perception of plastics in the gcc: a gpca study · perception of plastics in the gcc: ... 1 in 5...
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Perception of Plastics in the GCC:A GPCA StudyCraig Halgreen Vice President – Corporate Sustainability Borouge
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘plastics’?
Only 16% recall positive attributes
of plastics
Residents in UAE, Qatar, & Oman
are more likely to recall negative
impact of plastics on the
environment
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Which types of plastic do you think can be recycled?
6
1 in 5 think that NO type of
plastic can be recycled (the ratio
is even higher in KSA & Kuwait
– 1 in 4)
2 in 5 think that all types of
plastics can be recycled (1 in 3
in UAE & Bahrain)
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Match type of plastics to their international recycling codes
7
An average of 1/3 correctly
matched different plastics to
their international recycling
codes
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Match different types of plastic to their area of use
8
Matched PVC better than other
types of plastics (PVC pipes are
a common construction item)
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Which of the following materials result in a negative impact on the environment?
10
~ 4/5 believe that plastic material
has a negative impact on
environment
Even recycled plastic waste
seen as a major polluter.
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Negative Perception about Plastics: Demographics
11
• Negative perceptions about plastic likely to increase with age
• Expats more likely to have a negative perception of plastic
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Alternatives to lightweight plastic bags, in order of their impact on the environment (choose 3)
12
In all 6 GCC countries, as
an alternative to
conventional plastics -
plastic even in
degradable form,
considered more harmful
to environment than
paper, cotton, or jute
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
If no plastics, what alternative material ?
13
In all 6 GCC countries,
primary production
paper is perceived to be
the most likely
alternative (46%)
Almost 2/5 felt that none
of the alternatives were
viable
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Plastics vs. Other Materials: Summary
14
Plastic = material with most negative
impact on the environment
Plastic, even in degradable form,
considered most harmful to environment
Negative perception increases with age &
higher among expats
In case of a total ban on plastics, paper is
perceived to be the most likely alternative
©Gulf News
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
When you hear the term ‘plastics’, which particular uses or areas of application come to your mind?
16
More likely to recall those plastic products they personally use
More UAE & Qatar residents recall and personally use plastic shopping bags
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Plastic Bags Use: Demographics
17
Below 30 30 to 39 40 and Above
base 1352 1657 1067
Notably, use of plastic shopping
bags appears to increase with
age, possibly reflecting family
sizes
Expats are more likely to use
plastic shopping bagsMale Female Nationals Expats
base 2650 1426 970 3106
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
To what extent do you think the use of plastic products is harmful to your Personal Health?
18
10%
23%
12%
15%
17%
18%
17%
19%
28%
23%
29%
33%
21%
15%
18%
15%
17%
15%
16%
12%
7%
5%
8%
7%
5 – Not at all harmful 4 3 2 1 – Very harmful Don't know
Kitchen & household items
(n=2585)
Food packaging (n=2360)
Shopping bags (n=2117)
Water & beverages (n=1160)
41% believe that shopping bags
are not harmful to their personal
health
Plastic bottles are perceived to
be most harmful to personal
health (38%), then food
packaging (24%)
27% believe that use of plastic
kitchen and household items are
harmful to their personal health
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage 19
Why use these products nonetheless?
Cheap and lightweight
Lightweig
ht and no
alternative
No alternative,
lightweight and
reusable
Lightweight
and recyclable
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Which plastics contribute to the problem of littering?
20
Shopping bags are
considered the top
contributor to littering;
and then water bottles
Single use plastics
feature poorly
Building materials also
identified 7%
8%
11%
14%
17%
20%
24%
25%
27%
48%
60%FMCG (includes non-durable
goods)
Food Packaging
Building, Construction, & Infrastructure
Toys & Sports
Healthcare & Pharmaceutical
Electrical & Electronics
Clothing & Shoes
Furniture, House & Office ware
Transport (Automotive, Aerospace)
Energy
Agriculture
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Where are you most likely to find reliable and sufficient information on plastics?
22
Facebook slightly more popular
in UAE
Word of mouth in Qatar, Oman,
and Bahrain
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
How often do you practice sustainable behaviours?
24
Over 1/3rd never segregate
waste before disposing or
never buy environmental
friendly household items
30% refuse micro-plastics
12% reduce use of plastics
products
~1/3rd use reusable bags and
water bottles
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Why don’t you use reusable bags for shopping more often?
19%
25%
30%
30%
32%
I prefer plastic bags
They are too expensiveto buy
I often forget to bringthem
I don’t know where to get them
They are not easilyavailable in department
stores
25
39%
31%
19%
5%
4%
2%
I reuse all of them
I reuse some of them; throw awaythe rest
I throw them away
I send them to a recycling company
I don’t use plastic bags
I sell them
What will reduce your use of
plastic bags?
49% paper, jute, or cotton bags
44% reusable plastic bags
28% ban on plastic bags
What do you do with the
plastic bags after use?
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Which issues are caused by an increased littering or unmindful disposal of plastic material?
26
More than half feel that plastics littering is
harmful to human health
Harm to marine life and animals are the other
big concerns
Concerns with harm to human health caused
by appear to gradually increase with age
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Which stakeholder groups should lead against increased littering or unmindful disposal of plastic material?
27
20%
22%
23%
23%
24%
30%
30%
36%
48%Government authorities, who are in charge of
regulations
Manufacturers, who produce plastic products
Individuals or general community members, who buy
plastics based products
Businesses, who use plastics in their packaging
Industry associations, who represent plastic
producers
Academic institutions, who study impact of plastics
on the environment
NGOs or environmental activists
Media or thought leaders
Retailers, who sell plastics based products
Government authorities and
manufacturers should lead in terms
of protecting the environment from
littering of plastic material
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Which efforts will be effective to reduce littering?
28
Majority of efforts should focus on promoting recycling
Total plastics ban or charge on plastic bags is NOT the answer
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Recycling into new products viewed as a better solution to handling waste
29
Qatar Oman Bahrain
base 260 158 155
4%
4%
6%
14%
24%
48%Recycling into new
products
Composting
Energy recovery (waste incineration)
Landfill
Exporting the waste to other countries
Dumping in the sea
KSA UAE Kuwait
base 4076 2021 1219 263
Recycling into new products
Composting
Energy recovery (waste incineration)
Landfill
Exporting the waste to other countries
Dumping in the sea
GCC Polymer Value Chain: Creating Future Leverage
Key Insights
30
Actively participate in the creation of a Circular Economy (cradle-to-
cradle)
Collaborate with government to address issues, build a recycling
industry and sustainable waste collection systems
Promote awareness and sustainable behaviour (reuse and recycle)
Promote the benefits of value-add plastics and how we contribute
to a more comfortable and efficient lifestyle
Address health concerns with fact
Leverage social media to counteract negative perceptions and
messages