generations inherit a cleaner environment. By 2027, when 25% of our production comes from recycled plastics, we hope to set a new benchmark for the industry.