Almost 6000 plastics processing units in Pakistan are contributing to a waste problem that is proving to be one of the biggest challenges for the environment. The problem is further aggravating due to the lack of awareness about the safe usage of plastics.
Jilani Plastic
Founded in 1970, Jilani Plastic is a plastic company in Pakistan that specializes in high-quality plastics for packaging. The company's headquarters are in Karachi, and it provides solutions for the various markets of the country. Jilani Plastic also accepts applications from all over Pakistan, and it is an exciting place to work, if you have a passion for plastics.
Jilani Poly Unit 2 is a vertically integrated manufacturing facility that produces PE tarpaulin. Its monthly capacity is 550 tons, and the facility has an in-house power generation of 12 MW. The company also has a facility that manufactures film for packaging.
ARCO Plastics
Founded in 2005, ARCO Plastics (Pvt.) Ltd is a plastic company in Pakistan that specializes in the production of plastic pallets. These pallets are used for a variety of industries including food and beverage, pharmaceutical and industrial. Its products are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
The company is led by Ahmad Rafi, CEO, and Mehar Hasan Rafi, Director. They also have a team of executives including Muhammad Naeem, Associate Head, Marketing and Umer Sharif, Head, Accounts and Finance. They have a capacity of 10,500 metric tons of plastic raw material consumption per year.
Jilani Poly Industries (pvt.) Ltd.
Listed as one of the fastest growing manufacturers, exporters and suppliers in Pakistan, Jilani Poly Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. has a head office in Lahore, Pakistan. They manufacture polyethylene granules. These granules are used as packaging materials in various industries. They also offer packaging solutions for different markets. Moreover, they have been in the business for more than five decades. They are the largest manufacturers of plastic packaging products in the country.
They have recently entered the energy industry by introducing a new product. Their product, the Jilani Energy, will produce 6.5 Mega Watts of energy. In addition, they have a plan to launch their own power plant in 2017. They have been planning to launch this new energy venture in 2017.
Thermosole Industries
Founded in 1984, Thermosole Industries (Pvt.) is a medium sized plastic automotive parts subcontractor. While it may not be the largest, it is certainly one of the best at what it does. This company is actually a subsidiary of the SNH Group of Companies. The SNH Group is no stranger to the plastics industry, as it has been involved in the production of plastics since its inception.
The SNH group actually has the
honour of having the largest plastics manufacturing facility in the country.
Aside from its manufacturing facilities, the SNH Group also has an interest in
liquid petroleum gas.
6000 Plastics Processors in Pakistan
Thousands of plastics processors are in the Pakistani market and the sector is growing at an annual average of 15%. It contributes about 8 billion rupees to the national exchequer.
A quick look at the annual plastic production and imports data reveals that Pakistan is a net exporter of plastic auto parts and woven or tubular films. During the last decade, the plastics sector has made giant steps in bringing the quality of local products up to international standards.
Scavengers Interested In Collecting Plastic Bags
Thousands of children in Pakistan, especially in urban areas, scavenge garbage. They pick recyclable materials, sell them to local kabarayas, and earn a living. They do this without wearing any personal protective gear.
In Pakistan, more than 70% of plastic waste is left to landfills, water bodies, and unmanaged dumpsites. A recent study found that health problems among scavengers are caused by poor living conditions and hazardous working conditions.
Many scavengers reported gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. They also complained of headaches and shortness of breath. Their employers did not take any precautions to protect their employees from occupational hazards.
Oxo-Biodegradables Are More Harmful To the Environment than Regular Polythene Bags
Despite the hype, the truth is that biodegradable plastic bags are not as environmentally friendly as many people think. In fact, they may cause more harm to the environment than traditional plastic bags.
A recent study by Environmental Science & Technology tested five types of single-use bags. The bags were placed in soil, seawater and an underwater environment. The results showed that biodegradable bags didn't decompose in all environments. The bags remained in the soil for three years, remained present in seawater for two years, and broke down in three months in an underwater environment.
Lack of Awareness on Safe Plastic Use Is Aggravating the Problem
Despite the fact that the plastic industry is the fifth largest employer in Pakistan, there is still a huge knowledge gap in regard to the plastic's perils. According to an environmental advocacy group, Pakistani residents have not had access to cheap alternatives and effective advocacy on plastic's perils has not yet been implemented.
The Global Plastic Action Partnership is a global coalition of governments, organizations, and industries that are committed to tackling plastic pollution. The Partnership includes Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Viet Nam.