Progress is coming
Several countries in Southeast Asia already have well-functioning waste management systems. Research shows that in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, 89 per cent of household waste is collected at least once a week.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry in Malaysia is planning to establish six Waste-to-Energy plants across the country by 2025. This will reduce dependence on landfills for waste in the face of technological, labour, and infrastructure challenges.
Similarly, Singapore has introduced infrastructure to promote the adoption of circular economy principles. The National Recycling Programme (NRP) provides all households with recycling bins, and recyclable waste is collected regularly. This initiative has helped increase Singapore’s recycling rate from 40 per cent in 2000 to 51.7 per cent in 2022.
However, as Singapore moves closer to its 2030 target, the country still faces low consumer engagement, highlighting the crucial role that individuals must play in achieving a truly circular economy.
Consumer awareness is vital
Although Singapore’s recycling rate is constantly improving, consumer education is a significant barrier inhibiting further success. In 2022, the National Environment Agency reported that 40 percent of the materials in Singaporean recycling bins were unrecyclable because they were contaminated by non-recyclable items such as food and liquid waste. This suggests a need for a change in consumer awareness and behaviour.
The SEA Circular report revealed that in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, only 54 per cent of consumers engage in recycling, and just 33 per cent take sustainability into account when making purchasing decisions. Despite this lack of action, 91 per cent of consumers expressed deep concern about the environmental impact of plastics and felt that greater education on the issue should be provided.
Societal change is crucial to accelerating the shift towards widespread recycling in South Asia, and there have been increased efforts to promote education and raise awareness about the importance of recycling. The SEA Circular report highlighted this, showing that 64 per cent of consumers said they would be more inclined to recycle if others around them were doing the same. To further increase awareness of the circular economy and widen access to recycling in Singapore, the National Environment Agency introduced the Recycle Right campaign to build upon the country's success, providing households with a free recycling box known as Bloobox. Similarly, the Philippines government has introduced various incentive programs. For instance, in 2021, the Pasig City Local Government Unit (LGU) partnered with the non-profit organisation Plastic Credit Exchange to launch a waste-to-cash initiative called Aling Tindera, with 19 collection centres set up across the city.
Consumers in higher-income countries are typically motivated by educational campaigns highlighting the importance of environmental protection. These campaigns foster a commitment to combating global warming and encourage recycling habits. However, more efforts are needed to democratise access to information about sustainability, making it widely available and promoting broader societal change.
Businesses must transform their operations to focus on sustainability
SEA Circular highlights the need for businesses to enhance their efforts to reduce plastic waste. While 82 per cent of businesses express significant concern about plastic pollution, only 48 per cent are satisfied with their current sustainability practices. Furthermore, fewer than 45 per cent of the assessed countries prioritise recycling and reuse initiatives. To boost consumer engagement and recycling rates, businesses can implement several strategies. For instance, a 2023 study found that 37 per cent of consumers would be more inclined to recycle if they had clearer guidance on how to do so. The Circular Economy Label or Information Scheme (CELIS) aims to standardise labels, certifications, and information schemes to encourage better environmental practices across the board.
Furthermore, although Southeast Asia has numerous non-profit organisations, such as the Indonesia Packaging Recovery Organisation (IPRO), which is focused on enhancing Indonesia’s recycling rate, more than half of the businesses evaluated in the 2020 SEA Circular report were not engaged with these groups. This underscores the need for governments and consumers to reduce packaging waste but also highlights the crucial role businesses must play in addressing this issue.
Since 2021, Mainetti has set a strong example in this field through its partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF). This collaboration supports the EMF’s principle that products should remain within a closed-loop supply chain, emphasising that both plastic and paper packaging must be reusable and recyclable. To assist businesses and consumers in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and advance towards a circular economy, Mainetti has created a range of innovative sustainable packaging solutions. These include M-Film™, our 100 percent recyclable flexible packaging films and The Loop, which is Century Box Mainetti’s mono-material luxury box made from recyclable cardboard and paper.
It is essential for all countries in the region to work together to overcome the challenges hindering South and Southeast Asia from achieving a fully circular economy. Governments must establish robust national recycling infrastructures, consumers must align their actions with their values by recycling their purchases properly, and businesses must adopt sustainable practices that drive industry-wide change. By making these adjustments, South Asia can lead the way in advancing the circular economy and contribute to a more sustainable and secure future for everyone.