Plastic circularity entails breaking free from the linear "take, make, dispose" model and transitioning to a circular economy, where plastic materials are kept in use for as long as possible, and their value is retained through successive life cycles. The goal is to reduce plastic waste generation, decrease reliance on virgin plastics, and curb the environmental degradation caused by improper disposal. This necessitates collaborative efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals to achieve true circularity and sustainability. Speaking to Waste & Recycling MEA magazine, industry experts highlight the complex challenges hindering the realisation of plastic circularity and offer potential solutions. 

At the heart of the plastic waste crisis lies a disconcerting reality, as pointed out by Surendra Patawari, founder and chairman of Gemini Corporation NV,  “The world produces approximately one million tonnes of plastic waste each day, a figure projected to rise 2.5 to 3 times within the next three decades. Surprisingly, less than 10 per cent of plastic is recycled, leaving a staggering 90 per cent to accumulate in landfills and other environments.”  

Further, the global circularity has dropped from 9.1 per cent in 2018 to 8.6 per cent in 2020 and 7.2 per cent in 2023, he noted. 

Drawing from a wealth of on-ground experience from over 60 countries, Patawari shed light on the challenges faced in plastic waste collection, recycling, and circularity. “One of the major hurdles in effective plastic waste management is the lack of proper collection mechanisms, particularly in developing nations. In many regions of Africa, Asia, and South America, plastic recycling rates are declining.”

He explained that over 2 billion people lack access to waste management practices, which exacerbates the problem. Additionally, restrictions on international plastic trade have significantly impacted the industry's dynamics, reducing the movement of plastic waste from 15 million tonnes annually to just 4 million tonnes annually in seven years.

When discussing the intricacies of collection processes, he highlighted the issue of certain packaging materials ending up as litter, uncollected. “Governments should ensure that businesses take the responsibility for collection and recycling of their packaging.” 

“While consumers are well-informed about the importance of recycling, they often fall short in translating this knowledge into practical habits. This discrepancy can be attributed to a lack of understanding of ground realities and, to some extent, a lack of transparency from brand owners,” he said, explaining the reason for the gap between awareness and action. 

“For the collection rate to improve, we should find ways to pay for it in the form of external cost for instance. This can be achieved through a tax or through an EPR system, or during the  purchase of raw materials.” 

Benefits of plastic circularity 

Speaking about the socio-economic benefits of circularity, Patawari said, “Around the world, an estimated 15 million waste pickers engage in the crucial task of collecting discarded materials, including plastic. These individuals form an essential link in the recycling chain, contributing to the proper collection and sorting of plastic waste. By establishing effective infrastructure and markets for plastic waste, we can enhance the livelihoods of waste pickers, providing them with reliable income and improving their socio-economic conditions. 

“One of the most compelling arguments for plastic recycling lies in its potential to mitigate climate change. Recycling plastic reduces the need for virgin plastic production, which is a resource-intensive process that generates greenhouse gas emissions.” 

‘Blanket ban not a solution’

The debate over plastic consumption often centres on the question of whether to reduce plastic use or focus on responsible waste management. “In the context of developing countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and South Africa, where plastic consumption per capita is significantly lower than in developed nations, a blanket reduction in plastic use may not be the optimal solution, ” he noted. 

The term "single use" plastic often conjures images of disposable consumer packaging, he said, adding, “However, this oversimplification neglects the complex role of plastic in critical sectors like medicine, food and economy in fuel consumption. A more nuanced approach is needed to address the issue effectively.” 

“Rather than imposing outright bans, a transitional period that educates the public about responsible plastic use is a practical strategy. During this phase, plastic usage could be restricted while ensuring that essential applications continue to be accessible. Furthermore, introducing financial penalties for non-essential single-use plastic items can promote conscious consumption and incentivise the adoption of reusable alternatives. Implementing targeted measures such as taxation on specific plastic products can also serve as effective deterrents while allowing necessary plastic applications to persist.” 

While addressing a question on policy and regulation needed to advance circularity, he called for relaxed international regulations, incentivised tax structures, and stringent enforcement of EPR.

Patawari emphasised that the circularity of plastics should not be viewed as the sole solution but rather as a part of a broader strategy. While the circular economy holds promise, it should not overshadow the importance of preventing plastic waste generation in the first place. “The design of products plays a crucial role in reducing waste generation, advocating for longer life cycles and multiple uses. Circular economy initiatives should focus on incorporating recycled materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of plastic production. 

Where does the UAE stand? 

Ronald Richa, General Manager, Plastic Recycling, Veolia, Middle East, spoke about the initiatives taken by the UAE government to promote circularity. “Over the span of three to four years, the country has made substantial progress in its efforts to promote circularity within its economic and environmental landscape.” While acknowledging that perfection remains elusive, he said, it's important to recognise and celebrate the tangible advancements that have been achieved during this period. “Regulations have been put in place to foster a more circular economy, while businesses have demonstrated a growing willingness to embrace sustainable practices.”

Role of stakeholders

He noted that the Minister of Environment approved 22 regulations aimed at enhancing various aspects of sustainability, with a significant focus on waste management, circular economy principles, and plastic waste reduction. He also commended Emirate-specific regulations, including the single-use plastic bans and the bottle-return scheme in Abu Dhabi launched by Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi (EAD). 

The business community in the UAE has also recognised the importance of embracing circular economy principles, particularly in the realm of plastic waste management, he pointed. Major brands and companies have begun to shift their practices to align with circularity objectives. For instance, some brands have introduced 100 per cent recycled PET bottles manufactured within the UAE, demonstrating a dedication to reducing the use of virgin plastic. Furthermore, businesses are increasingly considering the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal, to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.

Speaking about the role of consumers, Richa said that several studies undertaken by Veolia have indicated that consumers in the UAE are becoming more aware of the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and are receptive to changes in packaging and plastic consumption. However, there remains a need for continued education and awareness campaigns to drive lasting behavioural shifts. 

For the circular economy to thrive, robust infrastructure is essential. The UAE is actively engaged in developing comprehensive infrastructure for waste collection, sorting, and recycling, he said. Supporting projects are underway across different Emirates and they hold the potential for public-private partnerships, Richa noted.

Challenges in achieving circularity 

While progress is evident, challenges and considerations remain on the path to achieving plastic circularity. Richa spoke about some of the challenges that have to be addressed. 

Citing Nordic countries as an example, he said the recycling rate in these places is up to 80 per cent, which is chiefly because of the awareness among consumers. He drew our attention to the shortcoming in bin segregation, source segregation and consumption behaviour in the Middle East and other regions. 

“Economic realities can sometimes impact businesses' commitment to circularity. Balancing economic considerations and sustainability goals is crucial, especially during challenging economic periods.” For businesses, it begins with designing for circularity, distribution, collection and then putting it back into the loop. “Brands worldwide are making the necessary shift and EPR policies are providing the fillip for it.” 

He also highlighted that ensuring uniform implementation and enforcement of regulations across all emirates is vital for effective circular economy practices. “Establishing robust recycling and waste management infrastructure demands significant investment and coordination, necessitating partnerships and investor support.” 

Drawbacks of solely relying on circularity

Plastic is a wonderful material and there are no better alternatives in some of its applications. “Circularity is important. But it is not enough if we avoid leakage, we have to reduce the plastic consumption,” he noted.  

Maryam Al Mansoori, General Manager, Rebound, spoke about the steps needed to accelerate a circular economy for plastic. “The future of plastic circularity holds immense potential for reducing plastic waste and creating a sustainable economy. To achieve this vision, several steps are necessary.” Here are the suggestions by Al Mansoori: 

Increased collection and recycling: It is crucial to improve the collection and recycling rates of plastic waste globally. “Currently, less than 15 per cent of plastic waste is recycled, but almost 100 per cent can be recycled. Governments, businesses, and individuals need to prioritise and invest in effective waste management infrastructure and programmes to ensure the maximum amount of plastic waste is collected and recycled.”

Promoting the use of recyclates: Manufacturers should be encouraged to use recycled plastic as raw material in their production processes. By shifting towards using recyclates, companies can reduce their reliance on virgin plastic, conserve resources, and minimis the environmental impact of plastic production.

Investing in research and innovation: Continuous research and innovation are essential to develop new, advanced technologies for plastic recycling. This includes exploring new recycling methods, improving the quality of recycled plastic, and finding ways to recycle complex plastic products.

Collaboration and partnerships: Achieving plastic circularity requires the collaboration of all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, NGOs, and consumers. Partnerships should be formed to develop holistic solutions, share best practices, and work towards common goals.

While the UAE has taken significant steps towards becoming a global recycling hub, there are still challenges and barriers that need to be addressed, she noted. 

She highlighted the lack of domestic recycling and processing capacities as an impediment. “Around 80 per cent of countries do not have domestic recycling and processing capacities, creating a deficit in the availability of recyclates. The UAE needs to continue investing in building its recycling infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for recycled plastic.” 

Speaking of technological limitations, she said, “Recycling and sorting technologies have improved, but there is still a need for further research and development to enhance the quality and efficiency of recycled plastic. Investing in new technologies and innovative solutions will help overcome these limitations.”

Al Mansoori echoed the concerns of Richa, when she said that changing consumer behaviour and increasing awareness about the importance of plastic circularity is vital. A comprehensive regulatory framework that supports and encourages the transition to a circular economy is necessary, she said, adding “This includes implementing policies and regulations that promote recycling, incentivise businesses to use recyclates, and discourage the use of single-use plastics.” 

While plastic circularity is an essential part of addressing plastic pollution, it is important to acknowledge its potential drawbacks and limitations, Al Mansoori noted. “Even with increased efforts and investment in collection and recycling, there is a possibility that not all plastic waste will be collected and recycled. Some plastic items may be lost in the environment or end up in landfills due to various factors such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness, or improper waste management practices,” she noted. 

Speaking about limitations of recycling complex plastics, she noted, “Some types of plastics, especially those with multiple layers or complex compositions, are more challenging to recycle. These plastics may require specialised technologies or processes, making their recycling less economically viable or technically feasible.

Further, the recycling process itself requires energy, and in some cases, it may result in greenhouse gas emissions. While recycling reduces the environmental impact compared to producing new plastic, it is still important to consider the energy consumption and emissions associated with recycling processes.

“Despite the efforts to promote the use of recyclates, there is still a significant demand for virgin plastic in various industries. Relying solely on plastic circularity may not be enough to completely eliminate the production and consumption of virgin plastic.” 

It is crucial to address these limitations while working towards plastic circularity and to explore complementary solutions such as reducing plastic consumption, promoting reusable alternatives,and implementing comprehensive waste management strategies, she stressed. 

Discrepancy in recycling statistics

Rajesh Pahwa, Founder & CEO, 21 Century Polymers, spoke about the challenges in achieving a circular economy, drawing from his extensive experience in India. “The challenges are multifaceted, as they encompass both India's local difficulties and broader global issues,” he said. For Pahwa, a significant obstacle in India is the indisciplined disposal of plastics. “Even though certain cities have initiated waste management programmes, improper disposal still prevails, leading to mixing of plastics with other materials and hindering effective recycling efforts.” 

Another issue he raised was the lack of organised recycling infrastructure, particularly in comparison to more developed regions such as Europe and the US. “The inability to accurately identify and segregate different types of plastics severely impacts recycling rates. This mismanagement contributes to the discrepancy in recycling statistics reported by various countries.” 

He highlighted the disparity between reported recycling rates and actual practices. The recycling rates of some European countries have been questioned as they might include waste exported to other countries as "recycled." This disparity raises concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of recycling initiatives.

Discussing the difference in waste composition between Western countries and regions like India, he said, “In Western countries, larger plastic items are commonly incinerated, leaving smaller, dirtier plastic fragments in landfill sites. This disparity underscores the need for tailored approaches to plastic circularity based on local realities.” 

To achieve plastic circularity, engagement of consumers, businesses, and governments is vital, he noted. A common sentiment expressed is that while many businesses claim to prioritise sustainability, their actions often fall short due to profit-driven motives. He suggested that brands should take on more substantial responsibilities in promoting plastic circularity. “These companies should go beyond token gestures and collaborate with genuine sustainability initiatives,” he said. 

“Adequate policies and enforcement are essential to ensure that consumers, industries, and local bodies actively participate in waste segregation and recycling efforts.” He stressed the need to revamp the existing environmental regulations to provide financial support for the recycling of challenging plastics, such as multilayer packaging.

“The role of aggregators and skilled personnel in the recycling industry is acknowledged as vital. To create a conducive environment for plastic recycling, governments should focus on granting authority and financial support to these aggregators.” He also suggested introducing clear guidelines and allocating a percentage of profits for recycling initiatives would encourage industries to invest in sustainable practices.

Ekta Narain, Co-Founder, Recykal, said, “Transition to a circular model warrants an end-to-end approach with significant supply-chain implications. There are many challenges - waste being managed by the informal sector and poor segregation - are some of them.” She pointed out that there is a need for behavioural and consumption change. She stressed the importance of technological intervention and data collection to measure the results of waste management efforts. 

Speaking about the economical challenges, she said virgin plastics are still cheaper than recycled materials, which can deter the demand for recycled plastics.” “We are running out of resources and it is critical that the government introduces policies and incentivises people to promote recycled content. We are seeing solutions coming through but challenges are bigger and wider. Stakeholders have to come together to drive a circular economy.”