Unilever to sustain plastic waste cleanup in Chattogram city

Unilever Bangladesh, the country's largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, has reiterated its commitment to collect and process 10% of Chattogram's mismanaged plastic waste in 2025 as part of its broader global sustainability pledge.

To mark this milestone, Unilever Bangladesh, in collaboration with Chattogram City Corporation and YPSA, organised an event at a hotel in Chattogram on Tuesday, where they shared the progress of their Plastic Waste Management Initiative, says a statement.

The event also honoured three waste pickers and two Bhangariwala/CSO representatives for their outstanding contributions to plastic waste management and community development under the initiative.

The event was attended by Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation; Sheikh Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer of Chattogram City Corporation; Commander IUA Chowdhury, Chief conservancy officer of Chattogram City Corporation; Ruhul Quddus, Supply Chain Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited; S.O.M. Rashedul Quayum, Legal Director & Company Secretary of Unilever Bangladesh; Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications of Unilever Bangladesh; and Nasim Banu, Director of Social Development Department Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).

Launched in June 2022, the tripartite collaboration between Unilever Bangladesh, Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), and YPSA has significantly transformed the plastic waste landscape across 41 wards of Chattogram.

So far, over 24,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected, equivalent to managing nearly 10% of the city's total waste.

More than 3,000 waste workers have been trained in safe waste handling and management practices. The project has empowered over 200 Bhangariwalas and over 2000 waste collectors by providing them with protective gear and business development training.

In addition to improving operational practices, the initiative has strengthened local waste value chains to foster sustainable livelihoods and long-term community development. It has also introduced a group insurance programme covering 1,827 waste workers and Bhangariwalas, offering life insurance coverage of up to Tk 300,000 in the event of accidental death, along with full reimbursement for medical expenses, including doctor fees, hospital charges, and medication.

This enhanced financial security, and social protection significantly benefits this vulnerable community. Public awareness has also been a key focus, with source segregation campaigns reaching over 15,000 households and more than 7,000 students across 71 schools.