Dhaka: Bangladesh needs to adopt a circular economy model to transform waste into valuable resources, unlock billions of dollars in export potential and meet evolving global sustainability standards, speakers said at a meeting today. The observations came at the 5th Sustainability and Green Growth Working Committee (SGGWC) meeting, jointly organized by Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), at the ministry, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting, chaired by Secretary in Charge Dr. Fahmida Khanam, brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and development partners to discuss Bangladesh’s plastic recycling policy, existing challenges, and strategies for building a circular plastic-to-textile economy. Dr. Fahmida Khanam emphasized the importance of adhering to international environmental commitments and implementing circular economy principles to meet the European Union’s circularity requirements. She highlighted the government’s efforts to promote green business and encouraged collaboration between the private sector, industries, and public agencies to foster sustainable economic growth.
The secretary revealed that the ministry has initiated the phased withdrawal of single-use plastics, beginning with plastic stick-based cotton buds, stirrers, and straws. She stressed the need for a practical transition period to allow industries to adapt to environmentally sustainable production methods. Coordination with relevant trade associations was also deemed essential for effective policy implementation.
Md. Rezaul Karim, Joint Secretary of the ministry, announced plans to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and engage with the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) regarding standards for recycled PET. Officials also discussed prioritizing compostable plastics over biodegradable ones to prevent microplastic pollution, with Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) working on developing suitable alternatives.
Ferdaus Ara Begum, BUILD Chief Executive Officer, presented a policy paper highlighting that Bangladesh generates over 821,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only about 36 percent being recycled. She proposed formalizing and expanding plastic-to-textile recycling to boost garment exports, reduce dependency on imported man-made fibers, and align with the EU Green Deal and Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
The study recommended the formulation of a National Circular Economy Policy and the establishment of a Circular Economy Council comprising stakeholders from various sectors. It also emphasized the need for stronger waste collection systems, improved standards and traceability, and ISO 15270 pre-shipment certification for imported PET scrap.
BGMEA Director Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mustafiz underscored the importance of an organized waste collection system with designated points and fixed pricing mechanisms. He advocated for mandatory trade licenses for waste collection businesses in the textile sector to formalize the ecosystem and ensure a steady supply of recyclable materials.
Representatives from government agencies and the private sector echoed the need for banning harmful waste, improving industrial water management, reducing waste management costs through eco-industrial models, and strengthening institutional coordination. Concluding the meeting, Additional Secretary Navid Shafiullah proposed appointing focal points in every ministry and organization to ensure the continuity and effective implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Representatives from the ministries of industries, commerce and finance, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), Department of Environment (DoE), Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), private sector organizations, and development partners attended the meeting in person and virtually.