Demand surges for polythene alternatives ahead of ban, enterprises seek incentives

With the government ban on the use of polythene bags coming into effect from 1 October at superstores and from 1 November at traditional markets, the demand for viable polythene alternatives such as jute and paper bags has skyrocketed.

However, there is a lack of enthusiasm among both superstore operators and consumers in purchasing bioplastic, jute, and paper bags, primarily because these alternatives are more expensive than plastic bags, said manufacturers.

They said the cost of these biodegradable polythene alternatives may come down if they can increase the production with adequate government support.

"Shalbrikkho" is one such manufacturer that works on bioplastic products.

If the government helps us [entrepreneurs] with incentives, it will not take much time to build a polythene and plastic-free Bangladesh.

Its owner Mahbub Sumon told The Business Standard that they mainly create and supply bioplastics rolls, which are used in producing plastic alternative bags and banners. 

"In the past week, we have received orders amounting to Tk23 lakh, surpassing the total orders received over the previous year," he said. 

He said at this moment he is compelled to turn down many orders because of constraints in the production capacity.

Mahbub further said it requires an initial investment of Tk10 crore to procure machinery necessary for handling large-scale deliveries. 

"If the government helps us [entrepreneurs] with incentives, it will not take much time to build a polythene and plastic-free Bangladesh."

On Sunday, around 24 enterprises, including small and medium ones, showcased polythene alternatives at a fair organised at the Department of Environment's Agargaon office in the capital.

Nazma Ara Parvin, owner of a participating enterprise, "Banijya Antarjatik", told TBS that the production cost of the jute-made Sonali Bag remains high due to low production. "But the superstores seek to purchase Sonali Bag at a cheap rate."

She said currently a Sonali Bag is priced at Tk12.

"If the production of Sonali Bags can be scaled up, the cost of production will come down by half. We need government subsidies for that," Nazma added.

Underscoring the need for proper initiatives to ensure that the business of plastic alternative products is not grabbed by the big traders, she said markets, including superstores, should collect these products from local SME entrepreneurs.

Bidhan Chandra Pal, entrepreneur of another such establishment "Prova Aronno", said recently he has received a lot of orders for jute bags. "An increase in investment could lead to a substantial reduction in the product's price," he said.

"A jute bag worth Tk100 can be used at least 100 times," he said.

On the occasion of the fair, a seminar was organised in the auditorium of the Department of Environment. As chief guest, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the polythene exclusion programme will be implemented in phases and in accordance with the law. "Necessary discussions with shopping centres and shop owners are ongoing to this end."