Overview of Sustainability Requirements for Packaging

The below version control table serves to document all updates made to the report. The purpose is to ensure the information is always accurate and up-to-date.

Version Number	Content Creation Date	Publishing Date	Section(s) Updated & Reason(s) for Update
V0	5 January 2024	31 January 2024	N/A (new report)

1. Overview of sustainability requirements for packaging (e.g. no single-use plastic)

There is no harmonized legislation on single-use plastic in Pakistan, however, provinces have adopted various regulations on this matter: most recently, the Single Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations 2023 [1] was adopted in July 2023 and prohibits the use the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, supply, stocking, purchase, trade or use of single-use plastic crockery, such as plates, bowls, cups, and glasses and single-use plastic cutlery in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). There are similar bans and prescribed conditions for the use of single-use plastic already in place in Punjab [2], Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [3], Sindh [4] and Balochistan [5] Provinces.

However, it should be noted that these laws are not being implemented. Single-use plastics are still being used without major hurdles. However, there are minimum micron meter requirements by many provinces for plastic bags and it is suggested to follow the most stringent requirement (from Punjab) (i.e. minimum 75-micrometer thickness for polythene bags).

Still, it is recommended to use paper disposable plates and brown paper packing for counter or point-of-sale packing directly to end consumers.

Currently, there is no official harmonized provincial scheme for recycling. There are only guidelines on recycled plastic materials and articles in Part B of the Pakistan Standards PS 5474-201 [6] but they are not yet implemented.

2. Expected regulatory changes

Two major international beverage manufacturers have approached authorities seeking permission to use recycled PET bottles for their carbonated beverages. Although there is no legislation yet allowing recycled PET usage for food packaging, authorities have allowed these beverage industries based on the analysis/testing reports evidencing non-leaching of the plastics in the beverages. It is expected that the use of recycled plastics for food packaging material will be addressed from a more formal regulatory standpoint in the near future.

Conclusion

Regarding sustainability, there is no harmonized legislation on single-use plastic in Pakistan, however, provinces have adopted various regulations on this matter: prohibiting the use the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, supply, stocking, purchase, trade or use of, or prescribing conditions for the use of single-use plastic crockery, such as plates, bowls, cups, and glasses and single-use plastic cutlery.
However, these laws on single-use plastic are not really being implemented. Single-use plastics are still being used without major hurdles.
Specifically on plastic bags, there are minimum micron meter requirements by many provinces and it is suggested to follow the most stringent requirement (from Punjab) i.e. minimum 75-micrometer thickness for polythene bags.
It is recommended to use paper disposable plates and brown paper packing for counter or point-of-sale packing directly to end consumers.
The use of recycled plastics for food packaging material will be addressed and thus legislated for use from a regulatory standpoint in the near future.

3. References

2. Punjab Environmental protection production and consumption of single use plastic product Regulations 2023 95

4. The Sindh Prohibition of Non-degradable Plastic Products (Manufacturing, Sale and Usage) Rules 2014

6. Pakistan Standards PS 5474:2021 Materials and Articles Intended to Come in contact with Food (Attached below)

Overview of Sustainability Requirements for Packaging

1. Overview of sustainability requirements for packaging (e.g. no single-use plastic)

2. Expected regulatory changes

3. References

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