Experts call for eco-friendly design in plastic use

Representatives from government institutions, industries, academia, research institutions, donor partners including the Royal Norwegian Embassy, civil society organizations and financial institutions have collectively called for greater adoption of Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable industrial growth.

They suggested that RECP can play a transformative role in optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and improving productivity across the plastic value chain.

Participants also supported implementing Design for Environment (DfE) strategies and emphasized the importance of setting recycling targets that require industries to incorporate a fixed share of recycled plastic in packaging. These measures, they noted, would help Bangladesh align with the goals of the upcoming global plastic treaty expected in 2026, launched by the United Nations in March 2022 to address plastic waste throughout its lifecycle. Officials further highlighted that such actions would reduce dependency on imported virgin plastic.

Industry leaders emphasized the need for significant investments in recycling infrastructure and called on the government to provide incentives to support reduced plastic use and conserve foreign currency.

The experts underscored that integrated approaches like RECP and DfE are vital for transitioning to a circular and low-carbon economy, while also reducing environmental harm and fostering innovation.

These discussions took place during a roundtable titled "Resource Efficiency and Design for Environment: Pathways to a Sustainable Industrial Future," held on 25 June at The Business Standard's office. The event was organized by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under the project "Integrated Approach Towards Sustainable Plastics Use and Marine Litter Prevention in Bangladesh".

DR ZAKI UZ ZAMAN

COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE, UNIDO BANGLADESH

Reducing plastic waste is both an environmental and economic necessity. At UNIDO, we believe sustainable growth starts with how we produce.

With rising environmental pressures and global demand for low-carbon, resource-efficient products, cleaner production is essential. It helps industries cut costs, boost productivity, and protect air, water, and land. Environmental design must be central to Bangladesh's industrial innovation.

To support this, UNIDO, the Department of Environment, and the Norwegian Embassy have launched a project to promote circularity through public-private partnerships and embed resource efficiency and cleaner production into Bangladesh's industrial future.

MORSHED AHMED

SENIOR ADVISER, ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY IN DHAKA

A landmark global treaty on plastic pollution is now close to finalization and could be signed next year. This is a critical moment for Bangladesh to position its industries for a future that is both competitive and environmentally responsible. Bangladesh must start preparing by aligning its national policies across industry, environment, energy, and trade to fully leverage this opportunity.

Development partners are eager to support, and with stronger interdepartmental coordination and streamlined approvals, progress can accelerate significantly. If resource efficiency and cleaner production goals are embedded in Bangladesh's national industry strategy, it will inspire wider participation, especially among businesses eager to adopt sustainable practices despite the initial costs.

MINHAZ-BIN MIZAN

HEAD OF OPERATIONS, AKIJ PLASTICS LTD.

Sustainable plastic use needs major investment and strong government support. Recycling plants cost $2–$3 million, beyond most entrepreneurs' means, so incentives are vital. With proper funding, even mixed plastic waste can be recycled into quality products, including food-grade material.

International and government support would speed progress. Existing incentives are promising, and joint public-private efforts could drive nationwide change. The fall in single-use plastic on streets shows that change is achievable with the right push.

NADIA HAQ

MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAKS INDUSTRIES LTD.

Cleaner production can reduce costs by boosting efficiency, but funding remains a major hurdle, especially for SMEs. Mandatory recycling quotas would encourage action. Wider solar power use could help, but customer demand for virgin materials limits recycled supply.

Raising customer awareness and offering incentives are crucial. Compared to other countries, we lag in efficiency; government support to produce affordable local moulds would cut import reliance. Despite strong competition, good industry cooperation creates spill-over benefits that require better coordination.

RAZINARA BEGUM

DIRECTOR (WASTE AND CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT), DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

Unregulated plastic use severely impacts our environment. However, by adopting new technologies and innovative products, we have an opportunity not only to protect nature but also to generate new jobs and open promising markets. With better coordination among all stakeholders, we can significantly cut down on plastic consumption and promote a culture of reuse and recycling.

The government is actively drafting updated plastic management rules including EPR Guidelines, engaging industry, development partners, and civil society to ensure these regulations are practical, inclusive, and effective. Together, we can build a more sustainable future where economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

DR ABDULLAH AL MAMUN

PROJECT DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

As the global plastic treaty nears completion, Bangladesh must move toward mandating the use of recycled plastics in manufacturing. Through the environment ministry's plastics and marine litter project, we are advancing policy reforms, building awareness, improving resource efficiency, and strengthening recycling including a medical waste management pilot in Sirajganj.

Using a "Design for Environment" approach, the project seeks to reduce chemical use, increase production efficiency, and make recycling easier. Twenty industries are already participating in pilot efforts to upgrade their supply chain practices. The Department of Environment stands ready to support industries on this journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

MD SHOHEL RANA

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR, REMARK HB

Every industrialist wants to see this topic implemented for environmental and cost benefits. Our company faces challenges with product testing due to lack of proper plastic certification and benchmarking tools.

Support from government labs would help. We also see opportunities to reduce plastic by designing packaging that uses only what's necessary and making plastic thinner but more durable.

NARAYAN CHANDRA DEY

SECRETARY GENERAL, BANGLADESH PLASTIC GOODS MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION

We've set up an institute to help members reduce plastic use as consumption grows. Managing plastic pollution needs joint action from government, industry, and users. While plastic is essential, better management is key.

Bangladesh's toy industry shows the need for local production to cut imports. The focus should be on how to reduce plastic use, what industries are doing, and how the government can support further action.

QUAZI MASHRUR ZAMAN

BRAND MANAGER, SQUARE TOILETRIES LTD.

Our company recycles over 80% of the plastic in Meril product containers and aims for 100% by 2026. We are committed to reducing plastic use by around 80% across operations. Over 80% of Meril containers are recyclable, and we've launched a well-received biodegradable sanitary napkin under the Senora brand.

Packaging is crucial; it must be plastic-friendly and resource-efficient. Innovative packaging and strong policies are key to supporting this shift.

MD AZIZUR RAHMAN

SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICER, INTERNATIONAL TRAINING NETWORK CENTRE (ITN-BUET)

We want the government to mandate a certain percentage of plastics be recycled. Raising awareness and proper recycling will help keep our environment clean. Plastic makes many tasks easier, but it must be user-friendly and manageable. Training a special police unit to act against environmental damage would be very effective.

PROF DR IJAZ HOSSAIN

FORMER PROFESSOR, BUET

We need more research on recycling, upcycling, and using less plastic. Bangladesh must improve resource efficiency. Since we have no raw materials, using waste is very helpful for us. Plastic itself is not the problem managing plastic waste is. With good laws and enforcement, we can control plastic use and keep it in a recycling cycle.

DR S M NASIF SHAMS

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE OF ENERGY, UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA

Plastic pollution needs collective action. Using a set percentage of recycled plastic should be mandatory, but skilled workers are essential. We've held seminars and are working on plastic, organic, glass, and metal waste. With university support, we've separated 20 types of waste and are testing new methods without government funding. We've also begun collaboration with the plastic association and other development partners.

DR SHAHRIAR HOSSAIN

SECRETARY GENERAL OF ESDO

The plastic economy must move beyond the unsustainable produce-sell-dispose model. With the 2026 global treaty approaching, Bangladesh needs cleaner production and green taxes to promote recycling and reuse. Pollution affects both the environment and workers, so science-based solutions
are vital.

Many bags marketed as biodegradable in Bangladesh are not truly so. The media has a vital role to play in raising public awareness and urging stricter enforcement of genuine green standards. While exports meet safety norms, local products often don't lead in toys and microplastics in air, water, and food remain serious threats. Recycling exists but needs stronger oversight and improvement. The government must take
urgent action.

ABU SYED

MANAGER (PROJECT MANAGEMENT),
SME FOUNDATION

Plastic use awareness in the SME sector is very low. Most small industries lack knowledge of clean energy, production, or efficiency and work at a basic level. While efforts are underway in Bangladesh, public awareness must grow. We are supporting and training those working in green and clean energy.

RAIHAN UDDIN AHMED

ENVIRONMENT SPECIALIST AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED

Big problems often have surprisingly simple starting points. Take our ferries, for instance many still lack basic signs discouraging passengers from throwing plastic bottles into rivers. Raising awareness in these everyday spaces is crucial. People need clear guidance on how to prevent plastic pollution and why it matters.

Behaviour change starts with building public understanding. Plastic persists in our environment for decades, so everyone must learn to use it responsibly. Without widespread awareness, it's difficult to ensure collective action.

At the same time, IDCOL is already actively supporting industries to improve resource efficiency, with a strong focus on energy efficiency. By helping businesses modernize and adopt cleaner practices, we aim to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable industrial sector in Bangladesh.

DR SWAPAN KUMER RAY

PROJECT DIRECTOR, BCSIR, MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The biggest concern is synthetic plastic. There are no effective actions to stop this plastic pollution. If we can make products using natural materials, the use of plastic will reduce a lot. Plastic can also be used with bitumen. Europe and nearby countries are already using this technology.

MD ROWSHAN HASIB

AGM, PKSF

At PKSF, we are taking a multi-pronged approach to tackle plastic waste and resource inefficiency. We are introducing Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Bangladesh to help them become more competitive and environmentally responsible.

In addition, we are exploring innovative solutions such as spin glass systems and low-cost alternatives that can be scaled up. As part of our collaboration with Unilever, we are working to establish refill stations in shops and supermarkets to cut down on the use of small, single-use plastic packs. Through these efforts, we hope to pave the way for greener businesses and a reduction in plastic pollution.

RAMENDRA NATH BISWAS

DEPUTY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIES

Many people in rural areas trust bottled water as the safest. The government is working on proper waste management. The National Plastic Industry Development Policy 2023 aims to boost industry revenue to $10 billion by 2028 and $20 billion by 2030, creating 500,000 jobs.

The policy, available on the Ministry of Industries' website, includes environmental management as a key action, acknowledging the health risks of plastic ingredients. It was developed with input from stakeholders and experts nationwide.

SAJJADUR RAHMAN

DEPUTY EDITOR, THE BUSINESS STANDARD

Thank you all for joining today's roundtable to discuss this important issue. We need to provide more support to the recycling sector. The funding gap must be filled. Clear targets should be set for recyclers. There is also room for us to improve the media's role in this work.