Faheem Khan: Innovating for Sustainability

The Journey of Orient Plastcare Pakistan

In the ever-evolving world of plastic packaging, where sustainability and innovation often seem at odds, Orient Plastcare Pakistan has managed to carve a niche for itself. Spearheaded by Faheem Hameed, the company has become a leader in the plastic bottling industry mainly in pharmaceutical, catering to both national and international markets with a commitment to quality and eco-friendly practices.

Q1: What inspired you to establish Orient Plastcare Pakistan, and how does it differentiate itself from competitors in the plastic bottling industry?

A: Over the last 20 years, Pakistan’s plastic industry has grown tremendously. Before plastic became mainstream, materials like PVC and metal sheets were commonly used. What truly inspired us was the opportunity to create something unique by introducing highly precise machinery imported from Germany and Japan and molds imported from Qatar. These machines ensure unmatched precision and eliminate leakage problems, giving us a significant edge over competitors.

Our operations span across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, with indirect exports to Russian and African states. The quality of our products is 100% pure and original, adhering to strict regulations. We work with 30–40 national and international clients, including renowned names like Sanofi, Adamjee, Nabi Qasim, Atco Laboratories, and Helix Pharma.

Q2: What have been some of the biggest challenges you faced in running this business, and how did you overcome them?

A: Living and working in Karachi is like fighting a war every day. The challenges have evolved over time, but inflation and the devaluation of currency remain our biggest hurdles. Importing raw materials and machinery has become extremely costly, making financial transactions challenging.

Moreover, the lack of reliable utilities such as electricity, gas and water creates additional obstacles. To counter these issues we’ve invested in alternate solutions like solar systems and inverters, which, while costly, help us maintain operations. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, you have to rely on yourself to survive and adapt.

Q3: Your company emphasizes high-tech and cost-effective packaging. How do you ensure continuous innovation in your product line?

A: There was a time when machinery from Japan, Germany, the USA and other European countries was dominant in the industry due to its exceptional quality and durability. However, these machines consume a lot of energy, and with Pakistan’s high electricity costs and unreliable supply, they’re no longer viable.

To ensure innovation and sustainability, we’ve transitioned to using machinery from China, Taiwan and Thailand. These machines are more energy-efficient and sustainable while still delivering quality, allowing us to maintain cost-effectiveness in our operations.

Q4: Plastic waste is a global concern. What measures has Orient Plastcare implemented to promote sustainability and eco-friendliness in its operations?

A: Sustainability is a key focus for us. Our cutting-edge machinery and high-quality molds ensure zero wastage during production. Additionally, our processes do not emit hazardous fumes, making them environmentally friendly. We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of production quality.

Q5: What strategies have you employed to achieve a production capacity of 60,000 to 80,000 bottles per project?

A: The secret to scaling production lies in increasing the number of cavities in our molds. For example, if a 12-cavity mold produces 12 bottles in 30 seconds, upgrading to a 16-cavity mold increases output to 16 bottles in the same time frame. This method allows us to significantly increase production capacity while keeping costs under control.

Q6: How do you foresee the future demand for HDPE, LDPE, PP and PET products, and how is Orient Plastcare preparing for it?

A: These materials have been industry staples for over a century. However, advancements are underway, and new materials are currently in the research and development phase. These next-generation materials are expected to be more reliable and environmentally friendly and will likely enter the market by 2027 or 2028. We are closely monitoring these developments and preparing to adapt our operations accordingly.

Q7: What is your take on the current state of the plastic packaging industry in Pakistan, and how do you adapt to changing regulations and international standards in the pharmaceutical and food packaging industries?

A: Pakistan, being a third-world country, faces many regulatory challenges. To compete in international markets like the USA and UK, we need stricter regulations and SOPs. Currently, only a handful of companies in Pakistan are FDA-approved.

That said, industries like pharmaceuticals, meat and confectionery have made significant strides in exporting to Muslim countries by adhering to halal standards. With stricter regulations and improved practices, Pakistan has the potential to make a greater impact in global markets.

Q8: How do you build and maintain trust with pharmaceutical and biomedical clients who rely on your products for their packaging needs?

A: Trust is critical in our industry, especially when working with pharmaceutical clients. We undergo regular audits and inspections conducted quarterly or annually by our clients. These inspections cover every aspect of our operations, from production areas and warehouses to sanitary facilities and discharge areas. By maintaining transparency and adhering to strict standards, we ensure our clients’ trust and confidence.

Q9: Are there any plans to expand Orient Plastcare’s product range or explore international markets? Where do you see the company in the next five to ten years?

A: Expansion is always on our radar. Over the next 5–10 years, we plan to open multiple offices across Pakistan and expand our footprint in international markets. Our mission is to introduce new products and innovations while continuing to provide the highest quality to our clients.

Q10: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to enter the manufacturing sector in Pakistan?

A: My advice to young entrepreneurs is simple: focus on production and manufacturing within your country. Given the current economic climate, importing products and reselling them has become extremely expensive. By manufacturing locally, you can not only sustain your business but also maintain healthy profit margins. Manufacturing offers stability, scalability, and the opportunity to compete on a global stage. It’s a rewarding field for those willing to invest their time and energy.