Policy Development, Support and Dialogue

Effective policy is the foundation of lasting change in how plastics are produced, used, and managed. Component 1 of the project focuses on creating an enabling environment through the development, alignment, and implementation of policies that address plastic pollution and support a circular economy.

Bangladesh’s plastic waste challenge is complex. It involves everything from single-use packaging and biomedical waste to marine litter and transboundary trade in plastic scrap. Without cohesive, forward-looking policies, isolated actions cannot deliver impact at scale.

To address this, the Department of Environment (DoE), with technical assistance from UNIDO and financial support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, has been working to strengthen national policy frameworks through research, stakeholder dialogue, and capacity building.

What We’ve Achieved
•    Support to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework Development
The project has supported the preparation of Bangladesh’s national EPR framework, which defines responsibilities for producers and brand owners in managing plastic waste. This framework is in its final stages and will soon be published here for public access.
•    Development of Voluntary Environmental Agreements (VEAs)
Model VEAs have been developed for the private sector to voluntarily commit to responsible plastic use, collection, and recycling practices. These will complement formal regulations and encourage industry participation in achieving national targets.
•    Technical Dialogue with Ministries and Industry
Policy-level consultations have been held with MoEFCC, MoI, MoC, and MoLGRD to ensure that the national response to plastic waste is harmonized across economic and environmental sectors.
•    Policy Tools for Recycling Precincts and Biomedical Waste Management
The project has contributed to the preparation of manuals and guidelines that will support city corporations, industries, and hospitals in aligning with global standards and local policies.
•    Contribution to the National Action Plan (NAP)
The team has supported the implementation of Bangladesh’s National Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management (2021–2030) by aligning interventions under this project with its roadmap and vision.
 
Moving Forward

PlasticPath will serve as a living repository for key policy documents, frameworks, and guidelines. The platform will be regularly updated as new policies are finalized, and new tools are created.

Coming soon to this section:
•    Final EPR Framework document
•    Sample Voluntary Environmental Agreement templates
•    Updated SUP (Single-Use Plastic) Phase-out Guidelines
•    Guidance on Biomedical Waste Management and Plastic Recycling Precincts