Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) signed an MoU recently with Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) for improved plastic circularity in Chattogram City Corporation at an event at the Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View in Chattogram.

Sheikh Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, chief executive officer, Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Zaved Akhtar, CEO and managing director, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd (UBL), and Palash Chowdhury, finance director, Young Power in Action (YPSA), signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.

Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, was present at the event as the chief guest.

Unilever Bangladesh in collaboration with YPSA started a plastic circularity project in Chattogram City Corporation in 2022 with the vision to enhance the informal value chain and increase plastic waste collection. Since June 2022, 7000 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected, more than 2000 waste workers were trained and received livelihood support, and 100% collected plastic was recycled.

Under the MoU, Unilever and YPSA aim to collect 10% of Chattogram's plastic waste, strengthen 5000 waste workers' livelihoods, increase citizen awareness and formalise the informal recycling value chain in Chattogram, said a  press release.

Mayor said, “Plastic has helped the human civilisation but the mismanagement of plastic waste has become an environmental threat to humankind. The canals in Chattogram suffer from the devastating effects of plastic waste, leading to the demise of fish, making land infertile, and causing waterlogging during monsoon. “  “We do not have time to lose and must act together. “

Zaved Akhtar , CEO and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, said, "To support Bangladesh's Vision 2041, we must address plastic pollution and act faster to protect our environment...Through our initiative, we have embarked on a journey that holds the promise of creating a better and more sustainable world for generations to come. It is my hope that through our efforts, we will move towards the vision of plastic circularity in Chattogram City."

"It is a collective responsibility for each and every one of us to protect our environment and ensure the proper management of waste in Chattogram city. Let us rally behind the noble mission and create a clean and sustainable Chattogram City." said Arifur Rahman, CEO, YPSA.

Special guests of the event were Mubarak Ali, councilor and chairman of the Standing Committee for Waste Management, Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Mohammad Abul Hasem, acting chief conservancy officer (deputy secretary), Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Hillol Biswas, director

(deputy secretary), Chattogram Metro, Department of Environment, Shamima Akhter, director, Corporate Affairs, Partnership, and Communication, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd (UBL).