Speakers and stakeholders at a seminar underscored the imperative for manufacturers to adopt greater accountability in curbing plastic pollution while transitioning toward eco-friendly production practices. The high-level event took place on Wednesday at a hotel in Dhaka, drawing prominent government officials, industrial entrepreneurs, and representatives from various development partner organizations.
Jointly organized by the Department of Environment and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the seminar focused on Extended Producer Responsibility, resource-efficient and cleaner production methodologies, and sustainable product design. Participants deliberated extensively on actionable strategies to implement these environmental safeguards within the domestic plastic manufacturing sector.
To institutionalize proper waste management and mitigate ecological degradation, the government initiated a policy framework in August of this year. As part of this regulatory push, authorities formulated the Extended Producer Responsibility-2026 guidelines to hold manufacturers directly accountable for post-consumption waste.
The inaugural session featured Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakan Arald Gulbrandsen as the chief guest, with UNIDO Country Representative Alamgir Hossain attending as the special guest. Department of Environment Director Dr. Masud Iqbal Md. Shamim presided over the opening proceedings, which were initiated with a welcome address delivered by Deputy Director Abdullah Al Mamun.
During the technical sessions, National Project Expert Maksud Sinha delivered a comprehensive presentation on executing the EPR policy. Representatives from governmental bodies, the Norwegian Embassy, the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and Pran-RFL Group subsequently engaged in dynamic deliberations regarding collaborative stakeholder responsibilities.
Subsequent discussions highlighted corporate experiences in resource efficiency and waste minimization, with delegates from Akiz Plastics, Exoplast, and Tel Plastics of RFL Group sharing operational insights. Furthermore, industry leaders from ACI Premio Plastics, Pran-RFL, and Square Toiletries examined design-stage modifications aimed at mitigating the environmental footprint of consumer goods.
The seminar was convened under the overarching project titled Integrated Approach to Sustainable Plastic Use and Marine Litter Prevention in Bangladesh. The initiative is jointly implemented by UNIDO and the Department of Environment, with financial backing provided by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka.
