Every year, approximately 33 million tons of plastic are discarded in Pakistan. Plastic accounts for approximately 65% of waste in Pakistan. Plastics biodegrade in 500 to 600 years. It means that the plastics made in the past are still present in the world. If we calculate the size and height of plastic waste, the height will double the height of the 2nd largest mountain, K2. As a result, the height will double from the 8611 KM. Efforts are being made to make plastic safe and sustainable in Pakistan.
Innovation-AccLab, in collaboration with government, industry, and local groups, is trying to create a circular economy system for plastics. The goal is for this plastic to not end up in the trash or to be wasted as little as possible. Efforts are being made to reduce the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. Many small factories recycle plastic. There is no national-level policy to deal with this problem in Pakistan.
According to experts, Pakistan can benefit from the circular economy as well. In this context, reusing, recycling, and upcycling plastic are very important. The plastics industry is one of the leading industries in Pakistan. Over the past decades, it has developed, and many innovations have been made.
However, there is an urgent need to properly regulate this industry for the sake of environmental protection.