By Dr. Abdulwahab Al Sadoun

Secretary-General, GPCA

THERE is no doubt that Saudi Arabia – the region’s largest economy – is taking many positive and bold steps towards a new, sustainable economic future. One example is the recent move by the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) to make biodegradable plastic compulsory for a wide range of locally-manufactured and imported plastic products. This move signals a clear intent on the part of the country’s leadership to pursue policies that are consistent with prevalent initiatives under way across the globe. Our leaders have long realized that a prosperous future is one where sustainability and economic diversification go hand in hand. And while their vision is truly commendable and certainly worth pursuing, these are simply the first steps. To address the true scale of the issue we need a holistic, forward looking and well-rounded approach.

One of the main misconceptions about biodegradable plastic is that it starts to degrade in the environment almost immediately after being discarded. Contrary to common belief, and as is now widely recognized by the scientific community, this is simply not true. Biodegradable plastics do not break down naturally into compost. If left out in landfill or in our deserts and oceans, they can take up to 20 years only to break down into smaller pieces that are even more difficult to collect. Furthermore, degradation is only possible if the correct amount of micro-organisms, temperature and humidity is provided, which is difficult to find in a landfill environment.

Often made from farmed products, such as cornstarch, biodegradable plastic products are generally being promoted as the more sustainable option. However, little is being said about their long term environmental cost. Using biomass as a raw material puts pressure on land availability and crop farming thereby impacting global food production. In the right conditions, biodegradable plastics break down into carbon dioxide and methane that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions with serious repercussions for climate change.

Perpetuating the false notion that biodegradable plastic is a ‘guilt-free’ option conveys the wrong message and far from putting an end to unmindful littering, it only enables the type of poor behavior that has for decades exacerbated our plastic waste issue. The truth is, biodegradable plastics are not a sustainable solution, as they cannot be recycled in conventional plastic streams, which means we end up putting millions of tons of a material into circulation that works against the pursuit of a “reduce, reuse, recycle” culture.

As it stands, recyclable plastics are still the most environmentally friendly choice, throughout their life cycle, versus other materials, due to several key benefits. To achieve wide-reaching behavioral change, it is imperative to communicate the full economic benefits of plastics and that they cannot only be recycled but can be converted to a range of products which contribute to sustainability and enhance the quality of our lives. Plastics are used in everything from children’s toys, medical and aerospace to the automotive and technology industries. Every year, large quantities of food, the most basic human requirement, are wasted worldwide, food wastage being the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Innovative plastic packaging significantly increases the shelf life of food items, thus reducing waste. Plastics are also significantly lighter than alternatives, making it easier and more efficient to transport, resulting in a much lower carbon footprint.

The plastics industry in Saudi Arabia is a major contributor to socioeconomic development, with the petrochemicals sector diversifying rapidly, opening new world-class facilities, and creating further employment opportunities. Currently, the industry directly employs 136,696 individuals and for every job created in the plastics industry, three more are generated elsewhere in the economy. With domestic job creation being the cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, the opportunities for growth in the industry are promising when a combination of investment in recycling facilities and public participation takes effect. This will also attract investment into other industries supported by plastics, further generating job opportunities for young Saudis.

The plastics industry has delivered immense value to the Saudi economy and society. But further value can be unlocked with the development of a local recycling industry. In this regard, the government has a major role to play and needs to take the lead in driving policies conducive to recycling. As long as we can establish better recycling facilities, either mechanical or thermal, and promote more responsible behavior, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfill, our streets, deserts and sea. This will also reduce the strain on our waste management companies.

To dramatically reduce the presence of plastic waste around the world, the solution lies in a greater level of investment in the development of a circular economy which focuses on preserving existing resources – economic, natural and societal, and optimizing their value and use. In a circular economy, the benefits of plastics far outstrip those of any other material, and there is simply no alternative that can match their versatility. However, effective change and a reevaluation of the approach to the challenge would need to come through an active effort by the government and industry to bridge the knowledge gap.

Currently, as many as one in four Saudi Arabian residents believe that plastic is a non-recyclable material. In a recent GPCA survey, 63 percent of respondents polled in the country were unable to pinpoint precisely which plastics could be recycled, with only 25 per cent correctly matching plastics with the corresponding recycling codes. Closing this knowledge gap is essential for consumers and other industries to understand that adverse effects on the environment are attributable to people and not plastic. Through education and the spread of accurate information, we can move to having a greater share of plastics recycled in Saudi Arabia – and across the wider region.

If we are to successfully transition to sustainable development, it is of fundamental importance that we engage all stakeholders in discussions on the topic of plastic waste management and that they are fueled by scientific facts. Without them, our decision-making is flawed and we jeopardize the future we are collectively working towards.

The solution to this challenge is a collaborative one. We need to recognize that it is our responsibility alone to embed sustainability into our habits, in order to make a tangible difference and support the diversification of our valued economy. Developing sustainable recycling waste streams in the region, where environmental effects are reduced and new products and employment opportunities are created, should be what we, as a nation, should aspire to. At this crucial juncture, future generations will be shaped by what we choose to do next.