Unilever partners BUET for research on plastic packaging circularity

Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have embarked on a collaborative journey to promote innovation and research.

As part of this initiative, BUET's Research and innovation Centre for Science and Engineering (RISE) has been awarded a research project to address plastic packaging circularity in Bangladesh, says a press release.

UBL and RISE jointly organised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony which is the first step towards the collaborative approach between RISE, BUET and UBL with the research project titled 'Sustainable Plastic Packaging Circularity -- Cost-Effective Appropriate Technology'.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, attended the event as the chief guest.

Professor Dr Abdul Jabbar Khan, pro-vice-chancellor of BUET, attended the event as the guest of honour. Professor Dr Satya Prasad Majumder, vice-chancellor of BUET, presided over the ceremony.

Zaved Akhtar, CEO and managing director, Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) and Professor Dr Satya Prasad Majumder, vice-chancellor of BUET, signed the agreement.

This research is part of UBL's commitment to take action on plastic waste challenge in Bangladesh through the "Less plastic, better plastic, no plastic" model, and heading to a waste-free and sustainable Bangladesh.

The Research and Innovation Centre for Science and Engineering (RISE), founded in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), is a research and innovation hub to stimulate and foster world-class research and encourage innovations in engineering and science.

This significant research collaboration aims at addressing pressing environmental challenges, future-fit technological solutions and promoting sustainability in the context of Bangladesh scenario.

This collaborative effort will primarily concentrate on country specific solutions for mitigating the environmental impact, minimising the carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and establishing sustainable sourcing practices for raw materials and a strong focus will be placed on researching and advancing recyclable, reusable and compostable packaging solutions.

Also, this partnership will help to create a more sustainable future for Bangladesh by collaborating on research and development, capacity building, policy advocacy, and education and awareness.

Zaved Akhtar, CEO and MD, Unilever Bangladesh Limited, said, "As we continue to explore avenues to create a sustainable plastic management ecosystem, there is no better time than now to start working with researchers and scientists who play a critical role in driving progress in these areas."

Professor Dr Satya Prasad Majumder, vice-chancellor of BUET, said he believes stronger cooperation between the industry leaders and the academic institutions can support the government in building a better Bangladesh.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, said, "The three main crises in the world today are climate change, threats to biodiversity, and plastic pollution, and the future of Bangladesh depends on the implementation of policies and strategies to deal with these issues. The amount of plastic waste in our environment is increasing every day. Thus, plastic waste management needs to be integrated into the business model to find solutions."