Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) has renewed its tripartite partnership with Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) for a further two years, continuing joint efforts to strengthen the plastic waste management value chain and improve the livelihoods of waste workers in Chattogram, a press release said.
The renewal was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a ceremony attended by Dr Shahadat Hossain, Hon’ble Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), as Chief Guest. Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury (S), BN, Chief Conservancy Officer of CCC; Mohammed Arifur Rahman, Founder and CEO of YPSA; Ruhul Quddus Khan, CEO and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited; and Shamima Akhter, Director Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications at Unilever Bangladesh Limited, were also present as special guests.
Since 2022, the partnership has worked across all 41 wards of Chattogram City Corporation to enhance the plastic waste value chain, linking waste workers, scrap buyers, and recyclers through a system designed to be more inclusive. The initiative has focused on strengthening the collection and management of low-value plastic waste through an incentive-based model, alongside livelihood development through training on waste management, health and safety, and basic business skills. Participants have also been supported with safety equipment and access to health protection.
Under this collaboration, 3,000 waste workers and 220 scrap buyers have received training, with safety equipment provided to around 2,000 waste workers. In 2025, the programme also introduced group life insurance, under which 1,827 participants received coverage, offering financial protection in cases of disability or accidental death. Community engagement activities have reached approximately 25,000 households and more than 10,000 students across schools and madrasas, with further outreach planned.
Over 32,000 tonnes of plastic waste were collected between June 2022 and April 2026, 70% of which was flexible plastic. Half of the participating scrap buyers now hold trade licences, and all participants have active bank accounts.
Dr City Shahadat Hossain, Hon’ble Mayor of Chattogram Corporation, said, “This partnership reflects the importance of collaboration between city authorities, the private sector, and civil society in strengthening urban waste management systems. By working together, we can improve service delivery at the ward level while addressing environmental challenges that directly affect our communities. Initiatives like this support our broader vision for a cleaner, greener, and more liveable Chattogram, built on shared responsibility and sustained civic engagement. I thank Unilever Bangladesh for their continued commitment to Chattogram and for working closely with all relevant stakeholders to build a sustainable plastic waste management system.”
Ruhul Quddus Khan, CEO and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, said, “Addressing plastic waste requires systemic change and sustained collaboration across the value chain. As part of Unilever’s global commitment to reducing plastic waste and accelerating circularity, we have been working in Bangladesh over the past five years to pilot and strengthen inclusive waste management models. Our continued partnership with Chattogram City Corporation and YPSA is an important step towards scaling impact-supporting waste workers, improving collection systems, and contributing to a more sustainable urban ecosystem”
Mohammed Arifur Rahman, Founder and CEO of YPSA, said, “This initiative brings informal waste workers into a more organised system, helping improve income opportunities while strengthening access to safety measures and recognition. By combining community engagement with practical support on the ground, the initiative contributes to more resilient waste management practices and stronger local participation.”
During the event, two waste collectors and two scrap buyers were recognised for their contributions to plastic waste management in the city.
The renewed partnership will continue to focus on plastic waste collection and management, and promote behaviour change at the community level, contributing to a more efficient and inclusive waste management ecosystem in Chattogram.
