Shell Pakistan opens first recycled plastic retail site in Karachi

In a pioneering move towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) has inaugurated Pakistan’s first-ever retail site constructed from recycled plastic. Located at the Malik Service Station on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi, this innovative site underscores SPL’s commitment to promoting a circular economy and eco-friendly practices.

The project, brought to life in collaboration with Concept Loop co-founders Dabeer Hemani and Syed Ali Naqi, who are also Shell Tameer alumni, utilised approximately 6,500 kilograms of end-of-life plastic waste. This waste, equating to roughly 1.3 million pieces of plastic, was repurposed into plastic-infused pavers and concrete blocks, highlighting a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure.

Research shows that typical plastic waste, such as bags and bottles, can take hundreds of years to decompose, posing long-term environmental threats. By integrating these materials into construction, Shell Pakistan not only reduces waste but also sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects.

At the inauguration, Waqar Siddiqui, chief executive and managing director of Shell Pakistan Limited, expressed pride in this groundbreaking initiative. “We are incredibly proud to unveil this one-of-its-own-kind retail site. Innovative solutions such as this need to be tried and tested. The success of the plastic infused road and the recycled plastic site can serve as an inspiration for future infrastructure developments. A ripple effect is what we aspire to achieve – inspiring broader adoption of sustainable practices.”

This project marks a milestone in SPL’s sustainability journey, demonstrating the potential of recycled materials in building robust infrastructure. Shell Pakistan remains dedicated to exploring new avenues for environmental responsibility and innovation, aiming to inspire wider adoption of sustainable practices across the industry.