Business Reporter -
Muscat, APRIL 12 -
A recent survey commissioned by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the voice of the petrochemical industry in the Arabian Gulf, has revealed that only 38 per cent of GCC residents have an informed view of recyclable and degradable plastics, signaling the need to incorporate more information on this important subject in the education systems across the region.
48 per cent of the 4,076 respondents supported the practice of recycling plastics into new products, rather than resorting to conventional waste disposal. The survey further revealed that the majority of respondents expect government authorities and plastic manufacturers to take the lead in reducing the environmental impact caused by unmindful littering. The respondents expect the GCC authorities to promote more recycling in the region as well as running more educational and awareness campaigns.
Dr Abdulwahab al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “In line with its efforts to play an active role in providing solutions that keep the environment clean and safe, GPCA has taken the initiative to commission for the second time a survey on the perception of plastics across the six GCC countries. This is the second time since 2009 that GPCA has commissioned a study of this kind to provide a clear and up to date picture of the public’s view on recycling and gauge their opinion on what they see as a solution going forward.”
“The study’s findings confirm the fact that more collaboration and leadership from government and industry is needed to close the education gap. There are deep-rooted misconceptions around plastics that we hope to address by working with government agencies and key stakeholders concerned to influence the adoption and implementation of the most effective regulations and standards.”
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