Bangladesh's growing plastic recycling industry

Bangladesh's rapid economic growth and urbanisation have significantly escalated both plastic consumption and pollution levels. According to a recent media report, the annual per capita plastic usage in urban areas has surged from 3kg in 2005 to 9kg in 2020, marking a threefold increase over 15 years.
Similarly, consumption of LDPE packaging materials, such as plastic bags, has soared fivefold during the same period. Despite this surge, only 31 per cent of the 977,000 tonnes of plastic consumed in 2020 were recycled, leaving a substantial portion to pollute the environment.
The challenges in plastic recycling are multifaceted. Insufficient collection from households and inadequate sorting contribute to the low recycling rate, with only 37.2 per cent of Dhaka's plastic garbage being recycled. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, about 14,500 tonnes of plastic waste were generated, including items like surgical masks, hand gloves, and sanitizer bottles, further exacerbating the issue.
Currently, Bangladesh has a robust plastic waste product market worth Tk400 billion, with a per capita plastic usage exceeding 9kg annually. However, only 36 per cent of this plastic is recycled due to various logistical and infrastructural challenges. Despite efforts, the recycling rate has declined from 51 per cent in 2006 to 36 per cent in 2019, raising concerns about environmental sustainability.
The plastic recycling industry in Bangladesh comprises approximately 6,000 companies, including conglomerates like Pran-RFL Group and Akij Group, which have invested in recycling infrastructure. Currently, there are over 300 recycling plants, focusing primarily on collecting and sorting post-consumer plastic waste. However, the majority of recycled products are low-grade due to the predominance of soft plastics like LDPE, PP, and PVC in municipal solid waste (MSW).
Efforts to improve plastic recycling in Bangladesh are underway. The government aims to recycle 50 per cent of plastics by 2025, phase out single-use plastics by 90 per cent by 2026, and reduce plastic waste generation by 30 per cent by 2030. Additionally, the 8th Five-Year Plan targets the elimination of various single-use plastic items. Such initiatives aim to mitigate environmental pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Despite the challenges, the future potential of Bangladesh's plastic industry remains promising. The market size for plastic products is currently Tk280 billion, with aspirations to capture a significant share of the global $560 billion market.
Md. Zidanur Rahman
Department of BBA
North South University
[email protected]