Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing and fast-growing environmental threats of the 21st century. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 9.2 billion tons of plastic have been produced globally since the 1950s, with around 7 billion tons becoming waste. Less than 10% of this waste is recycled, while the rest is buried, burned, or accumulates in the environment, disrupting ecosystems, polluting water, air, and soil, and harming human health.
In Kazakhstan, as in many developing countries, the large-scale introduction of plastic into daily life and the economy was not accompanied by adequate recycling or reduction infrastructure. Plastic bottles, bags, tableware, and packaging have become part of everyday life, yet their consequences are far-reaching: overfilled landfills, polluted rivers, lakes, steppes, and urban spaces. The issue is further exacerbated by the lack of mandatory standards and a culture of conscious consumption among businesses.
Service establishments — hotels, cafes, shopping centers, schools, offices, beauty salons — are particularly vulnerable to this problem, as they heavily use single-use plastics in packaging and interiors. Many companies lack the resources or expertise to transition to more sustainable solutions.
Smart Plastic Zone project was initiated to promote responsible business practices and systematically reduce the plastic footprint in organizations and institutions. It also aims to popularize eco-practices among businesses. Smart Plastic Zone team helps organizations assess their current practices, implement alternative materials, establish waste sorting systems, and — most importantly — publicly communicate their sustainability efforts.
Smart Plastic Zone addresses several key objectives:
- reduces negative environmental impact;
- encourages the development of a new environmental culture;
- facilitates the transition to sustainable business models;
- increases transparency and trust among clients and partners.
The project demonstrates that sustainability can be accessible and impactful — with the right support and systemic solutions.
Its relevance is not only ecological but reputational: sustainable development is becoming an essential part of Kazakhstan’s social and business dialogue. There is growing interest in environmental issues from citizens, youth, and consumers, while the government is strengthening its focus on the ESG agenda through national strategies and initiatives.