The recovery rate for soft plastics in the Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands (ANZPAC) region is concerningly low, with just around 5% being recycled, and even lower figures in some Pacific island nations. This issue was highlighted by the ANZPAC Plastics Pact amid ongoing concerns about waste management in the area.
In response to this challenge, the ANZPAC Plastics Pact has initiated a new pilot project designed to enhance the collection, recovery, and recycling of soft plastics in Fiji. This project is a crucial component of the Circular Pacific Plastics (CPP) initiative, which unites global brands with local leaders to develop actionable solutions for plastic waste recycling.
The pilot aims to establish a foundation for extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, promoting accountability among producers for the waste their products create. Angela Mayer, senior program manager at ANZPAC, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration involved, stating that “Circular Pacific Plastics is a true testament to the power of collaboration.” She noted the inspiring unity of various stakeholders and brands joining forces to address the challenges of plastic packaging in the Pacific Islands.
The project, supported by international organizations like WRAP and funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), will explore innovative methods of collecting and recycling soft plastics in Fiji. The insights gained will potentially inform similar systems across other Pacific nations.
Prominent global brands, such as Nestlé and Colgate-Palmolive, are not only funding the initiative but also participating in trials aimed at identifying the most effective approaches for both Business-to-Consumer and Business-to-Business scenarios in managing soft plastics. As stated by Ms. Mayer, these corporations hope the pilot project will establish a replicable recycling model for other countries within the region.
The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) in Fiji is collaborating closely with the project to ensure that it meets local requirements and delivers advantages to the community.
This initiative represents a hopeful step towards addressing plastic waste in the region while fostering collaboration between local communities, businesses, and global brands, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Summary: The ANZPAC region faces a low soft plastic recovery rate, prompting the launch of a pilot project in Fiji aimed at improving recycling efforts. Backed by global brands and organizations, the initiative seeks to create a model for effective soft plastic management that can be replicated in other Pacific nations, demonstrating the power of collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.
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