uftech Innovations, a pioneering Climate Tech startup headquartered in Pakistan, is revolutionising the plastic waste industry. By leveraging their cutting-edge, patent-pending technology, they are actively combatting the pervasive problem of plastic pollution by converting plastic waste into innovative polymers — a sustainable alternative to conventional virgin plastic. The News on Sunday spoke with Fizza Hayat, the strategy and design lead at Suftech Innovations, about their visionary work and its environmental impact.

“Suftech Innovations is a pioneering Climate Tech startup dedicated to transforming the plastic waste industry,” says Hayat. “Our patent-pending technology uses the power of science to de-ink and de-metalise plastic waste, which can then be used as a replacement for virgin plastic.”

Until recently, this waste was dumped in the environment, burned or turned into lower-quality materials, causing pollution of oceans and soil and a rise in greenhouse gas emissions. These practices resulted in a myriad of environmental issues. Hayat says, “We are focusing on creating a sustainable and circular plastics economy where plastic waste is recycled in a way that it can be reused as virgin material, thus becoming sustainable.”

Suftech’s innovative process has several steps. The company first gathers and categorises plastic waste, implementing meticulous sorting techniques based on the type and composition of the waste. Subsequently, the plastic is de-inked and demetallised, removing any impurities or contaminants and ensuring that it meets strict quality standards.

A pristine polymer is formed after the plastic waste is processed and purified. Hayat says that this polymer possesses virgin plastic’s original properties and qualities, rendering it suitable for applications across various industries.

Hayat asserts, “Our technology is pivotal in fostering a circular and sustainable plastics economy.” Suftech Innovations reduces the need for virgin plastic by recycling plastic waste and converting it into pristine polymers. The extraction and manufacturing of new plastics minimises the environmental impact and preserves valuable resources.

Suftech Innovations has achieved significant milestones in combatting plastic pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Within a few months, our efforts have resulted in a significant reduction (54,115 kilograms) in marine and soil plastic pollution, as well as a staggering decrease (936,280 kilograms) in greenhouse gas emissions,” Hayat says.

The founders of Suftech Innovations were recently awarded a Green Challenge Fund grant, which helped them set up their commercial-scale plant. Hayat says the fund’s role was crucial. “With the support of the Green Challenge Fund, we were able to set up the machinery and infrastructure essential for our innovative recycling processes.” It enabled Suftech Innovations to process larger volumes of plastic waste efficiently and produce larger quantities of pristine polymer.

Hayat says Suftech Innovations has set its sights on ambitious expansion and bolstering investments. “With a viable product operating at a commercial scale, we are now reaching out to local and international investors and funds to secure funding for our scale-up plans. These plans include expanding within Pakistan and exploring opportunities abroad.”

Suftech Innovations reduces the need for virgin plastic by recycling plastic waste and converting it into pristine polymers. The extraction and manufacturing of new plastics minimises the environmental impact and preserves valuable resources.

There is a growing global demand for sustainable goods, especially in developed nations. Hayat says the company plans to establish within five years a presence that includes manufacturing plants. “This MENA region is witnessing significant economic growth and is developing relevant infrastructure to support this growth,” she says. “We believe that our technology can fulfil their requirements related to circularity and sustainability in plastics.”

Suftech Innovations remains confident in scalability and adaptability of its technical innovation. According to Hayat, the only obstacle they have encountered has been in looking for suitable partners who align with their vision of achieving global status. Hayat says, “We know we have a great product. We want to use this technology to solve the problem of plastic waste not just in Pakistan and the MENA, but beyond as well.”

Asked what distinguishes Suftech Innovations from other startups in the climate tech sector, Hayat says their distinctive features are commercial viability and a sustainable business model. She states, “Unlike many green businesses that struggle to sustain themselves, our innovative technology allows us to offer upcycled resin at a competitive price, with qualities similar to virgin resin.” The company is committed to continuous research and development to optimise its processes.

“Our partners have collaborated with local communities in Pakistan to establish plastic waste collection programmes,” she says. “These programmes educate community members about the importance of recycling. They are invited to collect and segregate plastic waste. The collected plastic waste is processed using our technology, preventing it from ending up in landfills or polluting the environment.”

Hayat says their efforts to halt the release of plastic waste into the environment have contributed to preserving natural resources and ecosystems. This, she says, has benefited communities by reducing contamination of soil, water bodies and air and mitigating health risks associated with plastic pollution.

The solutions provided by Suftech Innovations are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. A shift away from imported virgin polymers can reduce costs for local customers. Hayat says Suftech’s technology is important to the local economy because it saves foreign exchange and creates employment. She says that so far Suftech Innovations has saved $100,000 in plastic imports.

Hayat says the economic environment in Pakistan is challenging on account of high electricity costs and the taxes. However, she says, the company remains committed to its mission. “One can overcome the high cost of electricity by going for sustainable solutions such as solar but that raises the initial cost. This is a challenge for many startups with limited access to finances. A bigger problem is the taxed,” she says.

“Tax laws in Pakistan are extremely difficult to navigate and unsupportive of startups like ours,” she says. “We are unaware of any initiatives or collaborations to address these issues. If these laws can be made more supportive, we believe that they can contribute to Pakistan’s growth.”

Hayat says that Suftech Innovations is addressing the issues of insufficient awareness and evolving consumer behaviour concerning plastic waste in Pakistan. This is done through educational and awareness initiatives, strategic partnerships, collaborative efforts, practical demonstrations and pilot projects. Currently, Suftech’s primary emphasis is on polypropylene and polyethylene. There are plans to extend the operations in Pakistan before venturing into the international markets.

Hayat says several companies in Lahore and Karachi have become regular customers of their products.

The writer is a freelance contributor