Unilever Bangladesh (UBL), a frontrunner in the country’s fast-moving consumer goods sector, has forged a partnership with the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at the University of Dhaka. This collaboration aims to advance research on plastic circularity, a critical aspect of sustainable development.
The partnership encompasses two key projects, as outlined in a recent press release. Firstly, it involves commissioning research to deepen the understanding of plastic circularity within the context of Bangladesh. Secondly, Unilever Bangladesh will provide brand sponsorship to enhance the academic building infrastructure at the university.
The research initiative on plastic recycling and waste management will be spearheaded by esteemed faculty members from IBA, including Prof Sheikh Morshed Jahan, Prof Dr Melita Mehjabeen, Prof Dr Khaled Mahmud, Prof Dr Rezaul Kabir, Kaniz Fatema, and Orpita Oysharja. This multidisciplinary team will endeavor to develop methodologies addressing challenges encountered by recyclers, while also emphasizing the accountability and responsibility of producers and consumers in plastic waste management.
Furthermore, the research will assess Bangladesh’s position in the evolution of plastic circularity within the market and propose feasible models tailored to the local context. It will identify gaps in current infrastructure and outline the roles of both public and private entities in constructing a sustainable model for plastic recycling.
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Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to improving the health of the planet through innovative approaches to plastic waste management. He highlighted the significance of collaborating with academia to address industry challenges and work towards the shared goal of sustainable plastic waste management.
IBA faculty member Prof Mohammad A Momen emphasized the transformative potential of industry-academia collaboration in fostering innovation and enriching learning experiences. He anticipated that the collaboration between Unilever and IBA would facilitate an exchange of ideas and pave the way for innovative solutions to contemporary business challenges.
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In addition to research, Unilever Bangladesh has decided to extend the partnership by branding the university premises with reminders across health and hygiene, featuring prominent brands such as Lifebuoy, Pureit, Domex, and Horlicks. This initiative underscores Unilever’s commitment to promoting health and hygiene practices among the university community.
Beyond formal partnerships, Unilever Bangladesh actively engages with students and graduates of IBA, offering programs like the Unilever Leadership Internship Programme, Unilever Future Leaders Programme, and BizMaestros—a campus business competition aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in Bangladesh.
Through these initiatives, Unilever Bangladesh not only provides valuable business experiences but also offers a platform for youth to showcase their talents on a global scale, contributing to the development of future leaders in the country.
