Realistic solutions key to addressing sustainable plastic management: Speakers

Combating plastic pollution requires practical, collaborative solutions, said speakers at the roundtable on Thursday (28 November).

Policy Exchange Bangladesh organised the roundtable titled "Policy for Progress: Building a Sustainable Bangladesh".

The discussion highlighted the importance of policies developed through public-private partnerships to safeguard the environment while supporting economic growth. Addressing challenges in plastic waste management, speakers warned that abrupt bans without cost-effective, viable alternatives and realistic transition periods could harm the economy, citing the failure of the 2002 polythene ban as an example.

Dr M Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, said Bangladesh's rising plastic consumption, with per capita usage increasing from 3kg in 2005 to 9kg in 2020. In Dhaka, this figure is 24kg annually. 

He mentioned the Ministry of Environment's work on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the 2021 Solid Waste Management Rules, emphasising that policies must consider environmental and economic impacts, industries' capacities, and alternatives.

Shamim Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association, stressed the need for research and clarity in defining single-use plastics (SUP). He argued that abrupt SUP bans could destabilise livelihoods and industries, advocating instead for gradual implementation of EPR policies, led by local governments.

Economic implications were underscored by Maqsood Sinha, co-founder of Waste Concern, who highlighted the risks of unfeasible measures in Bangladesh's fragile economy.

Debabrata Roy Chowdhury, company secretary of Nestlé Bangladesh, called for strong waste management systems supported by public awareness, training, and a culture of recycling. He emphasised the need to develop infrastructure and include citizens in EPR frameworks.

Other participants, including Zahid Ullah of DBL Group, former policymakers, and journalists, emphasised collaboration among stakeholders to design impactful EPR structures. The session concluded with calls for enhanced public awareness and media engagement to promote collective action against plastic pollution.