Biz-Econ

PRAN-RFL targets 100% plastic recycling by 2030 in first sustainability report

PRAN-RFL Group, one of the largest business conglomerates in the country, has unveiled its first-ever sustainability report for the year 2023. The report reflected the group's unwavering commitment to enhancing present well-being while securing a sustainable future for all.

Themed "Nurturing Lives, Sustaining Tomorrow," the report highlighted PRAN-RFL Group’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, built on eight foundational pillars: product sustainability, packaging sustainability, agriculture, water, energy, human rights, diversity & inclusion, and giving back. These pillars reflected PRAN-RFL’s unwavering commitment to maximizing value, reducing risks, and aligning actions with both business priorities and the global call for sustainable development.

The sustainability strategy of PRAN-RFL Group is grounded in the purpose of empowering the world with essential innovations to thrive. The group draws inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and remains committed to creating a better, inclusive, and sustainable business model for the future.

The group’s targets regarding sustainability include 100 percent investments in line with UN SDGs, 100 percent plastic recycling by 2030, 90 percent locally dependent on agri-products and dairy ingredients, ensure 30 percent reduction in specific water consumption across all factories, ensure 20 percent reduction in energy usage and 25 percent energy consumed by the group’s factories to be from renewable sources.

Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, was present as the chief guest while Tapan Kumar Biswas, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was present as the special guest at the publication ceremony held in a hotel in the capital’s Gulshan on Sunday night. The event brought together policy makers, business leaders, bankers and other stakeholders to celebrate this significant milestone in the PRAN-RFL Group's journey toward environmental and social responsibility.

Addressing the occasion, Mohammad Shafiqul Alam commended PRAN-RFL Group for this initiative and underscored the significance of sustainability in today’s business landscape. “By publishing this report, PRAN-RFL is setting a commendable example for the corporate sector. It reflected their forward-thinking approach to addressing global challenges while creating long-term value for society.”

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO of PRAN-RFL Group, said “The first sustainability report showcases our steadfast commitment to sustainability. This report signifies a landmark moment in PRAN-RFL’s sustainability journey as it marks our inaugural reporting effort. Throughout the report, the theme, Nurturing Lives, Sustaining Tomorrow remains central, encapsulating the pathways we have set to achieve our vision of improving livelihoods and contributing to a cleaner, greener world while fostering widespread livelihood enhancement.”

He further added, “Our sustainability narrative is woven into the fabric of our operations, from the way we source our materials to the manner in which we engage with our communities. It is a story of transformation, innovation, and hope. The report is a testimony of our efforts to minimize our environmental footprint, foster social development, and drive economic growth in a manner that is both ethical and responsible.”

Two insightful panel discussions titled “Sustainable Agriculture: Practices, Challenges and Way Forward” and “Role of Corporate Leadership in Sustainability” were held during the event.

Experts and stakeholders participated in the discussions highlighted the importance of sustainability in doing business and role of stakeholders in ensuring sustainability.