Bangladesh introduces insurance for waste workers
Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) rolled out the scheme as part of its broader plastic waste management initiative in Chittagong
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) – Bangladesh has introduced an insurance policy for waste workers, offering financial protection to those handling hazardous plastic waste.
Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) rolled out the scheme as part of its broader plastic waste management initiative in Chittagong.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, UBL has been running a scalable circular plastic waste model since 2020, collecting more plastic than it uses in packaging.
Despite playing a vital role in recycling, waste workers often face severe health risks, accidents, and even fatalities due to unsafe working conditions and limited protective gear.
To address this, UBL has partnered with MetLife Bangladesh and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) to provide life insurance to 1,827 waste workers under its programme.
The scheme offers up to Tk150,000 for medical coverage and accidental death compensation of up to three lakh taka, along with reimbursements for essential healthcare expenses.
Since launching its waste management project in 2022, UBL has collected over 21,750 tonnes of plastic waste in Chattogram while improving the livelihoods of over 5,000 workers.
The initiative, now covering 10% of the city’s plastic waste, highlights a commitment to both environmental sustainability and worker welfare, setting a new benchmark for corporate responsibility in Bangladesh.
Unilever Bangladesh launched its plastic waste management project in Chattogram in 2022, aiming to collect more plastic than it sells.
Since then, the initiative has collected over 21,750 tonnes of plastic waste and upskilled more than 3,000 waste workers. Expanding its reach, the project now targets 10% of Chattogram’s plastic waste, improving the socioeconomic conditions of over 5,000 workers.
By integrating social security measures with environmental sustainability, UBL’s initiative sets a new precedent in corporate responsibility, ensuring both ecological impact and worker welfare in Bangladesh’s waste management sector.
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