Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), the country’s leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, and Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA), on Saturday jointly organized a national seminar titled “Innovation for Plastic Circularity” at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden in the capital.
Dr. Colin Kerr, Head of Packaging Excellence and Technology, Unilever; presented his keynote presentation on “Innovation and Inspiration in Packaging for Holistic Plastic Circularity”, where he illustrated the innovations that Unilever has adopted in packaging globally to ensure environmentally friendly packaging.
Also present in the seminar as Special Guests were Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change; Fahmida Khanom, additional secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Md Amin Helaly, vice president, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
An exhibition titled “Innovative Material and Packaging”, showcased the innovation in producing and recycling plastic products and packaging from local organisations and UBL, was inaugurated by the chief guest and the special guests during the seminar.
“Today’s exhibition gave us the opportunity to see innovations in plastic packaging closely. The seminar, jointly initiated by UBL and BPGMEA is undoubtedly commendable. The government remains vigilant concerning the country’s business landscape, while our primary objective is the overall development of the nation,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan.
“It is not possible to ensure a good life for the people of Bangladesh, without ensuring development by addressing issues regarding not only plastic pollution, but all sorts of pollution. It is important to ensure that businesses can operate in a peaceful and stable environment. We are committed to supporting industry for a circular economy,” he added.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP and chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, said: “Our previous model of using natural resources was linear. A resource was taken from the environment, used and finally thrown back into the environment. However, as the awareness on the importance of proper waste management has increased, there is a need for the circular model.”
“Earlier, we were an export-oriented nation. But by the day, we are becoming a consumer nation. As a result, when we become a trillion-dollar economy 12 to 13 years from now, the level of environmental pollution, especially plastic pollution, will increase manifold. And if this problem cannot be solved, sustainable development in the country will not be possible.”
Proper management of plastic waste is necessary to protect the health of the citizens. However, in case of plastic pollution, the key solution will be to reduce mismanagement of plastic waste. Coordination between producers and the country’s policymakers will play a vital role in this, he added.
Dr.Colin Kerr, global head of packaging excellence and technology, Unilever, said: “Unilever is globally implementing its Golden Packaging Rule and digital models for innovative plastic packaging. Both rigid packaging and flexible packaging play an important role in providing the product to consumers. But they also leave a plastic footprint which Unilever is committed to reduce through time-bound actions. Our holistic aim to achieve ‘less, better and no plastic’ framework is reflected in our commitment to innovate plastic packaging designs.”
“Unilever Bangladesh has already successfully implemented new approaches to reduce plastic packaging. For example, Lifebuoy and Vim Bar packaging use 18% and 30% less plastic, respectively. For the transition to better plastic usage, our pioneering move to use food-grade recycled polypropylene in packaging has inspired others. As we continue exploring alternate materials, reusing and refilling strategies are bringing us closer to our goal,” he added.
Zaved Akhtar, CEO and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh, said: “As part of Unilever’s global push for innovation in plastic packaging and a waste-free planet, Unilever Bangladesh is actively adopting innovations in how our products are packaged. Through innovative packaging and effective waste management implementation, UBL aims to optimize plastic’s many benefits.”
“There is still a lot to do to ensure plastic circularity, and we cannot do it alone. The government and businesses need to work collaboratively to achieve Bangladesh’s Vision 2041,” he added.
Amin Helaly, vice president at FBCCI, said: “We need to work together for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision for Bangladesh by 2041. We need to adopt a 10-year plan regarding a circular economy. Moreover, future generations should be educated about plastic waste management. If the future Bangladesh wants a sustainable economy, the education system should be changed.”
“We need a database to understand the real situation of plastic waste. There is a need for accurate information on what plastic is contributing domestically and abroad. We also need to make a global presence through our local initiatives. For this, support from the Government for policy-level changes is important,” Helaly added.
Shamim Ahmed, president, BPGMEA, said: “The need for plastics has increased exponentially to maintain product quality, but proper waste management is also essential. As Per Capita Income is increasing in Bangladesh, the use of plastic is also increasing. As a result, the process of waste collection is gradually becoming a bigger challenge.”
“We don’t want our environment to be degraded by plastic or our future generations to be harmed by plastic. Therefore, emphasis on infrastructural investment and strategic solutions is very important,” he added.
