From pollution to progress: prioritising risks and sustainable packaging alternatives for PET bottles waste management in developing countries

Despite their convenience and inherent recyclability, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles suffer from low collection and recycling rates, significantly contributing to persistent plastic pollution, high carbon emissions, microplastic leakage, and toxic chemical exposure. This study uses a comprehensive decision-making framework to assess the risks associated with PET waste and to evaluate sustainable alternatives. The study employs Modified Safety Improve Risk Assessment (M-SIRA) to identify PET-related major risks, their causes and consequences, and prioritise these risks based on Risk Priority Number (RPN). After identifying major risks, the Fuzzy Full Consistency Method (F-FUCOM) is used to prioritise criteria and alternatives to the PET. Several evaluation criteria (ranging from toxic emissions during production and hazardous recycling byproducts to microplastic pollution and environmental persistence) were considered. The results indicated that Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) and aluminium are the most viable and top-performing PET alternatives due to their lower environmental footprints and higher recyclability. The result of the study provides valuable and actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders to address the economic and regulatory challenges in implementing circular economy principles through recycling in the packaging industry in general and the need for strategic transition towards sustainable packaging in particular.