The challenge of managing soft plastic waste has often been underestimated, according to Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF). To address this pressing issue, PRF has joined forces with the Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands (ANZPAC) Plastics Pact to launch the Circular Pacific Plastic Project at Extra Supermarket in Lautoka.
This initiative is supported by funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implements an innovative dual-system approach that engages both businesses and consumers. Mr. Deo highlighted the long-standing challenges in this area, emphasizing the need for cohesive action. “Today, we turn the tide by working collectively to tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of waste management – soft plastics,” he stated.
The Circular Pacific Plastic Project aims to create a model for other Pacific Island nations by offering locally tailored and sustainable recycling solutions. It implements a two-fold engagement system targeting business-to-business (B2B) as well as business-to-consumer (B2C) interactions. Mr. Deo expressed optimism about the potential for real progress, stating that initiatives like this showcase the significant impact achievable when financial support is directed effectively toward addressing critical challenges.
ANZPAC program manager Angela Mayer emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it marks the first consumer-oriented soft plastic collection effort in Fiji, leading the way toward circular solutions for plastic packaging in the region. She stated, “ANZPAC is proud to collaborate with all players in the industry, connecting local partners such as PRF to brands that are stepping up to fight plastic pollution.”
Overall, the Circular Pacific Plastic Project represents a proactive step towards sustainable waste management that could inspire other nations in the Pacific to adopt similar initiatives, promoting environmental health and community engagement.
This initiative signifies a hopeful advancement towards addressing a critical environmental issue and shows the potential for collaboration and innovation in waste management. With community involvement and external support, the project is poised to bring about meaningful change in how soft plastics are managed in the Pacific.
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