Dutch-Bangla Pack: A joint venture built on trust, sustainability, and global standards
By combining Bangladesh’s manufacturing strengths with Dutch expertise in technology, governance, and international market connectivity, the company demonstrates how joint ventures can strengthen both industrial capability and global competitiveness
The story of Dutch-Bangla Pack Limited (DBPL) began in 2007, though its roots stretch back to the 1990s, when Lucas Lammers, fourth-generation leader of Royal LC Packaging, first visited Bangladesh.
Initially exploring opportunities in jute and industrial sacks, he quickly recognised the country's vast industrial potential.
In partnership with Abdul Ahad, a pioneer in Bangladesh's packaging sector, Lammers established a 50:50 joint venture that combined Bangladesh's growing manufacturing capability with Dutch expertise in packaging technology, international compliance systems, and global supply chains.
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The partnership brought together complementary strengths. Bangladesh contributed a skilled workforce, competitive manufacturing capacity, and strong production capabilities, while the Netherlands contributed technical expertise, global compliance frameworks, and international market connectivity.
Through this collaboration, DBPL integrates local production excellence with international knowledge and distribution systems. Over time, the company has demonstrated how a Netherlands–Bangladesh joint venture can create synergy in knowledge, technology, and market access.
Nearly two decades on, DBPL demonstrates how international collaboration built on trust, shared standards, and technical exchange can deliver commercial success while strengthening Bangladesh's presence in global manufacturing.
Engineering quality into every bag
At the heart of DBPL's success is a commitment to precision and quality. Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) may appear simple, but producing them to meet global standards requires meticulous engineering, rigorous quality control, and adherence to internationally recognised systems.
DBPL manufactures FIBCs widely used in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, chemicals, and construction. Through its collaboration with Royal LC Packaging, the company has integrated advanced production practices aligned with European manufacturing standards.
These include high-care cleanroom environments designed for food- and pharmaceutical-grade packaging, continuous process improvements, and sustainability frameworks covering social accountability as well as environmental, health, and safety standards.
Technology and knowledge transfer are key elements of the partnership. Product development, quality assurance systems, and process innovation are implemented in Bangladesh with ongoing technical collaboration from Royal LC Packaging's headquarters in the Netherlands. This ensures that DBPL operates at standards comparable to leading global manufacturers.
Today the company manufactures approximately 3.5 million big bags annually, positioning Bangladesh as an important manufacturing hub within the global packaging supply chain.
Dutch business standards and responsible manufacturing
The Dutch partnership has also influenced DBPL's operational culture by introducing European standards of governance, sustainability, and responsible manufacturing.
The company maintains a comprehensive portfolio of internationally recognised certifications, including ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, FSSC 22000 for food safety management, and SA8000 for social accountability and ethical labour practices.
In addition, DBPL holds recognitions such as EcoVadis Platinum, UN Global Compact membership, Sedex, QA-CER, Halal, and Kosher certifications, reflecting its commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible sourcing.
For many international buyers, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors, these certifications are essential requirements when selecting suppliers. Their presence demonstrates how international governance principles and compliance frameworks have been successfully integrated into Bangladesh's manufacturing environment through the Dutch partnership.
Exporting Bangladesh's industrial capability
According to Abdul Mumit, Managing Director of DBPL, the company's journey has always been guided by the ambition to build a manufacturing facility capable of competing with the best in the world.
"Our journey is guided by one clear purpose: to build a manufacturing site that competes with the best in the world. Through technology, discipline, and relentless improvement, we aim to set benchmarks for quality and reliability," he says.
DBPL's extensive international certifications enable access to markets with strict regulatory standards, particularly in Europe, and position the company as a reliable partner for global clients.
A major advantage of the joint venture is the global distribution network of Royal LC Packaging. With offices, warehouses, and production facilities in 16 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, and more than 70,000 square metres of global storage and logistics infrastructure, the company maintains long-standing relationships with thousands of customers worldwide.
"Our journey is guided by one clear purpose: to build a manufacturing site that competes with the best in the world. Through technology, discipline, and relentless improvement, we aim to set benchmarks for quality and reliability."
For DBPL, this network provides direct access to established European customer bases, integration into global supply chains and logistics systems, and stronger credibility among international buyers who already trust the Dutch brand.
Through LC Packaging's established sales offices, warehouses, and distribution channels, products manufactured in Bangladesh can reach markets across multiple continents. This partnership therefore acts as a bridge between Bangladesh's manufacturing capabilities and the Netherlands' global commercial network.
DBPL currently employs around 1,500 people, serves more than 260 international clients, produces over 3.5 million big bags annually, and generates annual turnover exceeding USD 15 million, demonstrating Bangladesh's capacity to compete in quality-driven global manufacturing.
Sustainability: Green Bangla and the circular economy
Sustainability is at the core of DBPL's operations. The Green Bangla initiative applies circular economy principles across daily manufacturing, recycling over 85% of production scrap back into FIBC production.
This process involves careful sorting, cleaning, and processing of polypropylene residues to maintain consistent product quality.
Complementing this is the use of recycled polypropylene (rPP), which reduces environmental impact while supporting global clients' ESG objectives. By integrating rPP into production pipelines, DBPL enhances resource efficiency, minimises waste, and lowers its carbon footprint.
ISO 14001 certification ensures systematic management of emissions, waste, and resource utilisation. Production facilities incorporate strict waste segregation, cleaner processes, and energy-efficient practices, while employees receive ongoing training in sustainable production methods.
In 2023, DBPL's commitment to sustainability was recognised internationally when it was selected to present its Science Based Targets initiative journey at the UN Global Compact Network's Climate Ambition Accelerator in Asia. Representing Bangladesh among eight participating countries, DBPL showcased how it is aligning operations with the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign to halve carbon emissions by 2030.
CSR in action: Empowering people and communities
DBPL's CSR is strategic, structured, and operational, validated by SA8000 certification. Policies are actively audited, reviewed, and improved, covering child labour prohibition, non-discrimination, equitable remuneration, safe working conditions, and freedom of association.
Employee welfare remains a core focus. Housing support, provident funds, profit-sharing, medical services, recreational programmes, and initiatives such as the "Happy Kids" Day Care Centre and the "Happy Shop" ensure employees and their families have access to essential services and support.
The Employee Children Scholarship Programme, launched in 2023 with the LC Supports Foundation, provides financial assistance for schooling from primary through higher secondary levels. Alongside academic support, the programme includes mentorship and guidance to help students explore higher education or vocational pathways.
Safety and preparedness are also integral to CSR. Certified fire safety programmes, emergency drills in partnership with the Fire Service and Civil Defence, and observances such as International Women's Day and Workplace Safety Awareness Week equip employees with practical skills and promote workplace equality, dignity, and readiness.
Community engagement and education
Beyond employees, DBPL actively supports local communities. In 2024, DBPL hosted a comprehensive sustainability and clean energy training programme supported by the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO.
Open to both employees and recent graduates, the two-month initiative provided hands-on training in carbon emission reduction, renewable energy technologies, and ISO-aligned environmental management practices.
Several participants from the programme were subsequently hired to help implement DBPL's energy-efficiency roadmap, directly contributing to the company's operational sustainability goals.
The Bangladesh advantage and future outlook
DBPL showcases the potential of Bangladesh's industrial sector to deliver high-quality, globally competitive manufacturing beyond traditional garments and agriculture.
By combining Bangladesh's manufacturing strengths with Dutch expertise in technology, governance, and international market connectivity, the company demonstrates how joint ventures can strengthen both industrial capability and global competitiveness.
From its origins as a modest Netherlands–Bangladesh partnership to its current position as an international exporter, DBPL reflects how knowledge exchange, responsible manufacturing, and trusted global branding can work together to expand Bangladesh's presence in global supply chains.
