Bangladesh’s plastic industry continues to show steady growth despite economic challenges, according to Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA). Speaking at a media briefing in Dhaka, BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed said the sector has evolved far beyond household products and now acts as a key backward linkage for more than 60 industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, engineering, and electronics.
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The industry currently has over 4,000 active plastic related enterprises, mostly operating in the business to business segment, while the broader plastic manufacturing ecosystem includes more than 6,000 units, largely small and medium enterprises. Together, the sector provides employment to around 1.5 million people, creating strong multiplier effects across the economy.
Ahmed said direct exports from the plastic sector are close to $300 million, while indirect exports, mainly through garment accessories and packaging, contribute an estimated $1.2 billion. He noted that if indirect exports were formally recognized in national data, the industry’s total export value would be closer to $2 billion.
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The 18th International Plastic Fair (IPF) will be held from January 28 to 31, 2026 at International Convention City Bashundhara. The event is expected to attract strong foreign participation and showcase advanced machinery and production technologies, reinforcing Bangladesh’s position in the regional plastic industry.
Industry leaders also highlighted growing investment in agricultural plastics, packaging, and engineering grade materials, as well as diversification into 29 active sub sectors such as toys, optics, greenhouse films, and biofloc tanks. While calling for policy support on land access and waste management, Ahmed said platforms like IPF play a critical role in driving innovation, collaboration, and long term transformation of the sector.