Author: Susanne Kühlewindt

My recent visit to Germany was an enriching experience that provided me with valuable insights into advanced scientific and waste management practices. Over 15 days, my colleague Niloy Das and I, both from the SCIP Plastics Project, had the opportunity to conduct fermentation tests on jute in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Measuring the amount of carbon dioxide evolved during the anaerobic process was particularly significant. Incorporating this data into the life cycle assessment of jute products will enhance the understanding of their environmental impact.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the scalable mechanical processing plant named SWH. RAB in Halle-Lochau deals with 80,000 tons of residual waste, bulky waste, and industrial waste yearly. Witnessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the plant operations was inspiring.

Another remarkable experience was touring the organic waste treatment plant in Erfurt. It is interesting to find out their landfill after care and how the plant utilizes the organic waste to get compost and energy as a byproduct. Both plants were managed by a few highly skilled individuals, showcasing the potential for streamlined operations even with limited personnel. It is eye-catching to see the contrast between the waste management systems of Bangladesh and Germany.

We visited the METHA treatment plant (MEchanical Treatment and Dewatering of HArbour-sediments) in Hamburg, Germany’s biggest seaport. It’s intriguing to learn about the process of a highly technical dredged material management concept used to separate and manage sand, fine grain silt, and contaminated sediment of the River Elbe.

This experience will undoubtedly contribute to our efforts to enhance sustainability in plastic waste management in Bangladesh. Overall, this visit to Germany was not just an educational journey but also an inspiring one, fueling our passion for bringing innovative solutions to our home country.

The establishment of the Knowledge Transfer Hub (KTH) stands as one of the pivotal goals within the SCIP Plastics Project. Following its successful inauguration in November 2023, our project partner at KUET, led by Dr. Muhammed Alamgir and Dr. Rafizul Islam, has accomplished the integration of the whole compartment (KTH and Waste Lab) into the university’s organizational structure (organogram). Under the new name “Waste Research Laboratory”, this integration secures its operation throughout the project’s lifespan. Consequently, the compartment will receive ongoing funding for operations, maintenance, and staffing. All project partners express their delight at this development and extend their gratitude for the dedication of Dr. Muhammed Alamgir.

In December 2023 waste from local vessels both at Mongla Port and Chittagong Port were collected. A team of researchers from working group IV distributed waste bags to 90 ship crews and asked for their cooperation. For three to ten days the crew members did not discharge their wastes but collected them in the provided waste bags and additionally participated in a survey. Overall, the waste from 37 local vessels could be collected. The waste was sorted manually by the researches after collection and the plastic fraction was analysed using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the plastic types. The results of the waste sorting and NIR analysis are now being processed and will be used, among others, to develop waste flow diagrams of the Port areas.

As representatives of the SCIP-team, the BUW team participated in the networking meeting of the funding program “Marine:DeFRAG” on October 16, 2023, organized by Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH. The one-day event provided a platform for intense exchange of experiences and discussions on innovative solutions. The event particularly focused on discussing various monitoring methods and the intelligent use of eco-design and alternative materials.

The morning session was dedicated to intensive exchanges on the topic of “Monitoring”. Project implementers presented their diverse approaches to the investigation of different plastic fractions, leading to inspiring discussions and synergies. After the lunch break, the afternoon continued with a focus on “Waste prevention through intelligent use of eco-design and alternative materials”.

The event emphasized the role of participants as central actors who shared their experiences through short presentations. This interactive form of exchange not only facilitated the sharing of best practices but also promoted collective reflection on challenges and solutions.

The successful networking meeting strengthened collaboration and the joint effort against marine litter. We look forward to integrating the insights gained into our ongoing project and continuing to actively contribute to addressing this global environmental crisis.