While plastic pollution is a global problem, around 60 percent of marine plastic debris enters the ocean from just five countries: China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Preventing plastic waste from entering nature requires both upstream and downstream solutions—from eliminating unnecessary plastic use and using more recycled and recyclable materials, to setting up and operating effective waste management systems.
This report focuses on the challenge of managing plastic packaging waste in Southeast Asia and China. In addition to showing the scale of the challenge, the report gives an idea of the funds that could be raised if these countries introduced extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, under which companies that place plastic packaging on the market cover the costs of its proper management—from collection and sorting to recycling and disposal.
The report also includes recommendations for companies and policymakers to address the plastic challenge, including the following:
Governments Should:
- Set national targets for waste collection, segregation, and recycling and invest in national/regional waste management infrastructure.
- Create a coherent and transparent EPR framework within national legislation that takes account of local characteristics, such as the role of the informal sector, while promoting a global treaty against plastic pollution on an international level.
- Monitor companies’ plastic use and enforce EPR legislation, creating a level playing field for all companies.
Companies Should:
- Reduce unnecessary use of plastics and transparently disclose the amount of plastic packaging they are putting on the market.
- Take responsibility for products’ end-of-life impacts, from the design and choice of materials through to collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal.
- Support the creation of EPR schemes and work with governments and other partners to improve waste management systems and raise consumer awareness.