Faiza Tehseen

Indigenous recycling of plastic waste can not only help Pakistan save a handsome chunk of foreign exchange spent on import of plastic raw materials and staple fibre but also make the environment clean and create a good number of jobs, said Syed Bilal Tirmizi, Business Development Manager of Green Earth Recycling (GER) Company, Lahore, while talking to WealthPK.

He said lucrative offers from the government in shape of rebates, few taxes, and zero import duty on recycling units are important for boosting this sector. Discussing different aspects of recycling waste and turning it into useful materials, Bilal said GER has been operating since 1994.

“We recycle all types of plastic and paper/card waste collected from both households and industrial units. After processing them, a lot of useful products are made. For example, from shopping bags and other plastic scraps, we produce outdoor furniture, plastic wood, separators, and tuff board; from tetra packs and other carton waste, pulp is recovered to make paper/packaging materials; from poly aluminium plastic, aluminium and different types of separator sheets are made; and from plastic pet bottles, staple fibre is produced. 

The processed waste is also sold as raw material for other industries,’’ said the GER business development manager. “Currently, our recycling unit is producing 10 to 20 tons of different types of plastics, at least 70 to 100 tons of pulp and around 2 to 3 tons of staple fibre. From its establishment to date, the recycling capacity of our recycling unit has increased to more than 100 tons per day.

Compared with the injection moulded plastic, our recycled plastic products are not only cost-effective, but also environment-friendly, durable, resistant to high moisture conditions, excellent in illumination, radiation-free, and fire-resistant/retardant. These are also available in alluring colours. Even the manholes made from recycled plastic can bear a weight of app 40 tones of a passing vehicle. The plastic separator sheets produced here are available in thicknesses from 2mm to 8mm – an ideal substitute to the single-use corrugated sheets,’’ he said.

Furthermore, he said this industry should be popularized to decrease the waste level and make such smart but durable products which can be used for a long time. It is happening all over the world and for a country like Pakistan, it is extremely important, Bilal said.

“At least one to two recycling units must be established in every district, as waste generation is increasing. The establishment of recycling units will also help frame a new industrial sector. The government must offer subsidies to import the recycling units. Mostly, they are imported from Germany, China and other countries.’’

“Rebates, fewer taxes, and ease of import are necessary to encourage the trade and business community interested in the recycling business. About 15% of the waste material collected can be sorted for conversion into useful materials. Resource recovery limits waste and is also a way for profit generation. With the establishment of more recycling units, more than 15% of waste would be recycled to save both the economy and the environment,’’ Bilal added.

Currently, Pakistan is facing a severe economic crisis. To cope with the situation, it is important to utilize each and every local source. It is not only necessary to keep the economic cycle smooth, but will also help people earn a sustainable livelihood.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk