On World Environment Day, adopt zero-tolerance attitude towards littering: PACE

New Delhi, June 5, 2017: On World Environment Day, PACE or PET Packaging Association for Clean Environment urges citizens to take a pledge to stop littering and be responsible for segregation of waste generated in their home, leisure and work places. PACE is committed to undertake and support all those actions needed so that each individual can assume willingly zero-tolerance attitude towards littering, and be informed about how waste products should be segregated and recycled. A case in point is systematic collection and recycling of PET, which is the most widely recycled plastic used in packaging of food and beverage products in the world. It is only when each citizen is aware of how to dispose of waste, can we make a meaningful contribution towards the environment and recovery of valuable resources to achieve the objectives of a circular economy.
“On this World Environment Day we need to pause and give a serious thought to the menace of littering. If we are aware of how we need to dispose of waste and what can be recycled, we can make a meaningful contribution. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in his recent monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme said that we should always consider waste as resource and wealth. Once we start looking at garbage as a wealth, we shall also find newer techniques of waste management. In the case of PET, there is a need to be aware that PET is the most recycled plastic in the world. It can be recycled multiple times and used in a variety of products. A 100% Swachh Bharat can become a reality only when each individual takes a pledge against littering and takes a firm stand on recycling,” said Mr Vimal Kedia, President, PACE.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is technically 100% recyclable and has a lower carbon footprint when compared to other packaging materials. According to a study conducted by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), over 70% of PET waste in India is recycled through organised sector alone. The actual recycling percentage is much higher when unorganised recyclers too are considered.
PET’s recyclability has a big role to play in the entire value chain of the recycling process. From the kabadiwallahs and traders to the actual recyclers and manufacturers, PET aids livelihood along the entire chain. Waste collectors, for instance, sell PET bottles for Rs14-15 a kg and employ people to segregate and sell it on to large recyclers. The above-mentioned study has also estimated that the PET recycling business in year 2015 was over Rs. 3,500 crores a year in India and provides livelihood opportunities to more than sixteen thousand people in collection and recycling chain for use in organised sector in fibre lines alone. It has helped to reduce consumption of virgin materials by that much quantity and reduce environmental costs.
PET bottles, post use, carry a lot of value, and recycled PET (r-PET) can be used in a wide variety of applications. PET can be made into - Fiber (white, black or coloured), Fabric (for clothes), Fiber fill, Industrial strapping, Cushions, seats, Upholstery/curtains, Mattresses, pillows, Sheet and thermoformed (clam shell) packaging, Automotive parts such as headliners, bumpers, and door panels amongst others. The jerseys of the Indian cricket team for the 2015 world cup were made from recycled PET. Recently, Emirates airlines has introduced blankets made from recycled plastic bottles. Each blanket, made using Eco THREAD patented technology, is made from 28 recycled plastic bottles.
Mr P C Joshi, Secretary General of PACE said, “We are engaging all stakeholders in our efforts to improve the recovery rate and end use application of the post-consumer PET bottles. We are also undertaking a research under Indian conditions on the various aspects of the subject with centre of excellence to develop innovations to convert the post-consumer PET Bottles in valuable resource and integrating into circular economy minimising the environmental impact.”