The New Nation - Internet Edition

SINCE its invention in the fifties of the past century by German scientists, the production and marketing of plastic goods has increased. The use of plastic goods has grown in domestic and industrial plus commercial sectors of the economy. It is so, due to the fact that plastic products have turned quite safe for producers and ultimate users. Plastic products have become competitive against natural fibre products, including jute, hessians and bags used for carrying goods from production centres to ultimate markets. Of late, plastic is used for producing boxes, utensils, doors and other commercial items.

The Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association has taken steps for projection of plastic products through fairs at home and abroad. The fifth International Plastic Packaging and Printing Industrial Fair has been opened at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre in the city. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the fair, the Adviser of the Ministry of Commerce underscored the need for projecting plastic products in local and international markets. Since plastic is a non-conventional product, efforts have to be made for ensuring their quality and multiple use thereof.

The use of plastic for bags, cover pages of books and even utensils has been increased in recent years. Good quality plastic sheets are now used for doors of rooms as well as public vehicles. Some house-hold appliances including cups, plates, tiffin boxes are now made with plastic inputs. The prospect of augmenting the production and marketing of diverse plastic goods has increased. As it is, the local entrepreneurs have invested their resources for production of sacks and sheets plus the ribbons and ropes of plastic. These are marketed at home and abroad.

The increased use of plastic to produce furniture and their popularity among users is a good news is so far as they would help in reduce the felling of trees and help accelerate the afforestation programme. The environmental situation would improve to a great extent if tree resources increase due to reduction of tree cutting and plantation of new trees all over the country. However, the plastic industry is faced with some problems. The prevailing practice of banks to insist upon advance bank draft for import of plastic inputs has caused problems to some investors in the plastic industry. The sooner measures are taken to address the problem the better may be effects thereof on the sector. The end of augmenting production and increasing market deals with both local and foreign buyers should be kept upper most by all concerned.