KUALA LUMPUR: Packaging makes up a major portion of Malaysia's waste given the steady rise in domestic use of plastic packaging.
Malaysian Recycling Alliance (Marea) general manager Pauline Goh said it is estimated that by 2050, the situation will worsen by four-fold if no collective and decisive action is taken to protect the environment.
Marea, she said intends to spark long-lasting change by improving the recycling rates in Malaysia via a strong circular economy to cultivate a more sustainable future.
"Packaging waste is becoming an issue in Malaysia, as it is worldwide, and Marea is the country's first industry alliance to drive a circular economy in packaging waste management.
"According to the National Solid Waste Management Department, each Malaysian generates about 1.17kg of waste daily. Approximately 90 per cent of the waste goes to landfills, while only 10.5 per cent is recycled.
"While a large share of the commercial and industrial recyclable material is recycled, it is not clear how much of post-consumer packaging waste is actually recycled and how much ends up in landfills.
"According to some statistics, the overall recycling rate in Malaysia is still quite low at about 30 per cent, for general waste. But if you look at plastic waste packaging, it could be even lower than that.
"This is why we are here to work with the entire community - from the consumers to the waste collectors, the aggregators and the recyclers, along with our government to help collect these packaging and prevent them from going into our landfills or ocean," she told the New Straits Times.
Goh said fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry has long advocated the importance of recycling for packaging waste that cannot be avoided.
However, she said packaging can only be recycled if it is collected for recycling by the waste management sector or sorted from the mixed waste after collection.
This, she said is where a voluntary industry-led Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) comes in, such as to work with the existing waste management and recycling industry to boost the value chain and improve the collection and recycling of post-consumer packaging.
"Marea aims to promote a circular economy in packaging waste management, while driving positive behavioural change along the value chain from packaging producers (converters), retailers, consumers, waste management companies, recyclers and non-governmental organisations.
"Marea spearheads a collaborative EPR platform among FMCG players to bring about positive change which is timelier than ever, due to the significant spike in packaging waste as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"FMCG companies recognise that an EPR scheme is important to address the issue of waste management in Malaysia, which is why the 10 initial member companies (Coca-Cola Malaysia, Colgate-Palmolive Malaysia, Dutch Lady Milk Industries, Etika Group of Companies, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Mondelēz International, Nestlé Malaysia, Spritzer, Tetra Pak Malaysia and Unilever Malaysia) chose to voluntarily set up Marea this year.
"While the FMCG industry has taken the initiative to pioneer this movement, we are looking to do this within the current ecosystem by working together with all stakeholders."
Most importantly, she said there will be stronger emphasis on more eco-friendly product designs and materials where producers will be encouraged to develop and utilise plastic packaging that are designed for recycling such as post-consumer recycled resin (PCR resin), simultaneously eliminating single-use plastics in packaging.
Goh said the post-consumer packaging waste materials Marea is focusing on includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles; high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle (these are thicker ones such as ones used for shampoos and bath gels); Used Beverage Cartons (UBC) which include packet drinks, milk containers; and flexible packaging (soft plastics such as refill pouches and milk powder pouches).
She said while some of these packaging waste are widely collected through the value chain, only small quantities are brought in the recycling value chain.
"As a result, most plastic collected ends up in the landfills anyway. We want to play our part by maximising collection. By placing our focus on these materials, we can also raise greater awareness on the importance of recycling packaging waste among consumers.
"With more businesses embracing sustainable ways, consumers must also play their part to effect positive change."
Goh stressed that Marea is committed to achieving circular economy solutions that are conducive to a cleaner and greener Malaysia.
"Our goal will primarily revolve around enhancing collection, promoting the use of recycled and renewable materials as well as minimising post-consumer packaging leakage into the environment.
"We aim to promote sustainable end-of-life disposal of post-consumer plastic packaging waste through higher recyclability and recycled content.
"Circular economy can only be achieved across multiple touchpoints and by working hand in hand with the Malaysian Government and other stakeholders along the value chain to drive this goal so we can mitigate the escalating impact on the environment."