Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Recycling in Bangladesh: Current Status and Future Sustainability Prospects

The rapid growth in plastic consumption, particularly Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), amidst the surge of population and urbanization in Bangladesh, underscores the urgent need for effective recycling strategies to combat environmental degradation and foster a sustainable future. This qualitative study delves into the current state of PET recycling in Bangladesh, unveiling the strides and hurdles within the sector. It reveals that significant advancements, such as the shift to mechanical, hot washing processes, have markedly improved PET recycling efficiency and economic value. Notably, the textile industry emerges as a key consumer of recycled PET, offering a potential boost to recycling demand. However, challenges persist, including consumer unawareness, inadequate infrastructure, and a raw material supply gap, with the country facing an annual demand for around 2 lakh tons of plastic scraps against a meager supply of 70,000 tons. Major PET-consuming brands like Unilever and Coca-Cola have played pivotal roles in enhancing the recycling landscape through integrating recycled PET into their products and fostering consumer education and strategic partnerships. Innovations such as chemical recycling technologies and AI-assisted sorting present promising prospects for the sector, alongside governmental incentives like a 10% cash rebate for exporting recycled products. The study concludes that while Bangladesh has made notable progress in PET recycling, significant opportunities for improvement remain. Addressing the identified challenges and leveraging technological advancements can amplify the impact of PET recycling on achieving Sustainable Development Goals, promoting a circular economy, and ensuring a greener, more sustainable Bangladesh.