Sustainable Pens from 100% Recycled Manufacturing Scrap: A First-of-Its-Kind Product for Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan consumes an estimated 500 million disposable pens annually, generating roughly 2,300 tonnes of unrecovered plastic waste. No domestic manufacturer currently produces a pen made from zero virgin plastic. Biodegradable pen alternatives, though growing globally, are commercially non-viable in Pakistan because the binding agents required for their manufacture are not available in the country. This paper presents the case for a pen that is feasible and sustainable. A ballpoint pen made from plastic scrap generated during the manufacturing and moulding processes, with zero virgin plastic content. Primary research conducted in May 2026 surveyed 54 respondents, predominantly students aged 15 to 18 based in Lahore (a non-random convenience sample). Among this sample, 79.6% stated they would be interested in using sustainable recycled-plastic pens, and 66.6% stated a willingness to pay Rs. 100 or more per pen, and 94.4% indicated they would expect to buy from stationery shops. These are stated preferences rather than observed purchases, so they indicate potential demand and a likely retail channel among young urban students, not proven commercial viability. The paper argues that this pen occupies a market position that no existing domestic product holds, and that rising sustainability awareness among urban youth makes it a promising candidate for further market testing, including a pilot launch, across a broader and more representative sample of Pakistani consumers.

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