Original by Dr. Steve Wong
October 24, 2023
In every country on our planet, regardless of its population, thousands of tons of waste are generated daily. Whether disposed of legally or illegally, through landfills, incineration, or even abandonment in rivers and oceans, this has severely affected the ecosystems of our environment. The situation is worsening, posing risks to human health and biodiversity. Any waste can be recycled and reused, but the challenge lies in establishing a system, determining responsibility, and covering all associated costs. Ultimately, a mandatory system involving governments, brand-owners, manufacturers, recycling industry stakeholders, and the general public must be implemented.
The issue of plastic waste has drawn the attention of citizens, governments, and industries, and the media continuously reports on how plastic waste entangles sea turtles, causing them to suffocate or leading to the death of birds that ingest microplastics. Rivers, waterways, and oceans are inundated with various types of plastic and packaging films, which can release harmful substances threatening human health. Dealing with plastic waste has become an integral part of our lives. While we cannot entirely avoid the use of plastic, the lack of an efficient recycling and upcycling system results in a very low recycling rate.
The United Nations Environment Programme recently held a forum on implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, with 140 member entities participating. The forum explores the collection, logistics, and processing of plastic waste. Adequate and sustainable funding is critical for environmentally friendly plastic waste management. One of the primary tools governments use for this purpose is the EPR, which holds producers responsible for a product’s environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle, from design to waste management. In particular, when it comes to plastic packaging, to reduce plastic waste pollution. These systems should be designed to improve plastic waste management effectively. At the same time, it should adapt to each country’s social, economic and political situation. The aim is to strengthen and promote plastic waste management on a regional, national and worldwide level and to prevent and reduce plastic waste generation.
The industry hopes that with such a system, the pricing of recycled plastics will no longer be subject to prime prices. Instead, manufacturers will be required to cover the costs of recycling. Consequently, recycled materials will no longer be tied to the prices of new materials, ensuring the survival of the recycling industry.