The following is an opinion piece by Vernon Foo of CM ECO to expand further the points he raised that was published at a recent article by The Vibes on the Challenges to Plastic Recycling in Malaysia. Read here – https://www.thevibes.com/articles/opinion/33943/challenges-to-plastic-recycling-in-malaysia-hui-ling-chen-tapan-kumar-nath-chris-gibbins-alex-m-lechner-siewhui-chong-vernon-foo
Vernon Foo, Founder of CM ECO
I do share part of the sentiments from the overall article.. however I do feel more can be expanded on this overall dialogue.
In addition.. to what is shared, my opinion is that it has come to that point in our daily lives whereby, only one way of breaking grounds to resolve the plastics issue, is no longer viable to our survivability as a species. There needs to be a push on all fronts and this can be further explained by the following methods:
- Recycling, although a method that has been around for a long time, it is one we can kick off relatively easier as the value chain is pretty much already set up and with the objective to re-circulate plastics as best we can for those that are already in circulation.
For this endeavour the Ministry of Environment (KASA), along with various stakeholders will need to work hand in hand to craft out the start of the Circular Economy Roadmap (CER) for Plastics which is currently due to kick off in October 2021. I have been involved in initial discussions and it does look promising and brings forth the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to encompass all categories from industry, the government and the general public. - The EPR scheme which places responsibilities on industry leaders who are primary producers of the majority of the single use plastics (SUP) in our environment, will be lead by members of the Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA) to start this uphill battle assuming the role of industry leaders, followed by SMEs who make up to 95% of our economy, and communities at large working in tandem to increase recycling rates and the practice of CER for Plastics.
- Sustainable Product Design (pre-during-post consumer consumption). For years since the industrial revolution, the major focus when it comes to product design is salability. A product is designed to be efficient from raw material up to being sold and subsequently discarded. There needs to be changes to our current models towards one that emphasizes designing for sustainability. Overhauling the process to now include post-consumer consumption, and what happens to the product’s lifecycle beyond that point. Designing products that can integrate on circularity, will result in lower levels of overall waste output, and decrease volumes in our landfills and generally mismanaged wastes.
- Transition to alternative sustainable solutions. From starch, sugarcane bagasse, seaweed and mycelium based packaging and its application also incorporating #2 into its design and product lifecycle. Because these base materials are of a different kind, they require, at times, commercial level composting facilities in order to replicate circularity as well. The primary pain point for this is that it is not fully established as compared to the current value chains as stated in #1. I would put some of the blame on early design flaws primarily due to creating products to address a need and sell and not with the primary focus to address a need, save the environment, and sell.
- Education, education, education. There needs to be a lot of effort particularly in this area. Teaching our communities to understand the world’s predicament, and why we need to change. Consequently rolling out solutions that are well thought out. This also needs to be done with all age groups, from children, teens, to adults on what we are going to do collectively to safeguard our futures.
- Governance and policy to facilitate effective, long-lasting betterment for all. To ensure the best possible utilisation of resources and human capital in light of the gigantic undertaking that does not discriminate against race, borders, geographic region, and background. It is a cause for humanity and securing our hopes and dreams for tomorrow.
CM ECO’s objective is to encouraging the replacement of single-use plastics within our daily lives via education and awareness as well as long term solutions. We do that by supplying and distributing single-use alternatives, which includes and not limited to biodegradable and compostable food packaging, tableware and carrier bags. As an entity, we strive to create communities that are built on three key founding pillars, with an emphasis on equal importance with regards to sustainable societal, economical, and environmental growth. For more info, visit https://www.cmecoventures.com/