Unilever Bangladesh Introduces Insurance Policy For Waste Workers3 min read
Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), the country’s premier Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, proudly announces the launch of life insurance policy for waste workers as part of its plastic waste management initiative in Chattogram, according to press release.
In line with its global ambition to end plastic pollution through reduction, circulation, and collaboration, Unilever is driving a transformative change in the plastic waste value chain in Bangladesh. Since 2020, the company has established an innovative and scalable circular model for plastic waste, successfully collecting more plastic than what it uses in its product packaging.
Despite their crucial role, waste pickers often face significant challenges, working under hazardous conditions with limited access to safety measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). They collect and sort up to 60% of recyclable plastic waste but frequently endure severe health and safety risks, including injuries and fatalities.
To address these issues, UBL has collaborated with government, experts, and NGOs to create a socially-just circular economy. In partnership with MetLife Bangladesh and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), UBL’s groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance the wellbeing and livelihood of Chattogram’s waste workers by providing comprehensive life insurance coverage.
The agreement signing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Muhammad Tauhidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC); Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of UBL; Ala Ahmad, CEO of MetLife Bangladesh; Md. Arifur Rahman, CEO of YPSA; Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships & Communications at UBL; and Md Kamruzzaman, Director and Head of Employee Benefits, MetLife Bangladesh, along with other senior officials.
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Under this initiative, 1,827 waste workers involved in the plastic waste management programme will receive life and health coverage, ensuring their financial stability. Eligible workers can receive compensation of up to 150,000 BDT, with benefits extending to 100% of the insured sum for specified medical conditions. In addition, insurance coverage of up to three lakh taka will be provided in case of accidental death. The scheme also includes reimbursements for essential healthcare costs, such as physician consultations and hospital charges, said in press release.
Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, stated, “Unilever Bangladesh has been championing the Plastic Sustainability initiative as part of its commitment to ending plastic pollution. The individuals collecting plastic in the informal economy play an integral role in our solution— without them, scaling plastic collection is impossible. By enhancing the health, safety, and human rights of waste workers, we set a benchmark for a socially-just circular economy today. I believe this initiative will encourage others to step forward, and together we can build a more equitable future.”
Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, MetLife Bangladesh, said, “We are delighted to partner with UBL and YPSA, as this industry-leading initiative highlights the importance of insurance in building stronger communities. Our longstanding experience of serving around 10 lakh individual customers and 900 corporate clients has enabled us to develop the insurance solution that not only improves the livelihood of waste workers but also provides them assurance to build a confident future.”
Md. Arifur Rahman Chief Executive YPSA, said, “YPSA has worked for this plastic waste management project in Chattogram since 2022, and waste workers have always been at the heart of our efforts. Through our partnership with Unilever Bangladesh, we are not only improving plastic waste management but also securing a better future for waste workers and their families. The insurance coverage introduced under this initiative ensures financial stability, safer working conditions, and long-term economic security. This collaboration will collectively empower the waste workers, giving them a future of potential and prosperity.”
Unilever Bangladesh, in a multi-stakeholder partnership, launched a plastic waste management project in Chattogram in 2022, aiming to collect more plastic than it sells. Since 2022, it has collected over 21750 tonnes of plastic waste and upskilled over 3000 waste workers, improving their livelihoods. Expanding its impact, the innovative project now targets 10% of Chattogram’s plastic waste, strengthening more than 5,000 waste workers’ socioeconomic well-being.
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