Packaging makers see $10 billion export potential

The local plastic and flexible packaging sector, which now earns $2.2 billion a year from direct and indirect exports, has the potential to grow to $10 billion and emerge as a major export earner with targeted policy support, according to industry leaders.

They highlighted the sector’s growing role as a critical backward linkage to export-driven industries such as readymade garments, food, pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer goods.

“Bangladesh’s flexible packaging industry has significant potential to become a high-value export sector with the right policy and infrastructure support,” said Md Anisur Rahman, deputy executive director of Premiaflex Plastics Limited of ACI PLC.

He made the remarks at a seminar, titled “Packaging Export Potentiality and Identification”, jointly organised by the Plastic Products Business Promotion Council (PPBPC) and the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA).

The event was held today at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Kuril, Dhaka on the occasion of the International Plastics, Printing and Packaging Industry Fair.

Presenting the keynote paper, Rahman said flexible packaging used in food, pharmaceuticals, garments and FMCG has become a vital backbone of the country’s export ecosystem.

The sector has an estimated market size of Tk 3,500 crore and an annual production capacity of 115,000 tonnes, supported by more than 100 manufacturers. Yet only about 3 percent of locally produced packaging materials are exported directly.

Rahman pointed to skilled manpower and competitive production costs as key strengths but said the sector remained constrained by the lack of bonded warehouse facilities, limited export incentives and inadequate certification services.

He also stressed the need for stronger support for eco-friendly packaging and suggested introducing a national label, “Produced and Packaged in Bangladesh”, to improve branding in global markets.

Md Obaidur Rahman, secretary of the Ministry of Industries, said plastic packaging held immense export potential, especially as Bangladesh seeks to diversify beyond garments.

“Plastic packaging is no longer just a support industry; it has the potential to become a billion-dollar export sector,” he said.

The secretary urged closer collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers and development partners, adding that Bangladesh could tap a global market worth up to $10 billion in plastic packaging exports.

Md Nuruzzaman, additional secretary at the Ministry of Industries, called for stronger engagement between the public and private sectors.

“Oftentimes, policies are made without direct input from the business community. But seminars like this allow us to better understand your challenges and align our policies accordingly,” he said.

Highlighting the changing role of packaging, he said, “Packaging is no longer just a supportive sector; it is essential. Without proper packaging, even the best products fail to attract consumers, both locally and globally.”

“We must bring novelty to the packaging sector, so our products stand out and meet evolving market demands,” he said.

Hafizur Rahman, former head of the WTO Cell at the commerce ministry, said packaging plays an important role in export competitiveness.

“Packaging is not just about carrying products; it determines shelf life, quality, and global competitiveness,” he said.

He noted that weaknesses in the domestic packaging sector contribute to post-harvest losses of up to 30 percent and called for bonded warehouse facilities and lower tariffs on imported packaging materials to support exporters.

“Packaging can transform our exports with the right policy support,” he said.

Kazi Anwarul Haque, vice-president of BPGMEA, highlighted growing global demand for PP woven and FIBC bags and urged local manufacturers to look beyond the domestic market.

He said reusable and recyclable packaging products offer strong export prospects if producers focus on quality, compliance and market access.

The session was moderated by Shamim Ahmed, president of BPGMEA. Senior vice-president KM Iqbal Hossain and vice-presidents Md Enamul Haque and Quazi Anwarul Haque of the association also spoke at the event.