Berger Paints shapes a greener future with advanced innovation

Innovation at Berger Paints Bangladesh is deeply rooted in our longstanding commitment to sustainability, health, and environmental stewardship. In an industry increasingly shaped by climate imperatives and conscious consumer behaviour, we are reimagining not only what paint can do, but what it should stand for—as a product, a process, and a platform for responsible progress.

At the forefront of this vision is our flagship innovation, EcoCoat, South Asia's first anti-pollution paint. Developed with advanced Air Purifying Hybrid (APH) Technology, EcoCoat actively absorbs and neutralises harmful airborne pollutants such as CO₂, NOₓ, SOₓ, methane, hydrogen sulphide, and formaldehyde, thereby improving indoor air quality by up to 90%. The product is entirely lead-free and formulated with green-certified biocides, making it a safe and environmentally responsible choice for both interior and exterior applications.

Beyond this, Berger is leading a strategic transition towards safer, low-VOC, and APEO-free formulations. We are phasing out non-green preservatives and replacing solvent-based paints with water-based alternatives that reduce carbon footprint and support healthier indoor environments. Increasing the share of water-based solutions across our portfolio is a key priority as we align with global sustainability standards and evolving consumer expectations.

This commitment extends across operations. Berger has launched a circularity initiative that converts ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) sludge into raw material for bricks, supporting waste minimisation and the circular economy. Our investment in solar power infrastructure is helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, while the introduction of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems is significantly lowering water usage across our plants.

In addition to product innovation, Berger is pioneering industry development through the Berger Training Institute (BTI). At Berger Paints, we understand that the quality of a product is intrinsically linked to the expertise of the people who apply it. With this in mind, we established the Berger Training Institute (BTI) as a pioneering initiative to professionalise the painting industry in Bangladesh and uplift associated livelihoods.

BTI delivers structured and industry-relevant training modules that address the evolving demands of modern construction and finishing. To ensure practical readiness, the training is delivered through a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on experience. A key highlight of BTI's innovation strategy is its strong focus on inclusive empowerment, especially through the Female Painters Development Programme. BTI has trained and certified women painters across a wide spectrum of techniques, including specialised modules in skim coating and wood coating, and has facilitated their involvement in 34 painting projects to date, each completed with professional quality and client satisfaction.

The initiative also includes the development of POSM (Point of Sale Materials) by female painters, reinforcing their role in the full value chain of the painting ecosystem. To drive impact at scale, BTI has entered into strategic collaborations with government agencies and NGOs, including BRAC, Save the Children, BMET (Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training), Probash Bondhu Limited, and the World Bank's ASSET project. Through these partnerships, BTI offers grant-driven, migrant-bound crash courses that prepare painters for overseas employment opportunities. As of the latest update, 43 painters have already been placed in international markets, with several others progressing through the pipeline.

In terms of geographic reach, BTI has a growing footprint in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, with plans underway to expand training centres to all divisional headquarters. Training operations have also been extended to 128 Technical Training Centres (TTCs) across the country in collaboration with BMET. This widespread footprint ensures national accessibility.

By combining skill development, gender inclusion, employability, and sustainability, BTI is not only enhancing paint application standards but also contributing to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. It stands as a model for how corporate initiatives can create long-term value for the economy, society, and environment alike.

At Berger Paints Bangladesh, innovation is more than a business strategy—it is a commitment to better living, environmental integrity, and inclusive growth. Whether it's purifying the air with EcoCoat, minimising ecological impact through circularity and water conservation, or transforming lives through skills development and gender empowerment, Berger continues to lead by example. As the nation moves forward, Berger's integrated approach to sustainability, innovation, and social value creation ensures that the company remains not only a market leader but also a catalyst for positive change across the industry and beyond.