Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Mar 4, 2026 (BSS) - Unilever Bangladesh Limited, one of the country's leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, has reinforced its commitment to sustainable plastic waste management through expanded safety support, social protection initiatives and community-based interventions under its Plastic Waste Management Initiative.

As part of the initiative, UBL distributed protective safety equipment to 1,673 plastic waste collectors in Chattogram City Corporation areas at an event held in Chattogram. The essential gear, including safety vests, gumboots, rubber gloves, helmets, goggles and iron hooks, is aimed at improving occupational safety and reducing exposure to hazardous waste. 

In addition, 170 first-aid boxes were distributed to local scrap shops (bhangarwalas) to ensure immediate response to minor workplace injuries. Source segregation awareness was also expanded in schools and madrasas, with three-bin systems introduced in 50 institutions during the event, said a press release.

Previously, safety equipment was provided to 3,700 waste workers and three-bin systems were installed in 61 schools. To date, the initiative has enabled the collection of over 30,000 tons of plastic waste. The initiative also introduced insurance coverage and financial assistance mechanisms to strengthen social protection for waste workers and their families.

As a result of these safety and social protection interventions, monitoring and field evaluations of the initiative indicate significant reductions in health risks and workplace accidents, alongside lower infection rates, reduced medical expenses and improved productivity. 

Overall, the initiative has delivered measurable socioeconomic gains, including higher incomes, increased savings and improved living standards, supported by safer working conditions and structured incentives.

Shamima Akhter, Director - Corporate Affairs, Partnerships & Communications at Unilever Bangladesh, said, “At Unilever Bangladesh, we believe that advancing environmental sustainability must go hand in hand with improving lives. Through our Plastic Waste Management Initiative, we have been working at Chattogram City since 2022 and have made strong progress.”

Unilever Bangladesh remains committed to expanding this effort to create lasting environmental and social impact nationwide.