Sindh Madressatul Islam University and WWF Launch Plastic Recovery Bank
Sindh Madressatul Islam University, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Pakistan Beverages Limited launched the Plastic Recovery Bank (PRB), an innovative initiative designed to encourage active participation in plastic collection and recycling on September 24, 2024. This project targets individuals, communities, and organizations, offering them financial incentives to engage in environmentally responsible behaviors. The Vice Chancellor of SMIU Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai inaugurated the Plastic Recovery Bank at the campus.
Addressing the launching ceremony held at Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium of the university the Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai highlighted urgency of addressing environmental issues like plastic waste and emphasized the importance of recycling in reducing the production of new plastic.
His remarks focused on how initiatives like the PRB are essential in confronting global environmental challenges. He said that the PRB marks a crucial step forward in the collective fight against plastic waste and setting a precedent for future sustainability projects. Dr. Sahrai said today the entire world is facing a great threat of environmental degradation, therefore we all have collectively work to make the world environmentally sustainable and free from any threat.
Dr. Hina Shehnaz, Chairperson of the Department of Environmental Sciences at SMIU said that the PRB not only provides monetary rewards but also fosters a strong culture of environmental stewardship. She said that by aligning with WWF, a global leader in conservation, this initiative is expected to make a significant impact, both locally and internationally.
Ms. Nazifa Butt, Director of Climate Action and Sustainability at WWF, along with Usama Hussain, Regional Senior Sustainability and Circularity Officer, and Sahib Alam Khan, Senior Officer for Circularity and Sustainability, provided valuable insights on how the PRB aligns with WWF’s broader climate action strategies and sustainability goals. They emphasized that the PRB has the potential to revolutionize Pakistan’s waste management practices and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
They said that the core objective of this initiative is to promote the circular economy, with a particular focus on plastic circularity. It will target the collection and recycling of PET plastics, multi-layer plastics, and used beverage cartons by fostering collaboration between key stakeholders in these sectors. The speakers were of the view that through this kind of efforts, WWF aims to align with its global mission of addressing the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, creating a positive and far-reaching impact on both the environment and the economy.
Representatives from Pakistan Beverages Limited (PBL), including Co-CEO Nusair Siraj Teli and General Manager Agha Muhammad Khan, also shared their insights.
The event was organized by the Directorate of Students’ Affairs & Counselling (DSA) of SMIU in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Science of the Sindh Madressatul Islam University. Muhammad Naeem Ahmed, Director of DSA concluded the seminar by delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and partners for their contributions and support in making the event a success.