Approved Technologies & Methods

Bangladesh’s transition toward sustainable plastic management requires the adoption of safe, efficient, and environmentally sound technologies for collection, sorting, recycling, and recovery.

This section provides an overview of approved and emerging technologies, both national and international, aligned with DoE standards and UNIDO’s best practices globally.

Nationally Adopted & DoE-Endorsed Technologies

Mechanical Recycling Units

Description: The most widely used form of recycling in Bangladesh, mechanical recycling involves sorting, washing, shredding, melting, and reprocessing plastic waste into pellets for new production.

Suitable For:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Benefit: Reduces virgin plastic demand and lowers carbon emissions.
Example: Local recyclers in Keraniganj, Gazipur, and Chattogram are already operating semi-automated mechanical recycling lines.

Example: Local recyclers in Keraniganj, Gazipur, and Chattogram are already operating semi-automated mechanical recycling lines.

 

Plastic Waste Sorting & Cleaning Systems

Description: Manual and semi-automated sorting lines equipped with conveyor belts, air classifiers, and washing tanks to improve segregation quality.
Benefit: Enhances material purity and ensures better recycling yields.

Note: DoE encourages installation of standardized washing systems with effluent treatment to prevent water pollution.

 

Energy Recovery / Co-processing in Cement Kilns (Subheading)

Description: Non-recyclable plastics (such as multilayer packaging or laminated films) can be safely co-processed in cement kilns, substituting fossil fuel.
Example: Pilot programs have been conducted in collaboration with the Department of Environment and cement industries.
Environmental Benefit: Reduces landfill waste and provides energy recovery from plastic residues.

 

Plastic-Aggregate Bricks & Road Construction

Description:
Use of shredded plastic waste mixed with bitumen or sand for bricks, tiles, and road surfacing.
Example: Tested under various DoE-approved pilot projects and city corporation initiatives.
Environmental Benefit: Reduces both plastic litter and construction material demand.

 

Biodegradable & Compostable Alternatives

Description:
Research-backed materials made from corn starch, cassava, and jute-based polymers are being explored as substitutes for single-use plastics.
Regulatory Note: Only alternatives certified by DoE and BSTI are allowed for production and sale.
Example: Several local startups are currently testing jute polymer bags in partnership with DoE and BCSIR.

Internationally Recognized Technologies

Chemical Recycling (Depolymerization)

Description:
Advanced process that breaks down plastics (especially PET, PS, and nylon) into their original monomers for reuse in new products.
Global Examples:

• Japan’s PET depolymerization plants (JEPLAN)
• Germany’s Carbios enzymatic recycling
  Potential in Bangladesh: Feasibility studies are underway through UNIDO’s industry development component.

Pyrolysis (Plastic-to-Fuel Conversion)

Description:
Thermal decomposition of mixed plastics into liquid fuel, gas, and char without oxygen.
Challenges: Requires strict emission controls and is still being evaluated by DoE for environmental safety.
Best Practice: Use only licensed plants with pollution control units and continuous emission monitoring.

Enzymatic & Biological Recycling

Description:
Use of microbes or enzymes that digest plastics such as PET into reusable compounds.
Research Examples:

• France’s Carbios technology
• India’s IIT-based enzyme-driven recycling research
  Benefit: Offers a low-carbon, circular alternative if scaled safely.

 

 

 

Advanced Sorting with AI & Optical Systems

Description:
Automated sorting systems using AI, near-infrared scanners, and robotics to identify and separate plastics by polymer type and color.
Example:
Implemented in the EU and Japan for high-quality recovery of recyclables.
Potential: Can be adapted for urban MRFs in Dhaka and Chattogram.

 

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Solutions

Description:
Controlled combustion of non-recyclable plastics in high-efficiency incinerators with energy recovery and emission treatment.
Example: Singapore’s WTE plants power 3% of national electricity demand.
Condition: Requires strict adherence to DoE emission standards before deployment in Bangladesh.

 

 Future Technology Pipeline

• AI-driven waste tracking and mapping systems
• Blockchain-enabled EPR credit systems for brand owner traceability.
• Smart bins and sensor-based monitoring for urban waste segregation.
• Mobile-based consumer collection apps linked to registered recyclers.

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