[🇧🇩] Plastics Industry in Bangladesh

[Bilal9]

Source : https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/industry/plastic-cos-shifting-focus-exports-more-investments-782270

Plastic cos shifting focus on exports with more investments​

Entrepreneurs explore cutting-edge packaging machines at a stall during the 16th Bangladesh International Plastics, Printing, and Packaging Industry Fair held at the International Convention City B

Entrepreneurs explore cutting-edge packaging machines at a stall during the 16th Bangladesh International Plastics, Printing, and Packaging Industry Fair held at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital yesterday. The four-day fair concludes today. Photo: Rajib Dhar

Local plastic goods makers are pouring large investments into expansion and upgrading factories as part of a shift in focus from the domestic market to the global.

Currently, the local market size for plastic products is Tk28,000 crore. After meeting local demands, Bangladeshi plastic companies now eye to grab a sizeable share of the $560 billion global market, according to the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA).

For boosting plastic goods exports, the entrepreneurs seek policy support from the government.

"Masterbatch, a vital ingredient for plastic making goods, had to be imported in 2014. We started producing it in 2015. All types of Masterbatch are now being produced in our company in Bangladesh," Md Rezaul Hakim, chairman and managing director of Colorplus Masterbatch Manufacturing Co, a subsidiary of Plus Group, told The Business Standard on Friday.

Plastic products of different colors are being produced in Bangladesh by using this Masterbatch.

Photo: Rajib Dhar

Razaul said their masterbatch uses pigments, virgin resins and other raw materials from world famous chemical companies. "We are the first in Bangladesh to produce all types of Masterbatch commercially," he stated.

Currently, there are some 6,000 plastic industries in the country, 80% of which are small and medium-sized factories. About 12 lakh people are employed in the sector, according to the BPGMEA.

The Colorplus Masterbatch MD said they have invested Tk100 crore in their industry in a joint financial collaboration with China.

The locally produced masterbatch is used in the plastic parts of locally manufactured TV, fridge, AC and electrical products which is known as engineering plastic.

Rezaul said the local market for masterbatch is about Tk1,000 crore. Now, five to seven more companies are manufacturing this product.

"If there were 200 more companies like this in the country, we would have exported the product like garments in the world market," he said.


Xclusive Can Limited manufactures various containers including plastic drum, lubricant containers, ice-cream containers and paint containers.

The company's founder Syed Nasir told TBS, "We are making quality products by focusing on the country's market. But now we are also looking at exporting products. At present, no packaging item needs to be imported."

He said if the government wants to advance this sector, it has to improve the business environment.

Photo: Rajib Dhar

"Still, we are below competitor countries in terms of business environment. We've no orientation with the bureaucrats. This is one of the problems. Tax policy, VAT policy should be business friendly," he pointed out.

He sought uninterrupted gas and electricity supply alongside their regular price adjustment in line with the international market.

The industrialist informed that they have a plan to expand their business beyond the current level of Tk250 crore per year.

The BPGMEA President Samim Ahmed said, "We're now focusing on the international market. The global market for plastic products is $560 billion. We export $220 million worth of plastic products directly, and $900 million worth of plastic products indirectly through garment products."

BPGMEA has set a $5 billion target for the plastic goods export by the next five years.

He said, plastic products of Bangladesh are being exported to more than 22 countries of the world, including the UK, the USA, Germany, France, Poland, Spain and Canada.

It exported goods ranging from home furnishings, automobiles to medical equipment.

Deluxe Toy Industries owner KM Nahian Hossain told TBS that they are now making exportable toys.

Another entrepreneur Md Alamgir Hossain cited some tax anomalies that are hindering the export of plastic goods from Bangladesh.

The 16th International Plastics, Packaging and Printing Industrial Fair (IPF-2024) of BPGMEA to showcase the latest plastics, digital printing and packaging machinery is ending at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka today.

 

[Saif]

Recycle plastic products to compete in global market: experts

Recycling of plastic products is a crucial step in Bangladesh’s path to building a sustainable export market, experts said.

www.thedailystar.net

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Recycle plastic products to compete in global market: experts​

A shopkeeper in Dhaka’s New Market is seen handling small plastic tables at his shop, which is packed with various plastic goods. Experts yesterday urged to introduce a national action plan to promote recycling of plastic products to boost exports. The photo was taken yesterday. Photo: Prabir Das

Recycling of plastic products is a crucial step in Bangladesh's path to building a sustainable export market, experts said.

Otherwise, Bangladesh will continue to lose the export market for plastic products in the future, they added at a seminar, styled "Circular Economy to Enhance the Export Possibilities of Plastics Goods", yesterday.​

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The Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) and The British Standards Institution (BSI) jointly organised the seminar at the BPGMEA office in Dhaka.

The seminar aimed to address crucial issues and highlight strategies for the export of plastic products from Bangladesh to the UK and Europe.

An environmental policy as well as a national action plan are needed to enhance the circular economy, said Jane Gilbert, circular economy expert at BSI.

The policy will ensure a producer's responsibility for a product at the post-consumer stage, she said while presenting her keynote paper at the event.

It will also enable producers to ensure the appropriate collection and recycling or disposal of their products, she added.

Gilbert said such measures were needed to achieve sustainable development goals and work towards the prevention, reduction and elimination of plastic pollution.

"We need a systemic transformation to achieve the transition to a circular economy," she added.

She also said that Bangladesh will have to adapt international standards for goods and services to enhance exports after graduating from least developed country status in 2026.

BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed said the use of plastic will increase as the country develops further.

"To reduce the use of plastic, we need to innovate. At the same time, we need to manage plastic properly."

He added that investment and infrastructural development are required for efficient waste management.

"We are implementing a circular economy in the country. Currently, 37 percent of mismanaged plastic waste in Bangladesh is recycled. The recycling process will be strengthened further," Ahmed said.

To expand the circular economy, he emphasised increasing competition, capturing new market opportunities, expanding the range of offered products, ensuring security of resources and taking steps to enhance the reputation of products and brands.

Syed Anwar Hossain, project manager of the UK-Bangladesh Standards Partnership Initiative, gave a presentation while KM Iqbal Hossain, senior vice-president of the BPGMEA, gave the closing speech.

The seminar was conducted by BPGMEA Secretary General Narayan Chandra Dey.

Md Salim Ullah, senior assistant secretary of the industries ministry, Abdur Rahman, joint secretary of the commerce ministry, and Zohra Sikder, director of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, participated in the open discussion.

Apart from this, experts in related fields and top leaders from various BPGMEA member organisations and different private organisations participated in the event.​

 

[Saif]

Small-time plastic warriors are showing us the way

But funding support, guidance vital to maximise their impact

www.thedailystar.net

Small-time plastic warriors are showing us the way
But funding support, guidance vital to maximise their impact

VISUAL: STAR

It is always refreshing to see small businesses and entrepreneurs finding ways to combat the biggest problems facing our society. According to a report by this daily, one such business initiative in Tangail has been producing single-use utensils from the sheaths of dried areca nut leaves. The inspiration for this endeavour came from Tamil Nadu. Just as in Bangladesh, single-use plastic and polythene items are banned in this Indian state, but unlike us, it has been able to convert to the alternative of leaf-based utensils.

In Bangladesh, the use of plastic products (especially of the disposable kind) seems only to be rising as consumerism intensifies. Even the High Court's 2020 directive to ban single-use plastic products in coastal areas as well as in hotels, motels, and restaurants across the country has fallen on deaf ears. Meanwhile, microplastics are infiltrating our bodies, burning of plastic waste is making our air toxic, and our rivers and canals are being choked by tons of polythene bags that are disposed there. Despite their devastating impacts, the authorities continue to be negligent in enforcing relevant directives to stop this culture, which is really worrisome.

In the aforementioned report, the young entrepreneur lamented that no one from the government or private sector has come forward to help expand his business. Isn't this exactly the kind of initiatives that we should be investing in to reduce the effects of pollution? Only a few days ago, the government allocated Tk 100 crore for the jute cellulose Sonali Bag project of scientist Mubarak Ahmed Khan. While this is admirable, the eco-friendly product would perhaps have already reached consumers if the project had been taken up by expert manufacturers, who could have helped the scientist turn it into a fully-fledged business.

Funding for small businesses producing eco-friendly products is crucial. Many of these endeavours also require the guidance of established private organisations so as to maximise their reach and impact. This will in turn encourage more businesses to see the overall benefits of producing environment-friendly products. So, we urge the government to take this matter seriously.​

 

[Saif]

Plastic product exports witness nearly 18pc growth

The export of plastic products witnessed a healthy growth of nearly 18 per cent during the July-April period of the current fiscal year (FY24) fetching $201.09 million due to...

www.newagebd.net

Plastic product exports witness nearly 18pc growth
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 04 May, 2024, 19:41

| BSS photo.

The export of plastic products witnessed a healthy growth of nearly 18 per cent during the July-April period of the current fiscal year (FY24) fetching $201.09 million due to competitive price advantage and creation of newer markets.

According to the latest statistics of the Export Promotion Bureau, this was the highest volume of export of plastic items during the 10-month period compared with that in the same period of the previous financial years.

The Bangladeshi plastic products are basically being exported to the United States, Canada, the European Union, China, India and Nepal.

According to the research findings of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, the majority of Bangladesh's exportable plastic items are tableware and kitchenware.

Talking to the BSS, Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association president Shamim Ahmed said the competitive price of locally-made plastic items had played the key role in the export growth of this sector.

'The local manufacturers are now making world-class plastic items. This is encouraging the foreigners to buy plastics items from Bangladesh. Newer markets are being created every now and then for this sector which is helping to expand its export market,' he added.

Noting that the country's plastic sector mainly represents the SME sector, Shamim said the entrepreneurs of this sector were not being able to make necessary marketing abroad.

'If necessary market of local plastic items can be done abroad properly, then it will be possible to boost the export earnings from this sector by almost 100 per cent,' he added.

The BPGMEA president also urged the government to direct the foreign missions abroad for helping to find out newer markets for the Bangladeshi plastic manufacturers.

Citing that the corporate tax rate alongside the other taxes in plastic sector are high compared to the RMG sector, Shamim demanded that the government lower such tax rates to boost the country's export earnings from the plastic sector.

Talking to the national news agency, marketing director of PRAN-RFL Group Kamruzzaman Kamal said although the export receipts from this sector in the past fiscal year (FY23) was not so satisfactory, but the export earnings from this plastic sector would make a turnaround in this year due to the improvement in the developed economy.

According to the data from the BPGMEA, the local plastic manufacturers are now exporting more than 142 items abroad including film plastic, household items, garment accessories.

As per the statistics of the EPB, the export of plastic items during the July-April period of the past financial year (FY23) totalled at $170.6 million.

The strategic export target for the plastic sector in the FY24 has been set at $275 million.

Mentionable, the global market size of plastic products is worth $600 billion.​

 

[Saif]

Plastics: an ocean justice crisis

AS THE fourth negotiating session on the United Nations plastics treaty comes to a close, pressing questions loom: Will world leaders finalise a robust agreement by the end of this year that effectively halts plastic pollution at its source? Despite the fortitude of countries within...

www.newagebd.net

Plastics: an ocean justice crisis
07 May, 2024, 00:00

Plastic flows from a giant tap in an art installation displayed outside the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada, during the fourth and of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty in April 2024. | — C ommon Dreams/ Rachel Bustamante

Much like the case of climate change, those who bear the worst impacts of plastics gain the fewest benefits from their production or use, writes Rachel Bustamante

AS THE fourth negotiating session on the United Nations plastics treaty comes to a close, pressing questions loom: Will world leaders finalise a robust agreement by the end of this year that effectively halts plastic pollution at its source? Despite the fortitude of countries within the High Ambition Coalition like Rwanda and Peru, negotiations on the agenda of intersessional work leading up to the final session in November in Busan, Korea, left the crucial aspect of reducing plastic production off the table.

Divergence surrounding the root causes of plastic pollution was ignited by the overwhelming presence of the fossil fuel and chemical industry. And their impact was not hard to miss, with pro-plastic campaigners outside the Shaw Center where negotiations were held and nearly 200 lobbyists registering for the talks, even joining country delegations, according to a Center for International Environmental Law analysis. Their influence is far-reaching. Notably, the US, being the world's largest contributor to plastic waste, has not taken a stance on production.

I conveyed this message on Earth Day during a youth coalition meeting with US Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Kirsten Gillibrand, Jeff Merkley, Welch, and representative Jared Huffman. I advocated for the negotiators to prioritise increasing protections for human rights and ocean health by centring justice.

Despite widespread discussions on the environmental and human health risks of plastics, there is still a noticeable gap in recognising the interconnected injustices they perpetuate — though the Global Youth Coalition on Plastic Pollution and Indigenous Peoples' Caucus were adamant about these connections in their plenary statements. While plastics impact everyone — microplastics are in our air, food, water, soil, and bodies, even human placentas — disproportionate negative impacts occur across race, occupation, ethnicity, class, gender, and age.

Outside the plastics context, voices like Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson have brought justice to the forefront of ocean conservation, while Leah Thomas is the leading activist for Intersectional Environmentalism. As a Gen Z advocate deeply immersed in ocean advocacy, in my view, this is what the plastics conversation still needs: utilising an intersectional approach to shed light on how the full plastic lifecycle — from creation to waste — represents an ocean justice crisis.

Ocean health

UPON returning from the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), I went to the beach for rest and was, paradoxically, as usual, immediately picking up plastic waste. And still, I acknowledge my privileged position — that ocean currents are naturally not bringing as much pollution to the North Carolina coast as they are to vulnerable island countries. Each year 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the seas, devastating wildlife, contaminating seafood, and polluting beaches. But, those most severely affected are often the least culpable: island countries, indigenous peoples, and the Global South. This pollution is compounded by the plastic loads high GDP countries export to the Global South, a trend called 'waste colonialism.'

Undeniably, the ocean is profoundly impacted by plastic pollution, evident in the vast gyres twice the size of Texas and the grim prediction that by 2050, 99 per cent of seabirds will have ingested plastics.

Not only does this pollution entangle marine life and release toxic chemicals, scientists are beginning to worry it is threatening the ability of the ocean to sequester carbon. Zooplankton are microscopic animals that are now replacing their plant diet with microplastics, and this trend on a large scale is hypothesized to hinder the release of carbon to the deep sea.

Human rights

DESPITE widespread support by countries for including human rights in the plastics treaty, there are no obligations to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, of informal waste pickers whose livelihoods depend on plastic collection, or of anyone. In a report, Earth Law Center reviewed nearly 400 statements across 175 member states to the INC and mapped support by country. Unsurprisingly, regions across the Global South experiencing the brunt of plastic pollution and human rights injustices demonstrated the highest support.

Many people don't know not to microwave plastic. Just as many are not aware that there are 16,000 chemicals associated with plastics and over one in four are hazardous to people. Or that microplastics are found in human blood and we don't know the consequences yet. However, this awareness is largely not the fault of the public. The plastic industry intentionally keeps us in the dark, having us thinking that plastic is non-toxic and safe to use, and even fooling us that recycling is the end-all solution. Banning and phasing out concerning chemicals and single-use plastics while increasing plastic literacy is key to protecting human rights, ensuring industries are transparent, and empowering everyone to make informed decisions.

Justice

ACCORDING to UN Environment Program, the plastic lifecycle is a barrier to every Sustainable Development Goal. Without immediate action to reduce plastic production, we risk our chance to keep the 1.5°C target within reach. Much like the case of climate change, those who bear the worst impacts of plastics gain the fewest benefits from their production or use. Black, indigenous, and people of colour communities are disproportionately harmed by toxic chemicals and emissions from unfair proximity to petrochemical and incineration facilities. Women and people who menstruate are exposed to microplastics within period products. The bottom line is plastics exacerbate inequities and harm those most vulnerable among us.

Right now, the word 'justice' is not in the plastics treaty text at all. As the outcomes of negotiations unfold, I hope that plastics will be reframed as what they truly are: an ocean justice crisis. The treaty, slated for finalisation by the end of 2024, represents a pivotal opportunity to safeguard human rights and address injustice. There are undeniable implications for people, the ocean, and truly, the planet at stake.

CommonDreams.org, May 5. Rachel Bustamante is the ocean programme director at Earth Law Center. With a background in ocean and plastics policy and as a passionate Gen-Z advocate, she is dedicated to identifying intersectional and ethical solutions to advance justice and care for this blue planet. She recently developed the youth-led report: 'Advancing Ocean Justice in the Global Plastics Treaty.'​