CREASION opens PET bottle recycling facility in Chitwan to tackle plastic waste

CHITWAN: The Center for Research and Sustainable Development Nepal (CREASION) inaugurated its Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling facility at Jagannath Chowk in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan on April 18, 2025, with the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) as its implementing partner.

This facility aligns with the objectives of the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project and CREASION’s Project CAP (Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages), led by Ujjwal Upadhyay. Funded by the World Bank and UNOPS, the facility currently processes 10 tonnes of plastic, or 50,000 discarded bottles, daily. Representing the Nepali Government, Deepak Gyawali from the Department of Environment called for the replication of similar facilities across Nepal.

The facility uses machinery imported from China and India to turn plastic into plex—a versatile raw material for crafting plastic-based furniture and repurposing waste into valuable items that generate revenue in the market. This machinery also produces plastic granules, sought after by upcycling centres in Nepal and India, which are moulded into clothing, furniture, tiles, and wood alternatives. Lila Paudel, the facility’s environmental safeguarding officer, revealed plans to install machinery that would transform PET bottles into strong plastic strips, widely used for bundling items.

Manoj Bhatta, Member Secretary of the Social Welfare Council, commended the facility for contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation.” Bhatta recognised CREASION’s efforts in advancing Nepal towards a circular model of plastic management.

Key figures attending the inauguration included Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of SACEP; Komal Karki, Country Director at UNOPS; and Joseph Akpokodje, Task Leader at the World Bank. Akpokodje praised the facility, calling it an “adequate utilisation of funds,” and expressed appreciation to CREASION for successfully turning the project into reality.

Alongside the launch of the facility, CREASION funded educational programmes on plastic waste management at 12 schools across Nepal. Riya Sapkota, Chair of the Waste Smart Club at Shree Sajapur Secondary School, spoke at the event, emphasising the programme’s role in teaching students how to address wasteful practices and embrace sustainable management of essential water resources.

Aanand Mishra, President of CREASION, underscored the importance of keeping river sources clean. Addressing concerns about environmental impact, he announced the installation of an on-site water treatment plant to ensure all liquids expelled by the facility are pollutant-free. Mishra pledged to operate the facility 24/7 to prevent plastics from entering Nepal’s rivers and water bodies, while circulating processed materials back into the market to create value and generate revenue. The facility plans to employ 50 local workers and contribute broadly to communities across Nepal.

The project, initiated in 2019 by CREASION, was led by Sujata Dhakal, the project focal person, who worked with local authorities to ensure its implementation. Energy engineer Anil Chitrakar provided guidance on machinery and resource planning, while the local Bote community actively collected plastic waste, which CREASION purchases. Actor Dayahang Rai, who attended the inauguration, reiterated his support for CREASION and its initiatives. Rai serves as the organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador.