In Bangladesh’s consumer goods industry, witnessing one’s packaging in a drain has long been a discomforting reality. While the awareness of this issue has been present among companies, the absence of a unified framework has hindered effective action across the value chain.
Recently, a significant development took place with the introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guideline for Plastic Waste Management, 2026. This guideline, which came into effect upon its publication in the gazette on August 13, marks a crucial step for Bangladesh. EPR systems, which originated in Sweden in 1990 and are operational in around 60 countries globally, including India, Vietnam, and South Africa, have now been adopted in Bangladesh.
The pressing need for this initiative is evident in the surge of urban plastic consumption, as highlighted by World Bank research. The per capita plastic usage in urban areas tripled from three kilograms to nine between 2005 and 2020, reaching 22.5 kilograms in Dhaka. Despite the high consumption, only a fraction of the plastic is recycled, leading to environmental pollution, with 12 percent of Dhaka’s plastic waste ending up in water bodies.
The EPR approach goes beyond mere recycling; it necessitates that producers, brand owners, importers, online platforms, retail chains, and recyclers collaborate to finance and manage the entire end-of-life plastic chain, encompassing collection, sorting, recycling, and proper disposal. Moreover, a shift towards reducing plastic usage from design to disposal is emphasized.
This guideline not only places a regulatory responsibility on businesses but also encourages collaboration and shared accountability within the industry. By aligning stakeholders towards common objectives, the guideline aims to address the challenges posed by the national waste stream more effectively.
Acknowledgment is due to the Department of Environment and the ministry for their inclusive approach in developing the guideline, involving consultations with various stakeholders over several years. The phased implementation of the guideline targets larger enterprises initially, followed by medium and small enterprises in subsequent years, with specific collection and recycling targets to be achieved within defined plastic categories.
Furthermore, the guideline recognizes the informal sector’s contribution to recycling and mandates the integration of informal collectors and sorters into organized systems, ensuring their inclusion and safety. Companies are required to report their annual collection and recycling activities to the Department of Environment for accountability and monitoring purposes.
While the EPR system is not a standalone solution to the plastic waste issue, it complements existing public investments and emphasizes continuous improvement through stakeholder engagement and periodic reviews. The guideline signifies a positive step towards establishing ownership and a collaborative structure for managing plastic waste in Bangladesh, underlining the collective responsibility of the industry to drive sustainable change.
