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Indian pharma encounters challenges to recycle glass with lack of proper collection infrastructure
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Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
March 11 , 2023
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Indian pharma encounters challenges to recycle glass with lack of proper collection infrastructure. This is even as the country is emerging as a significant player in the global glass recycling market, with opportunities for exporting recycled glass to other countries, said Aneesha Kaur Sachdev, director, Abraclean (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.
Although recycling pharma glass in India poses several challenges, the Singapore based Abraclean is looking to play an essential role in creating a healthier, greener environment for all with sustainable solutions, she added.
Abraclean is an anti-corrosion specialist providing blasting and coating services, licensed by National Environment Agency (NEA) Singapore to construct, establish, maintain and operate a general waste disposal facility.
Among the notable issues surfacing in the recycling glass for pharma are lack of proper collection infrastructure. There are insufficient collection centers or mechanisms to collect and sort pharma glass waste. There is limited awareness.
Further, pharma glass waste may contain dangerous chemicals or medicines, which can harm human health and the environment. This makes it necessary to handle and dispose of the trash with care, Sachdev told Pharmabiz in an email.
Further, the recycling industry in India is fragmented and lacks standardization. It is difficult to establish a streamlined recycling process for pharma glass waste. The cost of recycling pharma glass is relatively high as it needs specialized equipment and processes. This can make it difficult for recycling companies to operate profitably, she noted.
Addressing these challenges will require collaboration among stakeholders, including the government, recycling companies, and the public. It will also require developing new collection and recycling technologies that are cost-effective and efficient, said Sachdev.
Recycling glass and plastic are two different processes. Glass is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than plastic because it is a natural material that can be recycled infinitely. Further, glass and plastic are often collected separately for recycling, and they require different methods of sorting. Glass is sorted by colour, while plastic is sorted by resin type.
In India, the private sector is making significant investments in infrastructure to support glass recycling. This includes setting up new recycling facilities, improving collection and transportation systems, and developing new technologies to make glass recycling more efficient. Even the Union government circular economy initiatives is gaining momentum. This approach prioritizes recycling and reusing materials, including glass, to reduce waste and conserve resources, she said.
Overall, the future of recycling glass in India looks bright, with increasing government support, growing public awareness, private sector investments, and new opportunities in the global market. We are looking forward to setting up our plant in India. Now the positive outlook and expected increase in the availability of glass waste for recycling represents a lucrative opportunity for ABRABLAST and its potential for growth in India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and worldwide, said Sachdev.
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