Promoting Sustainable Practices in the RAC Sector through EPR in Pakistan

On November 13, 2024, the workshop on "Promoting Sustainable Management Practices in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Sector through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)" was held in Pakistan, organized by the Climate and Ozone Protection Alliance (COPA). The event aimed to promote sustainable waste management in the RAC sector by introducing EPR concepts and addressing key challenges in managing RAC waste, particularly refrigerants and hazardous materials.

Focused on the environmental and economic benefits of EPR, the workshop highlighted the potential for reduced waste, improved recycling, and enhanced resource efficiency in Pakistan. It also provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in productive dialogue, clarifying roles and responsibilities in implementing EPR within Pakistan’s RAC sector. The workshop brought together 45 participants from various sectors, including government representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and the Punjab Environmental Protection Department, private sector stakeholders such as RAC manufacturers, retailers, HVAC contractors, and industry, along with informal sector participants including scrap dealers, recyclers, and the Lahore Waste Management Company.

Three key sessions were held: "EPR Concepts and Global Practices," which covered global best practices and financing models; "The RAC Sector in Pakistan," which explored the current state of RAC waste management, refrigerant recovery, and recycling efforts; and "Study Findings and EPR Opportunities in Pakistan," which shared insights from the COPA study, identifying challenges and proposing a tailored EPR framework for Pakistan. The National Project Manager from the Ministry of Climate Change emphasized Pakistan's commitments to international agreements and called for collaboration in addressing the environmental impact of RAC waste. The workshop fostered lively discussions, with participants unanimously supporting EPR as a solution for managing RAC waste and transitioning towards a circular economy. Key takeaways included the need for strong EPR frameworks, the importance of public-private partnerships, and opportunities to reduce emissions and waste through innovative technologies.

The event successfully met its objectives, facilitating dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. It marked an important step towards advancing EPR initiatives in Pakistan’s RAC sector, with the potential to improve waste management, reduce environmental impact, and create economic opportunities through resource efficiency and job creation. This workshop is a crucial milestone in the journey towards sustainable management practices in Pakistan's RAC sector.