Page 47 - Plastics News April 2025
P. 47
BUSINESS NEWS
Cities and communities leading the charge gional collaboration.
While national policies provide a framework, it is Governments, businesses, and research insti-
often cities and local communities that drive real tutions are increasingly investing in alternative
change on the ground. materials, circular economy models, and digital
solutions to track and manage waste.
In Australia, where the vast coastline makes the
country vulnerable to marine pollution, state Bioplastics made from seaweed, rice husks, or
governments have led the way with bans on cassava are gaining popularity in countries like
lightweight plastic bags and microbeads. South Vietnam and Malaysia, offering a biodegradable
Australia was among the first jurisdictions in the alternative to conventional plastic packaging.
world to enact such a ban in 2009, setting an
example that others have since followed. Technology is also playing a key role. In Singa-
pore, AI-driven waste sorting systems and smart
Elsewhere, community initiatives have emerged bins are improving recycling efficiency, while
as powerful forces in combating plastic pollu- start-ups are exploring blockchain to trace plas-
tion. In the Philippines, where thousands of is- tic production and recycling pathways.
lands face the brunt of ocean waste, grassroots
groups are mobilising residents to adopt zero- These innovations are being backed by region-
waste practices. al platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Ac-
tion Plan for Combatting Marine Debris, which
Organisations such as the Mother Earth Founda- encourages knowledge sharing, harmonised
tion work with local governments to implement standards, and joint funding initiatives.
decentralised waste management systems, in-
cluding composting and segregated collection. In the Pacific Islands, where the geography pre-
sents unique waste management challenges, in-
These efforts are not only environmentally ben- ternational partnerships have proved essential.
eficial but also provide livelihoods to waste pick-
ers and marginalised groups. Programmes supported by the United Nations
and the Asian Development Bank are helping is-
Thailand has also witnessed a cultural shift, with land nations develop integrated waste systems,
major retailers phasing out single-use plastic reduce importation of plastic goods, and sup-
bags and offering incentives for customers who port local enterprises that repurpose waste ma-
bring reusable alternatives. terials into useful products like building blocks or
textiles.
This behavioural change, supported by govern-
ment campaigns and civil society advocacy, il- These collaborative efforts underscore a broad-
lustrates the effectiveness of public-private col- er shift towards shared responsibility. While no
laboration in fostering sustainable habits. single nation can solve the plastic crisis alone,
a united regional approach—combined with
Innovation and regional cooperation strong political will and community engage-
ment—can create the momentum necessary for
A promising dimension of the Asia-Pacific’s re- lasting change.
sponse to plastic waste lies in innovation and re-
April 2025 PLASTICS NEWS 47
