ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with Brunei Darussalam’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, and GIZ, explored Brunei's strategies to tackle plastic pollution and the private sector's role in championing plastic circularity.
Titled ‘Private Sector Initiatives to Reduce Marine Plastics: Brunei's Journey to Plastic Sustainability: Hands-on Initiatives in Action,’ the event, organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series, brought together professionals from the public and private sectors, along with civil society, to explore innovative solutions and best practices in addressing plastic pollution. Over 127 attendees from the ASEAN region and beyond took part in the event, actively participating in the Q&A session.
The seminar began with the Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre, Mr Reo Kawamura, emphasising the critical importance of collaboration between governments, private companies, and academia to address the global plastic pollution challenge and achieve peaceful coexistence with the natural environment. Ms Hajah Martinah Haji Tamit, Director of Brunei Darussalam's Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, outlined the challenges of plastic waste management and reaffirmed Brunei's commitment to tackling plastic pollution alongside other ASEAN member states. She also highlighted Brunei's active involvement in United Nations negotiations to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. 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 the reduction of packaging waste. She mentioned issues such as 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 on tackling 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.
This seminar highlights the continuous involvement of ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris in tackling the intricate challenges linked to marine plastic debris. By encouraging collaboration and advancing innovative approaches, the Centre remains dedicated to assisting and showcasing companies and organisations actively addressing marine debris issues.
Read media coverage of the event at:
Thailand Business News, Baca Data, Orient Press Wire, Asia Dailies, Faktual, Asatu, Seadaily, Totabuan News, Lensa Nusantara, News247Asia, Thailand Scoop, Paradise Province, Pinoy Bisnes, Slvrdlphn, Portal Bangsa, Kabar Nusa 24, Marka Berita, Deteksi Pos, Bangbara, Suara Jurnal, Bimantara News, Net 88, Business News, Jurnal News, Agara News, Rapport PH, Asia News Channels, Metro Kendari, Borneo Tribun, Indonesia 24, Sibernas, Samar Chronicle, Temporatur, Bramasta News, Words.Vn., Net 24, Nawalakarsa, Buletin, Times.Co.Id, Suara Jurnal, Sigap News, Delik News, Rakyat NTT, Dugout Philippines, Asia Journaux.
Communication Officer
ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with Brunei Darussalam’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, and GIZ, explored Brunei's strategies to tackle plastic pollution and the private sector's role in championing plastic circularity.
Titled ‘Private Sector Initiatives to Reduce Marine Plastics: Brunei's Journey to Plastic Sustainability: Hands-on Initiatives in Action,’ the event, organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series, brought together professionals from the public and private sectors, along with civil society, to explore innovative solutions and best practices in addressing plastic pollution. Over 127 attendees from the ASEAN region and beyond took part in the event, actively participating in the Q&A session.
The seminar began with the Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre, Mr Reo Kawamura, emphasising the critical importance of collaboration between governments, private companies, and academia to address the global plastic pollution challenge and achieve peaceful coexistence with the natural environment. Ms Hajah Martinah Haji Tamit, Director of Brunei Darussalam's Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, outlined the challenges of plastic waste management and reaffirmed Brunei's commitment to tackling plastic pollution alongside other ASEAN member states. She also highlighted Brunei's active involvement in United Nations negotiations to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. 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 the reduction of packaging waste. She mentioned issues such as 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 on tackling 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.
This seminar highlights the continuous involvement of ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris in tackling the intricate challenges linked to marine plastic debris. By encouraging collaboration and advancing innovative approaches, the Centre remains dedicated to assisting and showcasing companies and organisations actively addressing marine debris issues.
Read media coverage of the event at:
Thailand Business News, Baca Data, Orient Press Wire, Asia Dailies, Faktual, Asatu, Seadaily, Totabuan News, Lensa Nusantara, News247Asia, Thailand Scoop, Paradise Province, Pinoy Bisnes, Slvrdlphn, Portal Bangsa, Kabar Nusa 24, Marka Berita, Deteksi Pos, Bangbara, Suara Jurnal, Bimantara News, Net 88, Business News, Jurnal News, Agara News, Rapport PH, Asia News Channels, Metro Kendari, Borneo Tribun, Indonesia 24, Sibernas, Samar Chronicle, Temporatur, Bramasta News, Words.Vn., Net 24, Nawalakarsa, Buletin, Times.Co.Id, Suara Jurnal, Sigap News, Delik News, Rakyat NTT, Dugout Philippines, Asia Journaux.
Communication Officer
