Mr Phong Giang, Advisor for GIZ 3RproMar and AMUSE programmes in ASEAN, detailed GIZ’s initiatives across ASEAN countries, which include supporting government regulations, promoting circular economy solutions, and engaging with the private sector on upcoming global plastic treaties.
Mr Michikazu Kojima, Senior Research Fellow on Environmental Issues at ERIA, highlighted Asia’s plastic pollution crisis and underscored the need for a life cycle approach. He emphasised the private sector’s role in developing sustainable materials, designing reusable products, and improving waste management systems. Mr Mims Sidi from Tebalik Plastik shared their goals to close the loop of plastics, by transforming plastic waste into sustainable products, supporting a circular economy and aligning with regional and global sustainability objectives.
Ms Trish Lai of Kaimana Brunei discussed the challenges of the refill business which can contribute to reduction of packaging waste, for example, high consumer spending abroad, a small local market, expensive shipping, lack of manufacturing capacity, and the necessity of focusing on niche products with anchor points. Ms Wendy Han from Precious Plastic Brunei highlighted initiatives aimed at raising awareness and mobilising local communities against plastic waste. She also showed how local communities can create a plastic recycling facility on their own.
Prof Scott Valentine provided insights into how the lack of perceived value in plastic waste is a root cause and proposed economic solutions like deposit schemes and plastic bag surcharges to incentivise responsible plastic use and recycling. He also responded to a participant’s question as to how to tackle the overwhelming plastic waste issue, by encouraging citizens to support businesses like Tebalik Plastik, Kaimana, or Precious Plastic, and start contributing in a small way.
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