DHAKA, Sept 13, 2021 (BSS) - PRAN-RFL Group, the country's leading
business conglomerate, recycles about 30,000 metric tonnes of waste plastic
every year, producing 27,000 metric tonnes of raw material.

     Kamruzzaman Kamal, director marketing of the PRAN-RFL Group, revealed
the information while talking with reporters at the Pran-RFL Industrial Park
in Habiganj on Saturday.

     Kamal informed that the value of this amount of raw material, if
imported, is about Taka 400 crore.

     "Huge amounts of foreign currencies are being saved every year for
carrying out recycling activities," he added.

     He informed that they collect PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, PS and ABS
plastic and the 'used plastic' are collected from dealers, plastic
collectors, plastic products factories, depots and traders who deal with used
plastic.

     "After this, the used plastic is brought to collection centers of PRAN-
RFL Group. At present, there are 10 collection centers in different parts of
the country. The 'used plastic' was then taken to the Group's factories after
crushing. PRAN-RFL has three factories, including one in Habiganj Industrial
Park, for carrying out recycling activities," he said.

     Kamal mentioned that the awareness of people plays an important role in
using plastic and recycled plastic products.

     "The plastic recycling sector would grow further if people become more
aware in this regard. It will also help to reduce the negative impact on the
environment. PRAN-RFL has been carrying out various activities to create
awareness among the common people," he opined.

     He said industrial packaging can be a big segment of recycling that
includes PET bottles.

     "We are now exporting PET bottle flakes to China. If we could recycle
PET bottles and turn it to polystyrene thread and fabrics, then the huge
amount of polystyrene fabrics need not to be imported for the garment sector. It
could save a huge amount of foreign currencies." he added.

     Referring to the company's next five-year plan, Kamruzzaman Kamal said,
the group aims to recycle about 20 percent of its total plastic usage.

     For this reason, 10 more collection centres will be set up soon, he
added.

     Kamruzzaman Kamal said, "We are planning to use a portion of the money
earned from the sale of recycled plastic products in the CSR sector. The
money will be spent for the development of the environment."

     He said PET bottles and PET related packaging materials are widely used
in Bangladesh.

     For the reason, he said, PRAN-RFL Group is planning to set up a PET
bottle recycling plant to make fabrics.

     The initiative will help the environment and contribute to flourishing
the recycling sector in Bangladesh, he added.

     PRAN-RFL produces about 3,00,000 metric tonnes of plastic products every
year. The products include household products, pipe and fittings, garment
accessories and food packaging. As a leading manufacturer of household
products and processed food, PRAN-RFL Group has a responsibility to maintain
the balance of the environment. The group started plastic recycling
activities in 2012.

     About 100 types of products are manufactured including waste bin,
gardening, household and poultry items and bags by processing the 'used
plastic'.

     The group has so far invested Tk 320 crore in the plastic recycling
sector. Moreover, 2000 people are directly and 4,000 people are indirectly
employed by the initiative of PRAN-RFL Group.