Dr. Colin Kerr, Head of Packaging Excellence and Technology, Unilever, presented his keynote presentation on ‘Innovation and Inspiration in Packaging for Holistic Plastic Circularity’, where he illustrated the innovations that Unilever has adopted globally to ensure environmentally friendly packaging.
The seminar also featured two panel discussions: the first, titled ‘Importance of Innovative Design for Plastic Circularity,’ moderated by Dr. Zaki Uz Zaman, Country Representative of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the following panellists; Ruhul Quddus Khan, Supply Chain Director, UBL; Amir Daud, COO, Bengal Group; Anisur Rahman, Director, Premiaflex Plastics; M Hossain Iraz, Director, Operations, Akij Bashir Group; and R N Paul, Managing Director, Pran-RFL Group.
The second, titled ‘Importance of Innovation in Collection and Recycling for Plastic Circularity,’ was moderated by Ms. Shamima Akhter, Director - Corporate Affairs, Partnerships, and Communications at UBL, with panellists including Dr. Ijaz Hossain, Ex-Professor and Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Matt Demorais, Head of Corporate Affairs and Issues, Unilever; Sheikh Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer, Chattogram City Corporation, KM Iqbal Hossain, Vice President, BPGMEA, and Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, Executive Director, TEL Plastics, RFL Group.
An exhibition titled ‘Innovative Material and Packaging’, showcased the innovation in producing and recycling plastic products and packaging from local organisations and UBL, was inaugurated by the Chief Guest and the Special Guests during the seminar.
Dr. Colin Kerr, Global Head of Packaging Excellence and Technology, Unilever, said, "Unilever is globally implementing its Golden Packaging Rule and digital models for innovative plastic packaging. Both rigid packaging and flexible packaging play an important role in providing the product to consumers. But they also leave a plastic footprint which Unilever is committed to reduce through time-bound actions. Our holistic aim to achieve ‘less, better and no plastic’ framework is reflected in our commitment to innovate plastic packaging designs. Unilever Bangladesh has already successfully implemented new approaches to reduce plastic packaging.
For example, Lifebuoy and Vim Bar packaging use 18% and 30% less plastic, respectively. For the transition to better plastic usage, our pioneering move to use food-grade recycled polypropylene in packaging has inspired others. As we continue exploring alternate materials, reusing and refilling strategies are bringing us closer to our goal. But we can only do so much as a company. With industry-wide involvement, we can enable an infrastructural development in the value chain of plastic packaging innovations."
Zaved Akhtar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Unilever Bangladesh, said, “We all have a responsibility towards the planet. As part of Unilever’s global push for innovation in plastic packaging and a plastic waste-free planet, Unilever Bangladesh is actively adopting innovations in how our products are packaged. Through innovative packaging and effective waste management implementation, UBL aims to optimise plastic’s many benefits. There is still a lot to do to ensure plastic circularity, and we cannot do it alone. The government and businesses need to work collaboratively."
Shamim Ahmed, President, BPGMEA, said, “The need for plastics has increased exponentially to maintain product quality, but proper waste management is also essential. I request the ministries concerned and the Government to ensure adequate support for the industry. As Per Capita Income is increasing in Bangladesh, the use of plastic is also increasing. As a result, the process of waste collection is gradually becoming a bigger challenge. We don't want our environment to be degraded by plastic or our future generations to be harmed by plastic.
Therefore, emphasis on infrastructural investment and strategic solutions is very important. I am especially grateful to Unilever Bangladesh for their support that is helping all of us achieve a circular economy.”