Committed to shift the “plastic biggest polluter” paradigm together, Southeast Asian countries are rapidly improving its regulatory framework. Here’s what you need to know as producers
by Qinthar Aghnia Audiawarman at 09:22 in Circular Economy, Environmental, Packaging
A study in Science Advances has revealed a direct correlation between plastic production by consumer goods companies and environmental plastic pollution, indicating that a 1% increase in production results in a 1% increase in pollution. Southeast Asia dominates the list of the highest plastic polluters, with six out of the top ten countries located in the region. The Philippines alone contributes around 35% of global plastic waste leakage into the ocean annually, followed by Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. For many years, Southeast Asia has struggled with managing plastic waste effectively due to insufficient policy enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, and low sustainable consumer habits.
Consumer behaviour in Southeast Asia has evolved, with retail channels modernizing and e-commerce gaining a larger portion of total sales. Packaging plays a critical role in consumer choice, as eye-catching colours, engaging designs, and clear labels enhance product appeal, spurring interest in customized and varied packaging. Additionally, as more people opt for on-the-go consumption and frequent smaller shopping trips, demand has risen for convenient, portable packaging solutions, benefiting the flexible plastics industry.
The surge in plastic pollution has prompted Southeast Asian governments to adopt policies aimed at minimizing waste and promoting sustainable packaging. At the 43rd ASEAN Summit 2023, the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework was introduced, highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation and policy alignment, as plastic pollution transcends national boundaries. Individual ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia)are also promoting a shift from a linear production model to a circular model centred on reuse and recycling.
"Modified EPR" as a Foundation
Unlike the European Union, where Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs are well-established and managed by central Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), ASEAN nations are in the early stages of mandating producers to create waste management plans. Indonesia, for example, has set a goal to cut packaging waste by 30% by 2029, using 2020 as the baseline. Producers are required to devise 10-year waste reduction plans and submit annual progress reports to monitor this target. Singapore's EPR, set to start in 2025, will include a mandatory packaging report and fees based on packaging weight and material. Malaysia is also making a great progress by establishing voluntary EPR to execute their 2021-2030 Sustainability Roadmap.
Collaborative EPR Pilot Projects
Transferring packaging waste management from local governments to producers under EPR involves trial-and-error methods due to the complexity of stakeholder involvement and the economic feasibility of building treatment facilities for packaging waste. Thailand has launched EPR pilot projects in partnership with private companies, developing recycling systems and take-back programs for items like plastic bottles and single-use packaging. Similarly, WWF Malaysia and key FMCG companies have initiated EPR projects that encourage consumers to return used packaging by providing incentives. Public participation in the pilot project has helped key regulators to raise communities' awareness about packaging waste and prepare Steering Committee for a fully-fledged EPR.
Clearer Eco-Friendly Labels and Certifications
The increasing interest among younger consumers in environmentally friendly products and companies with strong sustainability commitments has driven firms to adopt greener practices and advertise these efforts. This shift necessitates clear labelling and product certifications to prevent misleading claims. In Malaysia, the SIRIM Eco-Label ensures products meet standards related to environmental impact and sustainability, covering items such as recycled paper, biodegradable packaging, and energy-efficient products. This certification is widely recognized across the region.
Future Prospects
With increasing global attention on sustainability and reducing plastic pollution, EPR for packaging in Southeast Asia is progressing, albeit at different speeds and with varying degrees of effectiveness. The next few years are likely to see more robust frameworks and stricter enforcement as countries aim to align with global sustainability goals. If you're keen to stay updated on the latest EPR developments in Southeast Asia, contact us today!
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