The Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have entered into a partnership initiative to contribute to the innovation and research sector. As part of that, BUET’s ‘Research and Innovation Center for Science and Engineering (RISE) has awarded a research project in Bangladesh to ensure plastic packaging circularity to combat plastic pollution.
On Monday (May 29, 2023), UBL and RISE jointly hosted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, which is the first step of a collaborative initiative between RISE, BUET and UBL for the sustainable project ‘Sustainable Plastic Packaging Circularity – Cost-Effective Appropriate Technology’. This research project is part of UBL’s commitment to tackle the challenge of plastic waste in Bangladesh and build a waste-free and sustainable Bangladesh through the model ‘Less Plastic, Better Plastic, Plastic Free’.
‘The Research and Innovation Center for Science and Engineering (RISE)’ is a research and innovation center established at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET); It aims to stimulate world-class research and encourage innovation in science and engineering.
This important research collaboration initiative aims to address pressing environmental challenges, future eco-friendly technological solutions and promote sustainable development in the context of Bangladesh. This collaborative initiative will primarily focus on innovating re-cyclable, reusable and biodegradable packaging systems to reduce environmental impact, reduce carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency and ensure a sustainable manufacturing sector for raw materials.
In addition, this partnership will ensure a more sustainable future for Bangladesh through collaboration in research and development, capacity building, policy advocacy and education and awareness.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was present as the chief guest in the event. Pro-Vice-Chancellor of BUET as ‘Guest of Honour’ was Professor Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan. In addition, the program was presided over by BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumdar. In this event, UBL was represented by the company’s CEO and Managing Director Javed Akhtar and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder, Director, Research and Innovation Center for Science and Engineering, BUET.
Javed Akhtar, CEO and MD of Unilever Bangladesh said, “Unilever’s business activities are conducted mainly around sustainable development. As part of our global commitment to improving the health of the planet, we have been implementing innovative initiatives in plastic waste management since 2020, including innovative packaging, developing a sustainable model for plastic waste collection and management, and multi-stakeholder discussions and experiences. Creating a platform for all to exchange. We are now exploring ways to build a sustainable ecosystem in plastic management; So, this is the best time to work with researchers and scientists who are making important contributions in this sector. We are delighted to join hands with BUET, the leader in innovation and research and one of the country’s most renowned universities of engineering and technology, to realize the current challenges of the industry as well as lead ourselves towards the joint goal of sustainable plastic waste management. With our joint efforts, we are able to have a lasting positive impact on the economy, achieve Vision-2041 and showcase Bangladesh as a model for the rest of the world. I convey my heartfelt thanks to Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan, the institution’s Vice chancellor professor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder, Director of BUET ‘RISE’ Professor Dr. Anisuzzaman Talukder and his team for their cooperation.” Besides, we can achieve Vision-2041 and present Bangladesh as a model in front of other countries of the world.
BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder said, “UBL and BUET started their journey in Bangladesh almost at the same time and both have contributed significantly to the development of the country in their respective sectors. Industry and academia work as partners in building a sustainable future. However, the encouragement and cooperation of the government is also important. I express my gratitude to the ‘Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041’ vision of the Government of Bangladesh for giving me the opportunity to create research-based partnerships. I believe a strong partnership between industry leaders and academic institutions can contribute to government initiatives to build a better Bangladesh.”
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change said, “The three major crises in the world today are – climate change, threats to biodiversity and plastic pollution; The future of Bangladesh also depends on policies and strategies to deal with these crisis. The amount of plastic waste in our environment is increasing day by day. I think there is a need to find solutions by bringing plastic waste management into the business model. As a result of this MoU, I am hopeful that Unilever as a global brand will share its experience with BUET and come up with innovative ways to solve the plastic problem.”
