Shell Pakistan launches first-ever recycled plastic retail site

KARACHI: Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) has launched the country’s first-ever recycled plastic retail site, Malik Service Station, on Shahrae Faisal, Karachi.

This initiative aligns with SPL’s commitment towards sustainability and promotes a circular economy and environmentally friendly practices, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The organization collaborated with Dabeer Hemani and Syed Ali Naqi, cofounders of Concept Loop, and Shell Tameer alumnus to bring this vision to life.The construction of the retail site utilized approximately 6,500 kgs, or roughly 1.3 million pieces, of end-of-life plastic waste, in plastic infused pavers and concrete blocks using multi layered plastic waste.

According to research, a simple plastic bag can take up to 500 years to decompose while a plastic bottle can take around 300 years, leaving behind a threat to nature by being non-biodegradable and toxic.

The newly rebuilt retail site represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The initiative demonstrates the potential of recycled materials in building robust infrastructure and emphasizes the importance of sustainability in modern development.

Speaking on the inauguration of the site, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Shell Pakistan Limited Waqar Siddiqui said, “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 aspire to achieve -- inspiring broader adoption of sustainable practices.”