Solution to plastic pollution

'World Environment Day' is observed every year on June 5th. The theme of this year's Environment Day is 'solution to plastic pollution'. Plastic is a very important and widely used material in today's world. Plastic is one of the essential parts of our daily life, from the time we get up in the morning to the time we go to bed at night.

Plastic is becoming more popular due to its durability. It is also less expensive and available in many sizes and shapes. It is extremely difficult to find a house that does not use plastic these days. Currently, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are being produced worldwide every year.

Our country's plastic product market is worth approximately Tk 400 billion (40 thousand crore). Approximately 5,000 businesses manufacture various types of plastic items. This industry employs around 2 million people, both directly and indirectly. It is the country's top 12th export sector, earning over USD 1.2 billion every year. Every year, Bangladesh consumes approximately 2.4 million (24 lakh) tonnes of plastic. It has a per capita consumption of roughly 15 kg per year. Bangladesh lags far behind in terms of per capita consumption. Around 60 kg per capita plastic is used annually in the world. In developed countries like North America, Western Europe and Japan, per capita consumption is more than 100 kg per year.

However, plastic is one of the element of environmental pollution as plastic raw material is not biodegradable. Special attention is now being given to plastic recycling and management in many countries. Because, plastic recycling and management is one of the tools to prevent environmental pollution. PRAN-RFL Group has taken special initiatives in plastic management and environment protection as the leading producer of household and processed food products in the country. In 2012, the group started plastic recycling activities and so far, the group invested over Tk 3.5 billion (350 crore). Every year, over 32,000 tonnes of plastic are being recycled to produce more than 100 items, the financial value of which would around Tk 4.5 billion (450 crore) if those are imported as raw materials. Moreover, around 2,000 people have been directly employed in the sector, with an additional 4,000 people being indirectly employed.

PRAN-RFL collects PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, PS and ABS plastics. These 'used plastics' are collected from dealers, plastic collectors, bhangari traders, plastic product factories and depots. After collection, the 'used plastic' is brought to PRAN-RFL's own collection centre. At present, there are 15 collection centres in different parts of the country. At these collection centres, the 'used plastic' is processed and transported to PRAN-RFL Group's own factories. At present, PRAN-RFL Group operates recycling operations in three factories.

Separation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in plastic recycling is a challenge. It could be an easier task if it is done at the source. For this, PRAN-RFL has launched 'twin bins' with two sections in the market. Decomposable waste can be placed on one side while non-biodegradable or recyclable waste can be placed on the other side. PRAN-RFL has introduced this product in the market to develop the habit of disposing of these two types of waste in different bins. 

RFL has offered free bins to schools, colleges, madrasas, hospitals, shopping malls, restaurants, and other institutions to bring a change in the habit of people. It has also conducted hands-on instruction to instil in students the habit of disposing of waste in proper places. 

As part of plastic management, PRAN-RFL Group's goals are to reduce the use of virgin plastic to one-third by 2030 and to place greater emphasis on packaging that can be recycled. Along with that, bringing about 25-30 per cent of production under plastic recycling through around one hundred plastic collection centres. 

A major sector of recycling can be industrial packaging, one of which is PET bottles. PET bottles and PET related packaging are widely used in Bangladesh. For this, PRAN-RFL plans to set up a PET bottle recycling plant within next two years, where fabric can be made. It is expected that this will indirectly benefit the environment and contribute greatly to the development of the sector.

In the light of our long experience in plastic recycling activities, we can say that there are several challenges ahead of us to boost this sector. The main challenge is the infrastructural problem. Bangladesh has a few recycling facilities, most of which are located in major cities. Moreover, the collection of 'used plastic' is very limited and confined to a few major cities of the country. As a result, most of the plastic waste is either incinerated or mixed with land, which has a devastating impact on the environment. Moreover, the quality of plastic waste collected in Bangladesh is often poor, making recycling difficult. One of the reasons for this is that plastic is often contaminated with food waste or other materials, which can degrade the quality of the plastic. Many people in Bangladesh are not aware of the importance of recycling plastic or how to properly dispose of plastic waste. Currently, there is a limited market for recycled plastics in Bangladesh, which is a major barrier for investors to invest in this sector.

Plastic recycling has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste in Bangladesh which can play an important role in reducing the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Moreover, plastic recycling activities can create employment opportunities in Bangladesh as it requires a lot of manpower at various levels, from collection and sorting to processing and production.

Government, manufacturers, NGOs and individuals should come forward to make this activity a complete success. At present several companies, including PRAN-RFL, are collecting 'Used Plastic'. But these collections are roughly limited to Dhaka and surrounding districts. This activity should be spread all over the country and in that case the city corporation, municipalities and union councils should play an effective role. Collection centres may be established under city corporations, municipalities and union councils or individuals and organisations may set up such collection centres with their cooperation. In that case, those who will invest in this sector, will have to be given loans on easy terms and various types of policy support by the government. 

Plastic, especially single-use plastic, pollution is high in places where people gather, such as beaches, lakes and parks. In this case, management of waste should be ensured with utmost importance. Awareness programmes should be taken so that the visitors do not litter everywhere but throw their waste at designated places.

"Used plastic" should not only be collected, it should be processed and re-manufactured for reuse. If the right product can be produced, importing resin will save a lot of foreign currencies. Moreover, factories will be built to manufacture recycling products and this will create employment opportunities for many people. Adequate policy support should be provided to investors to set up recycling factories.

At present, a large amount of polystyrene fabric is being imported in the garment sector of Bangladesh and the demand for this fabric is increasing day by day. If it was possible to recycle PET bottles to make polystyrene thread and make fabric from it, then the huge amount of polystyrene fabric currently being imported for the apparel sector would not have to be done. This would have saved a huge amount of foreign currencies. But a lot of investment has to be made in this sector. An investment of around Tk 5.0 billion (500 crore) is required to make a medium-sized factory. Loan facilities, tax holiday and policy benefits should be provided to attract investors to this sector. Not only this, foreign investment can be brought in this sector and a separate area can be allotted to them in any economic zone. If sufficient investment is made in this sector, the full use of 'used plastic' will be ensured, and the 'used plastic' collection drive will be accelerated.

Bangladesh must increase its recycled plastic market and the government must play a vital role in this regard. The government has to take initiatives in order to export these products.

Awareness among common people regarding the use of plastic products is very important. Although the use of plastic is high in the developed world, every citizen is aware of the management of plastic and recycled plastic products. If people in our country are more aware, this industry will flourish and the harmful effects on the environment can be reduced to a great extent.

Kamruzzaman Kamal is Marketing Director of PRAN-RFL Group