Can plastic pollution be mitigated through a reverse supply chain?

Over 20 years ago, we were ahead of the curve in taking steps to protect the environment. However, the plastic bag soon made a comeback. Photo: TBS

Single-use plastic pollution has reached alarming proportions worldwide. According to a 2022 report by the World Economic Forum, the global production of plastic has increased exponentially over the past decades, with over 350 million metric tonnes produced annually. A significant portion of this plastic ends up in the environment, causing severe harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

Single-use plastics, such as bags, bottles, and packaging materials, are widely used and often discarded indiscriminately, leading to widespread contamination of land, water bodies, and urban areas.

Bangladesh, like many developing countries, has been grappling with the challenges of plastic pollution for years. Despite efforts to ban or restrict the use of certain types of plastic bags, the problem persists due to a combination of factors, including lack of enforcement, inadequate waste management facilities, and consumer behaviour. 

Bangladesh has taken progressive steps to address the issue of plastic pollution, but the results have been mixed. In 2002, the country became the world's first to ban plastic shopping bags, but the ban was not fully implemented, and plastic pollution continued to rise. 

The Jute Packaging Act of 2010 promoted the use of jute packaging for essential items as an alternative to plastic, but its effectiveness has been limited. More recently, a High Court directive in 2020 banned single-use plastic in coastal areas and all hotels and motels across the country.

The National Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management sets ambitious targets, including recycling 50% of plastics by 2025, phasing out targeted single-use plastic by 90% by 2026, and reducing plastic waste generation by 30% by 2030. However, the successful implementation of these targets will require concerted efforts from both the government and the private sector, as well as widespread public participation.

To address this issue, a comprehensive and innovative approach is required, one that incentivises recycling and reduces the overall consumption of single-use plastics. The government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with relevant ministries, should implement a mandatory reverse supply chain policy for all consumer product manufacturers. 

This policy would require companies, both national and international, to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their plastic packaging. 

The core principle of this policy would be to establish a system where manufacturers are obligated to collect and recycle the plastic materials used in their products.

To ensure effective implementation, a surcharge of Tk2-5 should be added to the price of each plastic bottle or bag at the point of sale. This surcharge would be initially paid by consumers but would be fully refundable upon return of the empty packaging to a nearby designated retailer. 

This mechanism would create a strong incentive for consumers to participate in the recycling process, as they would essentially be rewarded for their environmentally conscious behaviour. This kind of practice has already prevailed in some developed and developing countries and seems very successful.

Retailers would play a crucial role in this system. They would be required to accept empty plastic bottles and bags from consumers without any questions and reimburse them the surcharge amount. Retailers would then be compensated for their efforts by the manufacturers through a reverse supply chain network. The manufacturers would establish collection centres or employ collection vans to retrieve the recycled materials from retailers, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.

This reverse supply chain approach offers several advantages. By requiring consumers to pay a refundable surcharge, it discourages the indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste and encourages responsible consumption habits. Retailers would be incentivised to participate in the recycling process as a means of generating additional revenue. Manufacturers would benefit from a reliable source of recycled materials, reducing their reliance on virgin plastics and lowering production costs.

Furthermore, this policy has the potential to significantly reduce plastic pollution in Bangladesh. Estimates suggest that 70-80% of plastic bottles and bags could be recovered through this system, diverting them from landfills and preventing them from entering waterways and ecosystems. The recycled materials could then be processed and used to manufacture new products, creating a circular economy that minimises waste and conserves resources.

Several countries have implemented reverse logistics programs for packaging materials. For example, Germany has a well-established dual system where manufacturers are responsible for the collection and recycling of packaging waste. In the United States, some states have enacted bottle bills that impose a deposit on beverage containers, which is refunded upon return.

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this reverse supply chain model in Bangladesh, the government could pilot it in a specific city or region. By partnering with a leading consumer goods company, the government could gather data on consumer behaviour, recycling rates, and economic impacts. If the pilot program is successful, the model could be expanded to a national level.

While the implementation of this policy may require initial investment and coordination, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. It represents a sustainable and effective solution to the problem of plastic pollution, promoting environmental stewardship, economic growth, and social well-being.

The government of Bangladesh has taken several steps to address the issue of plastic pollution. The Environment Conservation Act (ECA) of 1995, amended in 2010, provides legal frameworks for environmental protection and waste management. The ECA empowers the government to regulate the production, use, and disposal of plastic products.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental and health hazards of plastic pollution. The government has responded by implementing various initiatives to reduce the consumption and disposal of single-use plastics. 

For example, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched campaigns to promote the use of reusable bags and reduce the consumption of plastic bottles. Additionally, the government has imposed restrictions on the use of certain types of plastic bags and packaging materials.

In a recent development, the adviser of the MoEFCC has taken an important step to reduce the use of plastic bottles in government offices. This initiative is a significant step towards promoting sustainable practices and reducing plastic waste. 

Furthermore, the government has also implemented measures to limit the use of polyethene bags in supermarkets, which are a major source of plastic pollution. These initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing the problem of plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable future for Bangladesh.

In conclusion, the establishment of a reverse supply chain for plastic packaging is a critical step towards addressing the environmental crisis posed by plastic pollution in Bangladesh. By incentivising recycling, reducing waste, and promoting a circular economy, this policy can help create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Md Fozla Hossain is a development practitioner based in Bangladesh with a strong background in economics and environmental policy. Currently, he serves as the Manager of the Environment & Climate Change Unit at PKSF.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.