Jumbangla Desk: Due to climate change, more or less the whole world is suffering. Absence of rain, excessive rain, abnormally high or low temperature are increasing. Different countries are paying attention to the use of environmentally friendly products. Polythene is responsible for environmental pollution. Due to this, polyethylene was banned in the country in 2002. However, overuse of polythene could not be prevented due to lack of readily available and affordable alternatives. The current interim government has given special attention to protecting the environment. As part of the implementation of the polythene ban law, the use of such bags in supershops has been banned from October 1. The use of polythene is being stopped in 10 raw markets of the capital from November 1. In the next phase, nationwide raids will also be conducted against polythene producers.
In this situation, a scheme has been proposed by the Ministry of Textiles and Jute to meet the demand for eco-friendly bags. Recently, the project titled 'Establishment of pilot factory for expansion of sustainable method of production of eco-friendly golden bags from jute' has been sent to the Planning Commission for presentation in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Considering the importance, the concerned Industrial Power Division of the Planning Commission held a meeting of the Project Evaluation Committee (PSE) last week. Although agreed in principle, some conditions were discussed in the meeting.
According to the related Project Development Proposal (DPP), it is possible to produce one kg of golden bags from one kg of jute. Considering the cost of production along with the raw materials and other expenses used to manufacture polythene and gold bags, gold bags will be economically more affordable than polythene. This bag will be produced using local technology and manpower. The price will be close to that of Polythene.
As per the proposal, the commercial production of gold bags will start from next January. It will end in December 2027. The cost has been estimated at 100 crores. Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC), an organization under the Ministry of Jute, will implement the project. According to DPP, it is possible to produce one kg of golden bags from one kg of jute. There will be 100 bags in one kg. Initially 5 tons of gold bags will be produced per day.
Golden bags are also called jute polythene. It is basically a cellulose based biodegradable bioplastic, which is an alternative to plastic bags. If you want to know, its inventor. Mubarak Hossain told Samakal that jute golden bags are also commercially profitable. When asked why this important product has not been marketed even though it was discovered a long time ago, he said that the technology and materials are all transferable. Jute polyethylene can be made available in the market through commercial production if the government sincerely wants. Polythene is harmful to environment and public health. The use of polythene has been banned in various countries of the world including Bangladesh. So golden bags should not be compared with polythene.
Abdul Barek Khan, secretary general of BJMEA, an association of private jute mill owners, told Samakal that the ministry was reluctant towards jute in the past. Due to this, despite the great potential, the jute sector loses its competitiveness in the domestic and international markets. Former textile and jute minister himself is a businessman in the plastic sector. He paid little attention to jute. There is an advisory committee to set the policy on jute, where representatives of all ministries, BUET and Dhaka University sit. Ex-officio minister was the chairman of the committee. The fact is, despite many requests, the committee did not meet even once. In 2017 jute law was passed. However, the rules have not been made even in the last seven years.
Incidentally, the pilot project to develop a biodegradable alternative to polythene called 'Sonali Bag' started in 2017. Experimental production started at Latif Bawani Jute Mill in Demra, Dhaka. Some bags are also marketed in limited sizes. However, commercial production was not profitable due to high cost of production. The following year, BJMC signed an MoU with UK-based Futamura Chemical Company for the commercial production of golden bags from jute. But it did not proceed due to various obstacles.
The Planning Commission has imposed several conditions on the proposed project. For example, the feasibility study report of the project should be reviewed by expert persons and institutions. This will require a re-examination of the economic analysis. Along with reasonable cost estimation, quality of work should be ensured.
