Brunei’s Strategies for Plastic Sustainability explored in a seminar organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series

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 reduction of packaging waste, for example, 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.