Islamabad, July 6, 2021 (TDI) — UNDP Accelerator Lab has hosted a virtual talk to discuss the “circularity of plastic waste” in Pakistan and devise policy frameworks to curb unsustainable plastic policies. The talk was attended by Hammad Naqi, CEO of WWF Pakistan; Ehsan Gul, UNDP Innovation ACC-Lab; Usman Manzoor, program officer Environment and Climate Change Unit UNDP; Rafay Alam, ex-Chairman of Lahore Waste Management Company and lastly; Maleeha Habib, Circular Economy Specialist.
The conversation aimed to engage policymakers, community members, sustainability officers, and private-sector workers to re-evaluate and brainstorm new policy measures with regard to plastic use and waste.
According to some research conducted by the group, Pakistan produces 3.3 million tons of plastic waste per year, which is equal to the two K2 mountains. Among these, 86 percent of plastic waste is not treated effectively. Collectible waste is thrown into landfills instead. The program intends to devise “Systemic Design” as a methodology to understand current behaviors regarding the problem. Field tests using the methodology can help come up with an effective policy regarding building infrastructure to downcycle plastic. The conversation also discussed the role that the private sector and private businesses can play in plastic sustainability along with the future trajectory the policies can take.
