Research

Research

To facilitate this, we have organized our research into different categories, including scientific research themes, studies and surveys, and factsheets derived from domestic industrial practices.

Our research themes cover overarching topics that drive our work in understanding the plastic landscape of Pakistan, while our featured articles are peer-reviewed works intended for subject specialists. Our studies and surveys are designed to be accessible to scholars and practitioners working across disciplines, making it easier for individuals from different backgrounds to engage with our work. By sharing our research in form of factsheets or infographics, we hope to encourage more public and professional engagement, and educate the masses to have a clear understanding of the circular economy of plastics in the region; moving towards a common goal: a sustainable and circular economy for plastic in Pakistan.

Research Themes

Research Themes

  1. Value chain and technological study: By using approaches like polymer-specific material flow analysis and market analysis, CPI investigates barriers and challenges posed by the unique dynamics of the informal sector in achieving plastic circularity in Pakistan.
  2. Social-Lifecycle assessments: Evaluating the social and environmental impacts of products and interventions within the Pakistani context, including scenario modelling that takes into account local cultural and socioeconomic factors.
  3. Social-Lifecycle assessments: We assess the social and environmental impact of products and interventions through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research, considering local cultural and socioeconomic factors. In doing so, we use scenario modelling approaches that specifically caters to the unique context of Pakistan, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the impacts.
  4. Hazardous chemicals phase-out: In line with guidelines of Basel convention of harmful substances, CPI research focuses on developing models and strategies through research to phase out harmful additives used in the Plastic production processes.
  5. CPI conducts research and develops factsheets and business case studies to disseminate accessible information on Pakistan’s informal plastic business and recycling models to a broad audience, including the general public, professionals, and students. The research aims to enhance understanding of the underlying practices in the plastic industry and educate aspiring learners.
  6. Plastic manufacturing and economics: To have a prescient understanding, we tend to research the economic aspects of plastic manufacturing in Pakistan, including the costs and benefits associated with the different types of plastic production, and the impact of plastics on the local economy.
  7. Recycling processes: We study the different ways in which plastic waste is recycled in Pakistan, including informal and formal methods, and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.
  8. Plastic mass flow analysis in urban settings: We analyse the flow of plastic waste in urban areas in Pakistan- assessing stats from imports or locally produced plastic to its final disposal- to better understand the challenges and opportunities for reducing plastic waste in cities.
  9. Consumer plastic use and waste management: We also investigate consumer behaviour and attitudes towards plastic use and waste management in Pakistan and explore ways to promote more sustainable and responsible consumption and waste management practices.