Plastic bottles are becoming a very common issue in Pakistan as people are finding it difficult to dispose of them in a proper way. Various organizations are working towards a solution to this problem as they believe that it is necessary to reduce the pollution caused by plastic. Moreover, plastic bottles can be recycled into new ones. The Government of Pakistan is also taking steps to implement a policy to replace plastic bottles with glass ones.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo, a global food and beverage company, has set ambitious goals for the design, manufacture, and use of its packaging. By 2025, PepsiCo aims to produce 100% recyclable packaging. It also plans to produce 50% recycled content in the packaging and avoid using half of the virgin plastic that it currently uses. These goals are a part of PepsiCo's strategic end-to-end transformation, called pep+.
PepsiCo has a vision of a world without waste. To support that, it has launched several initiatives, including programs in Pakistan. They include incentive programs, partnering with recyclers, and mass collection partnerships. The company has also launched Pakistan's first reverse vending machine to raise awareness about recycling plastic waste.
PepsiCo is also working with Novatex Limited, the largest plastic bottle recycling company in the world, to help scale up its plastic bottle recycling programs in Pakistan. Together, they plan to conduct trials for the commercial use of bottles made from recycled plastics. This will be a step toward creating a circular economy for all of the products they sell.
PepsiCo is also launching the country's largest wholesale plastic waste collection program. The company joined hands with the Islamabad Administration and Saaf Suthra Shehar, a recycling initiative. In a joint effort, the company provided free Aquafina refills for every ten used plastic bottles collected.
Government of Pakistan to Implement a Glass Bottle or Reuse of Plastic Bottle Policy
The government of Pakistan has been taking some steps toward improving the country's image on the world stage. Some of the most notable are the implementation of a glass bottle or two, the deployment of a plastic composite, and the creation of a nifty new department that's in charge of promoting green initiatives across the country. Other measures include a ban on single-use plastics, and a more efficient tax system.
Of course, the best way to make progress is to engage the communities that make up our country. For instance, a program called the Punjab Green Development program is kicking things off by launching a massive awareness campaign. The program is also introducing some enlightened businesses to the idea of incorporating waste reduction into their business model. Aside from the obvious benefits of a plastic composite free environment, the government is looking to provide jobs, boost the economy and reduce environmental hazards like carbon emissions and noise.
AKU
PepsiCo has launched meaningful programs in Pakistan to drive the circular economy for plastics. It has also collaborated with the Islamabad Administration and Saaf Suthra Shehar to reduce and recycle the plastic waste that the company produces. The partnership will increase the collection of used plastic bottles in Pakistan.
AKU is a leading higher education institution in East Africa. In fact, it is the first in the region. As part of its sustainability program, the university has phased out single-use plastic water bottles in favor of more sustainable options.
AKU's efforts to promote reusable bottles, jugs and glasses have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over nine thousand pounds per year. Additionally, the water dispensers on campus provide clean, safe and filtered water to students and staff.
PepsiCo and Novatex are working together to scale up the collection of used plastic bottles in Pakistan. This initiative supports DASANI's commitment to remove equivalent two billion virgin plastic bottles from the market by 2027.
The World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership connects high-potential solutions with strategic financing opportunities. Together with AKU, this partnership will deliver a national action plan and encourage the adoption of innovative and meaningful practices. For example, the campaign will introduce natural birchwood cutlery, replace plastic-infused beverages with repurposed glass bottles, and introduce an innovative waste segregation system.