From Prosperity to Plastics: Pakistan’s Dual Challenge of Industry Growth and Sustainability

By Mahanaim Imdad

The plastic industry in Pakistan is the fifth largest employer, producing both raw materials and finished plastic products. The plastic industry is continuously expanding to meet the increasing demand for plastic products due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, changing lifestyles, the emergence of large shopping centers and stores, social media, and global exposure.

The amount of plastic being used has increased significantly over time, but it’s causing issues for the environment’s sustainability. Pakistan has the highest rate of poorly managed plastic. Studies reveal that Pakistan produces many plastic bags each year. Disposable non-biodegradable bags end up in landfills and municipal sewers, obstructing sewerage systems and making them less efficient, resulting in higher utility expenses. Additionally, waste management practices in Pakistan are contributing to the difficulties.

Governments face a difficult task in reducing the production and use of single-use plastic bags. While plastic has many benefits and is widely used, the damage caused by single-use plastic bags to the environment is irreversible. To combat this issue, governments need to intervene with policies that limit production and use. UNEP offers comprehensive strategies and tools that have been implemented around the world, including bans on the import, production, sale, and use of nonbiodegradable plastic bags.

In 2019, the government of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags. Although the consumption of plastic bags fell by a lot, the ban was not entirely effective due to the availability of bags in small shops. To address this issue, the government has now imposed fines on the use, manufacture, import, distribution, sale, supply, stocking, purchase, and trade of single-use plastic products under the single-use plastics (prohibition) regulation, 2023, which went into effect on August 1st.

Efforts to reduce single-use plastic bags are also underway in Pakistan, with national, provincial, and local governments introducing bans on the manufacturing, sale, and use of nonbiodegradable plastic products in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, effectively implementing a ban on single-use plastic bags remains a challenge.

The reality is that the only way this problem can be addressed is by individuals and companies worldwide, agreeing to implement practices that reduce waste on every level. What we can do is shop friendly by carrying a reusable bag or by reusing plastic bags instead of throwing them away, getting rid of bottled water, stopping the use of to-go containers and utensils, choosing products with less plastic packaging, conducting awareness campaigns at slums, and most importantly recycling everything.

The era of single-use plastic dominance can come to an end through collective action, innovation, and a shared commitment to a more sustainable future. In Pakistan, the booming plastic industry is a significant employer, but escalating plastic consumption, especially single-use bags, poses severe environmental challenges. Government bans, though positive, need rigorous enforcement. Solutions lie in individual actions, like reusable bags, and industry innovation. By understanding the impact of single-use plastics and embracing alternatives, we can break free from this harmful cycle and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. The battle against plastic waste demands a united global effort. Our choices today can reshape tomorrow’s environment.