The workshop was attended by both leading paint manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating an important platform for open dialogue between the industry, technical experts, and regulatory stakeholders. Participants discussed Bangladesh’s lead paint regulatory requirements, health risks of lead exposure, findings from the recent paint market study, and practical pathways for transitioning to lead-free paint production.

Ms. Njoki Penda from Instiglio joined the session from Kenya and shared practical insights on how reformulation toward lead-free paint production is possible. She also encouraged manufacturers to engage in further one-to-one consultations to better understand technical challenges and identify feasible solutions for transition.

A key highlight of the workshop was the interactive discussion with paint manufacturers, where both leading and SME manufacturers shared their practical challenges, including reformulation barriers, access to suitable alternatives, testing capacity, raw material concerns, and compliance-related issues. The session also included active question-and-answer discussions, allowing participants to seek clarification, exchange experiences, and explore possible next steps for achieving compliance.

The workshop reaffirmed that eliminating lead in paint requires coordinated efforts among manufacturers, regulators, industry associations, and technical partners. ESDO remains committed to supporting Bangladesh’s transition toward safer, compliant, and lead-free paint production for the protection of public health and the environment.