Engro joins WEF to promote circular economy

KARACHI: Engro Polymer and Chemicals Limited (EPCL) has become the first affiliate member from Pakistan to join the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), a statement said on Tuesday.

Joining WEF’s action partnership is a part of EPCLS’s sustainability efforts to promote circular economy and contribute to achieving zero plastics waste.

In May 2021, EPCL announced its plans to establish a Circular Plastics Institute (CPI), a not-for-profit thinktank, to promote research and development in Pakistan’s circular plastics economy.

The CPI is expected to undertake research on municipal solid waste management, with a focus on plastics. The Institute will be capable of advising legislation and policy to help Pakistan achieve its global commitments of a zero-waste future by 2030.

CEO of Engro Polymer and Chemicals Jahangir Piracha said, “As a responsible company, we are actively pursuing three sustainability streams, including carbon reduction/offsetting, water conservation and circular plastics.”

“Joining GPAP is part of our vision to help the Government fulfill its vision of making Pakistan cleaner and greener for our future generations. We look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Climate Change and other stakeholders to build momentum towards a national multi stakeholder platform that will make circular economy a key part of the government policy,” he added.

Director GPAP Kristin Hughes said, “I am delighted Engro has joined GPAP at this critical time. Engro is bringing high level expertise, valuable localized insights and leadership that is urgently needed to tackle the devastating impact of plastic pollution.”

“Engro will undoubtedly be a key player in helping Pakistan accelerate action towards a circular economy and to achieve net-zero waste by 2030,” she added.

The Global Plastic Action Partnership is a multi-stakeholder collaboration platform at the World Economic Forum that aims to shape a more sustainable and inclusive world through the eradication of plastic pollution.