Bangladesh’s flexible packaging sector targets $10 billion in export potential, supported by policy reforms and capacity expansion plans.
Bangladesh’s plastic and flexible packaging industry, which currently generates around USD 2.2 billion annually through direct and indirect exports, has the potential to expand into a USD 10 billion export sector with targeted policy and infrastructure support, according to industry leaders. The sector is increasingly recognised as a key backward linkage supporting export-driven industries such as readymade garments, food processing, pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
Md Anisur Rahman, Deputy Executive Director of Premiaflex Plastics Limited, ACI PLC, said the flexible packaging industry in Bangladesh holds strong potential to become a high-value export sector if supported by favourable policies and improved infrastructure. He shared these views while presenting a keynote paper at a seminar titled “Packaging Export Potentiality and Identification”, organised jointly by the Plastic Products Business Promotion Council (PPBPC) and the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA). The seminar was held at the International Convention City Bashundhara during the International Plastics, Printing and Packaging Industry Fair.
Rahman noted that flexible packaging used across food, pharmaceutical, garment and FMCG sectors has become a critical component of Bangladesh’s export ecosystem. The sector currently has an estimated market size of Tk 3,500 crore and an annual production capacity of approximately 115,000 tonnes, supported by over 100 manufacturers. However, only about 3% of locally produced packaging materials are exported directly.
He identified skilled manpower and competitive production costs as key industry strengths but highlighted challenges such as the absence of bonded warehouse facilities, limited export incentives and inadequate certification infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of promoting environmentally sustainable packaging solutions and proposed introducing a national branding label, “Produced and Packaged in Bangladesh,” to enhance global market visibility.
Md Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Industries, said plastic packaging holds significant export potential, particularly as the country aims to diversify its export portfolio beyond garments. He emphasised that plastic packaging has evolved beyond being a support industry and could develop into a billion-dollar export segment. He also urged stronger collaboration among policymakers, industry stakeholders and development partners to tap into the global plastic packaging market, which could offer export opportunities worth up to USD 10 billion.
Md Nuruzzaman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, highlighted the importance of stronger public-private collaboration in policymaking. He noted that packaging has become a crucial factor in product success and market acceptance, both domestically and internationally, and stressed the need for innovation to meet changing global market requirements.
Hafizur Rahman, former head of the WTO Cell at the Commerce Ministry, underlined the strategic role of packaging in export competitiveness, noting that it directly impacts product shelf life, quality and global marketability. He also pointed out that limitations in domestic packaging capacity contribute to post-harvest losses of up to 30% and called for bonded warehouse facilities and reduced tariffs on imported packaging materials to support exporters.
Kazi Anwarul Haque, Vice-President of BPGMEA, highlighted rising global demand for polypropylene (PP) woven and flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) bags. He encouraged local manufacturers to explore export markets, noting that reusable and recyclable packaging products offer strong global demand if manufacturers maintain quality standards, compliance and effective market access strategies.
The seminar session was moderated by BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed, while Senior Vice-President KM Iqbal Hossain and Vice-Presidents Md Enamul Haque and Quazi Anwarul Haque also addressed the gathering.
News Courtesy : The daily star