Turning Waste into Opportunity
Author: Md Fahim Hossain
Published date:
As the world grapples with the mounting crisis of plastic pollution, innovative solutions are emerging to tackle waste and promote a circular economy. On Global Recycling Day 2025, we sit down with Hameed Hasan Alvee, the visionary founder of Polyeco Bangladesh, a company revolutionizing the plastic recycling industry in the country.
With a background deeply rooted in recycling, Alvee has taken bold strides to expand the scope of sustainability by addressing one of Bangladesh’s most pressing environmental challenges—plastic waste. Through Polyeco, he has introduced cutting-edge recycling techniques and built partnerships that bridge the gap between industry, government, and communities.
In this exclusive interview, Alvee shares his journey from an aspiring entrepreneur to a leader in the green business sector. He sheds light on the challenges of building an environmentally compliant recycling facility, the future of plastic recycling in Bangladesh, and how young innovators can contribute to a more sustainable world.
Join us as we explore the insights of a pioneer shaping the future of waste management and green entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.
What did you write as your ‘Aim in Life’ on your exam paper at school?
While everyone was opting for doctor or engineer, I always wanted to be a Pilot.
Can you tell us about your university days and how it shaped your entrepreneurial journey today?
My entrepreneurial journey started from my college days. While being an active member of Notredame Science Club, I participated in various science fairs and hackathons through different projects that led me to explore.
How would you describe Polyeco to someone unfamiliar?
POLYECO collects and recycles the plastic that we consume on a daily basis. Notably – Plastic Bottles. As simple as it sounds, it includes a complex production and decontamination process for food-grade usage.
Why did you start PolyEco and what is your long-term vision with the company?
I come from a family that is heavily invested in the recycling business. We have always been into Ship Recycling. And that inspired me to expand our concern to other material recycling. And Plastic has to be the one.
Plastic pollution has been a massive problem in Bangladesh till date. Where do you see the root causes of this problem and why are we failing to address it effectively?
The root cause of this problem is the lack of awareness among mass people. Lack of knowledge regarding the recyclability and circularity of plastic provokes us to litter plastic in an improper manner. Collecting and Recycling plastic from improper sources is not safe and economically viable. Without creating a formal collection chain through governmental and social collaboration, plastic pollution can’t be mitigated.
How do you think companies like Polyeco can address the plastic pollution issues in Bangladesh?
POLYECO can collaborate with government and non-governmental organizations to formalize the post-consumed plastic collection process.
What have been the biggest challenges in building Polyeco, and what are some of the learnings?
Building a compliant and environment-friendly facility requires hefty investment. Polyeco thrived to be compliant from the very beginning, and it was challenging considering the lack of financial instruments in the financial market for these industries and lack of trained personnel.
Where do you see the plastic recycling industry heading in the next 5-10 years, and how is Polyeco preparing for these changes?
Plastic Recycling Industry is going through an evolution from mechanical recycling to chemical recycling. Enormous R&D facilities are already in place to recycle plastic that was once thought to be non-recyclable. Polyeco focuses on innovation of more efficient sorting and recycling capabilities to compete with this ever-evolving industry.
What inspired you to pursue the path of Green Entrepreneurship and how do you see it as a potential career for youth?
As I mentioned earlier, I got inspiration from my family business which is heavily into metal and ship recycling. Green Entrepreneurship is a necessity for a country like Bangladesh which is choked by plastic pollution. The field itself deserves innovation as Bangladesh is unique in many cases. Without Research and Innovation, it will be difficult for our country to cope with the ongoing industry trend. Youths who are interested in Green Entrepreneurship should invest their time into research, which may include technical or scientific research as well as social research to solve the complex structure of the generic Bangladeshi environment and society.
What are you most proud of on your journey of building PolyEco?
Helping the coastline of Bangladesh get a makeover every day!