The plastic goods manufacturers have criticised the government's proposed plan to phase out the use of 17 types of plastic goods, arguing that it will severely impact the sector.

The ban will have a devastating effect on jobs and the livelihoods of small traders in the sector, which includes over 6,000 plastic industries and millions of workers, said Shamim Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA).

The food processing industry, pharmaceutical packaging, hospital items, agricultural modernisation, and export packaging would all be harmed if plastic packaging is banned as part of the government's move to eliminate single-use plastics, he added.

Ahmed emphasised the urgent need for the government to address the sector's pressing concerns, as it plays a pivotal role in industrial growth and export activities.

The ban will disrupt supply chains and hinder industrial growth, Ahmed said.

He also expressed concerns that the government did not consult key stakeholders, such as the commerce and industries ministries and trade bodies, before implementing such a drastic measure.

In response to the ban, the BPGMEA proposed several recommendations to address the issue.

These included promoting plastic recycling initiatives to reduce environmental harm and align with global sustainability goals, as well as ensuring that policies related to plastic restrictions are implemented gradually, with proper consultation and planning.

Ahmed stressed that aligning such policies with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could provide a balanced and measured approach, allowing the industry to adapt over time.

The BPGMEA president made this appeal during a press conference at the association's office in Dhaka today.