Opportunities You Cannot WASTE in Southeast Asia

In “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” Katara and Sokka discovered the young Avatar Aang in an iceberg, after releasing him he didn't waste any time in trying to save the world. Similar to Aang there is no time to waste for Southeast Asia.

It’s become a known fact that Southeast Asia is a hotspot for plastic pollution. A report from Ocean Conservancy identified five countries in the region – Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia – as major players in the global ocean plastic mess. And to make matters worse, there's not enough infrastructure to handle waste properly – about 90% of it gets dumped or burned. 

Take for example, Indonesia and the Philippines face staggering challenges with plastic waste management. Annually, Indonesia generates 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste, with approximately 1.29 million tonnes eventually polluting the ocean. Similarly, the Philippines grapples with a daily output of about 61,000 tonnes of solid waste, including millions of plastic sachet packets, shopping bags, and thin-film bags. Shockingly, only a third of this waste reaches landfills, while an estimated 35 percent ends up contaminating marine ecosystems.

If all the improperly managed plastic waste in Southeast Asia were recycled or repurposed and not incinerated nor dumped just anywhere, it could be just as impactful as how Aang mastered all four elements to defeat the Fire Nation! Redirecting just one tonne of plastic waste from open burning to proper collection and recycling helps to prevent downstream emissions.  By choosing plastic waste recovery and recycling solutions, we could avoid this disaster.

Despite the daunting challenges, Southeast Asia is witnessing a growing momentum towards addressing plastic pollution through innovative solutions. From community-led clean-up campaigns to the development of waste management startups, stakeholders across the region are working towards a plastic-free future.

In Thailand, Biodegradable Packaging for Environment PLC focuses on eco-friendly materials, crafting food and beverage containers from agricultural waste. Once these containers are discarded, they decompose and can eventually serve as organic fertilizer for plants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the startup developed new products, such as food boxes, cups and straws—all produced from biodegradable materials.

Octopus, headquartered in Indonesia, operates as a circular economy platform. Circular economy refers to the promotion of practices like recycling and reusing to minimize waste and maximize the recovery of byproducts and refuse for future use. The Indonesian startup actively encourages waste segregation among homeowners and facilitates the tracking and collection of post-consumer products for producers, whether they are recyclable or not.

And what if we turn trash into cash? That’s the idea of the Malaysia-based startup Klean, a company that offers innovative Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) where individuals can deposit their PET plastic waste, like empty bottles and cans. In exchange, recyclers receive Klean points that can be accumulated and redeemed for various deals from Klean's partner merchants, including TouchnGo, Boost, and Grab, among others. 

The pressing waste problem in Southeast Asia demands quick action and collaboration from all sectors, including young innovators and changemakers. Just like Aang and Team Avatar, who united the four nations to bring balance to the world, young entrepreneurs can unite their efforts to combat plastic waste. Whether through the development of eco-friendly products or the implementation of waste management technologies, we have the power to drive positive change. 

So if someone tells you “there’s no waste opportunity in Southeast Asia”, just like how the Earth Kingdom conditioned their citizens, they’re completely wrong.

Plastic-Free, Guilt-Free: True Gum

Did you know that most chewing gum contributes significantly to environmental pollution, with over 105 tonnes of plastic waste generated annually?

A pioneering brand from Copenhagen is tackling this issue head-on with its innovative, plastic-free gum! Utilizing natural, sustainable ingredients like chicle tree sap, this brand's formulation not only reduces plastic waste but also offers a biodegradable and guilt-free chewing experience, setting a new eco-friendly standard in the industry.

AI-Powered Creativity

Instant, polished presentations powered by AI. Impress your audience effortlessly with Gamma. Engage users on any device. Measure engagement, get quick reactions, and collaborate seamlessly.

Try for free.

Spin The Wheel

Spin to Win Green! 🌿 Try your luck for eco-friendly product discounts!