Comparative Analysis of Environmental, Economic, and Social Criteria for Plastic Recycling Technology Selection in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Thailand

This study examines stakeholder perceptions of environmental, economic, and social indicators for selecting Polyethylene terephthalate recycling technologies in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.An online survey was conducted with 154 stakeholders from these countries.The survey data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.The results showed that global warming potential and total energy demand were the most important environmental indicators across all countries.Capital costs and profits from main recycling businesses were of utmost importance economically.Social indicators such as working environment and job creation opportunities were also deemed significant.However, the study found differences across countries.For instance, water consumption and solid waste generation were more important for Pakistan than for Thailand, while acidification potential and photochemical oxidant formation were more important for Thailand.Moreover, electricity cost was more significant in Sri Lanka, while job creation opportunity was more important in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka than in Thailand.The findings of this study can inform decisionmaking processes for policymakers and industry leaders in the plastic recycling field, aiding them in the transition toward a circular economy.