Circular economy key to turning waste into resources: BUILD

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 on Sunday.

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.

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.

Addressing the meeting, Dr. Fahmida Khanam said Bangladesh, as a signatory to international environmental commitments under the UN framework, is now mandated to implement circular economy principles and meet the European Union's circularity requirements.

She said the government's priority is to promote green business and urged the private sector to work closely with industries and public agencies to accelerate sustainable and environmentally friendly economic growth.

The secretary said the ministry has already begun the phased withdrawal of single-use plastics, initially targeting plastic stick-based cotton buds, stirrers and straws. Stressing the need for a practical transition period, she said industries would require adequate time to shift toward environmentally sustainable production.

She also called for greater coordination with relevant trade associations, noting that the environment ministry and the commerce ministry possess complementary information on industries operating in the sector.

Md. Rezaul Karim, Joint Secretary of the ministry, said the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework would be implemented soon and that the ministry could communicate with the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) regarding standards for recycled PET.

On biodegradable plastics, officials said Bangladesh should prioritize compostable plastics instead, citing concerns that biodegradable plastics could contribute to micro plastic pollution.

They noted that Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is working on developing suitable alternatives.

Presenting a policy paper, BUILD Chief Executive Officer Ferdaus Ara Begum said Bangladesh generates more than 821,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, but only about 36 percent is recycled, largely through an informal and underfinanced value chain.

She said formalizing and expanding plastic-to-textile recycling could generate an additional US$4-5 billion in garment exports, reduce reliance on imported man-made fibres and help Bangladesh comply with the EU Green Deal and Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.

The study recommended formulating a National Circular Economy Policy and establishing a Circular Economy Council with representatives from all relevant stakeholders. It also proposed stronger waste collection systems, improved standards and traceability, and ISO 15270 pre-shipment certification for imported PET scrap.

BGMEA Director Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mustafiz stressed the need for an organized waste collection system with designated collection points and fixed pricing mechanisms.

He said trade licences should be made mandatory for waste collection businesses in the textile sector to formalize the ecosystem and ensure a steady supply of recyclable materials for the growing recycling industry.

He also said a regulated waste management system would help attract foreign direct investment and support blended financing initiatives.

Representatives from various government agencies and the private sector also highlighted 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 of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Navid Shafiullah proposed appointing focal points in every ministry and organization to ensure continuity and effective implementation of sustainability initiatives.�"BSS