BPGMEA pushes for proper disposal of plastic waste

Leaders of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BPGMEA) on Monday said enhanced management of waste, including plastic, is crucial instead of banning it, as growing use of plastic is undeniable for a country's economic development.
They said that per capita plastic consumption is estimated at around 15 kilogrammes per annum in Bangladesh while it is as high as 140 kg in developed countries, including Japan.
They also underscored the need for the government's support and raising awareness among users about the optimum use of the plastic which is also used by different industries for packaging and other purposes.
They came up with the observations at a press conference held at the BPGMEA office in the city's Paltan area on Monday to announce a four-day international trade show related to plastic and allied sectors. The event titled '17th Bangladesh International Plastic, Packaging and Printing Industrial Fair' or IPF 2025 will begin at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital tomorrow (Wednesday).
The BPGMEA is organising the event in association with the Yorkers Trade & Marketing Company while The Financial Express is one of the media partners of the event.
BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed, former BPGMEA Presidents ASM Kamal Uddin and Shahedul Islam Helal, current office-bearers, including Senior Vice-President K. M. Iqbal Hossain, and Overseas Director of Yorkers Trade Marketing Kai Lin were present at the conference, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed said the plastic goods manufacturing sector continues to increase its share in the country's export basket though it faces a number of challenges.
The government has taken a move to gradually phase out the use of single-use plastic items of 17 categories, he said, adding that actually plastic is mostly a supporting sector to every other sector.
"We are horrified and perplexed. If the 17 items face ban, the plastic industry will be affected. Other industries will also be affected as there is no alternative to plastic packaging," he said, adding that plastic doesn't cause pollution to the environment.
In his speech, ASM Kamal Uddin said imposing a ban is not a solution as there is no alternative to it. "There are conspiracies against the country to thwart its economic growth through a negative campaign against an important sector," he said.
Mr K M Iqbal Hossain said measures should be taken to ensure proper disposal of the plastic waste and recycle them as the developed countries do.
According to the organisers, the exhibition would help introduce new products and services linked to plastic recycling, up-cycle, reuse and waste management, in addition to widen business opportunities.
Five seminars on plastic waste management, recycling, and circular economy will be held as the sideline events. More than 390 brands from 18 countries will participate in the exhibition showcasing their products and services at 800 stalls.
Both domestic companies and international exhibitors from countries including China, India, Germany, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, the UAE, Turkey and the UK, will join the fair. The exhibition will remain open every day from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

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