AI-Driven Recycling Revolution: BPCL Deploys Smart Waste Management Model
Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the Recycling Business Unit (RBU) model in the country’s plastic waste recycling sector. Under the World Bank-funded PLEASe project, BPCL has established seven Recycling Business Units (RBUs) in Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Rupganj, Siddhirganj, Bogura, Chattogram, and Cumilla. Through this initiative, the organization has recovered more than 617 metric tons of plastic and ensured employment for 5,615 individuals.
Highlighting the experience of the PLEASe project, BPCL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Khadem Mahmud Yusuf stated that, to ensure transparency and accountability in plastic waste management, blockchain technology alongside AI-driven tracking systems has been introduced. This enables real-time monitoring of the entire process—from PET waste collection to recycling.
He further noted that under this project, the net profit of scrap suppliers has increased from BDT 2 to BDT 3 per kilogram. BPCL’s partner organization in the project, CDDP, has supported BPCL in providing free healthcare services to 1,404 informal waste collectors, childcare support for 70 children, and life-skills training for 1,475 individuals.
The project’s innovative activities were showcased alongside open discussions at a workshop titled “Decarbonizing Bangladesh’s Plastic Waste: Innovative Solutions for the Circular Economy,” held on the evening of March 30 at the Renaissance Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. The event also demonstrated how collecting plastic bottles and reusing them can reduce plastic consumption while promoting sustainable technological practices in waste management.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo attended the workshop as the chief guest. Distinguished guests included Additional Secretary Dr. Fahmida Khanam of the same ministry, UNOPS Bangladesh Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan, and Managing Director and CEO of Trust Bank PLC Ahsan Zaman Chowdhury. Representatives from the Embassies of Sweden and Hungary, UNICEF, ILO, UNDP, UNOPS, IFC, ADB, Cordaid, IUCN, and Practical Action, along with senior officials from the Department of Environment, Coca-Cola, Transcom, LafargeHolcim, Arla, various government and private organizations, and university faculty members, were also present.
In his বক্তব্য, Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo stated that imposing bans alone cannot solve the plastic pollution crisis, as plastic is deeply integrated into daily life. Instead, the challenge must be addressed through improved recycling systems and innovation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming waste into resources in the future.
Additional Secretary Dr. Fahmida Khanam emphasized that the government would extend full support to BPCL’s initiatives and is prepared to provide all necessary technical assistance, particularly in solid waste management.
Professor Dr. Melita Mehjabin of IBA, University of Dhaka, remarked that integrating the entire waste management system under a structured financial model would be most effective and praised BPCL’s efforts in ensuring sustainable buyers.
UNOPS Bangladesh Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan described BPCL’s project as exemplary innovation, noting that the organization is operating with strong credibility and that the model should be expanded nationwide.
Naoka Martinez Backstrom, First Secretary of the Embassy of Sweden, described BPCL’s waste management approach as highly trained and commended the organization for simplifying the development of a complex supply chain at the individual level.
UNDP Green Growth Programme Specialist Jakob Fink Ferdinand praised BPCL’s overall digital architecture and stressed the need for close government monitoring in implementing such initiatives.
GIZ Head of Project Michael Claude highlighted the importance of economic inclusion in waste management and emphasized the necessity of government participation in the ecosystem. He also noted that PET-based environmentally friendly delivery systems are economically effective and that individual-level tracking systems remain complex, requiring greater governmental attention.
DBTech/FH/MUM/OR
