Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris - ERIA

20/08/2026

New EU packaging rules are now reshaping how products are packaged, recycled and reused 🇪🇺

From 12 August 2026, new rules on packaging and packaging waste apply across the EU, aiming to protect the environment and people’s health while creating opportunities for businesses. The rules require packaging to be reusable or recoverable, with measures including recycled-content targets, recyclable packaging by 2030, clearer recycling labels, reduced unnecessary packaging and stronger deposit-return systems. Companies using harmful materials will also contribute to cleanup costs.

New rules on packaging and packaging waste aim to protect the environment and people’s health and create new opportunities for businesses.

19/08/2026

Can Viet Nam’s EPR reforms strengthen circular economy efforts? 🌏♻️

UNDP, through the Viet Nam National Plastic Action Partnership and Circular Economy Hub, held a workshop on pathways for a robust EPR system as the country revises its environmental law. Proposed changes would strengthen private-sector responsibility, phase out financial contributions for recycling obligations, and introduce a roadmap for adjusting mandatory recycling rates, supporting greater predictability and long-term investment in recycling.

Home Viet Nam Viet Nam Advances Efforts To Strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility Towards a Circular Economy Viet Nam advances efforts to strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility towards a circular economy August 11, 2026 ►Listen Photo: UNDP Viet Nam Ha Noi, 11 August 2026 – The United N...

18/08/2026

Over 45% of people residing near recycling facilities in Kuala Langat reported eye problems, highlighting concerns about environmental conditions in surrounding communities 👀⚠️
A study found associations between sociodemographic characteristics and respiratory, ocular, dermal and gastrointestinal symptoms, while residents also reported fumes, smoke, unpleasant odours and dirty water. The findings highlight the importance of continuous environmental health surveillance, stronger community engagement and integrated air and water quality monitoring around recycling and waste-processing facilities.

This study examined self-reported symptoms and perceived environmental conditions among communities residing near plastic and paper waste recycling facilities in Kuala Langat, Malaysia. A cross-sectional community health survey was conducted among 520 respondents. The most reported respiratory sympt...

14/08/2026

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘀!

We are pleased to welcome Mr Keitaro Tsuji as the new Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris. With extensive experience in advancing environmental policy and initiatives across Asia, including his work with Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and experience supporting waste management initiatives in Indonesia, Mr Tsuji brings valuable expertise to the Knowledge Centre.

Explore his message in the article to learn more about his background, experience, and vision for advancing regional efforts to address marine plastic pollution.

Halo dan salam sejahtera.It is a great honour and privilege to join the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris at ERIA as its Director, e...

13/08/2026

The Bohol provincial government in the Philippines is adopting a citizen science mobile app to strengthen efforts to tackle plastic pollution. The PlastiZen Basura Patroller app, developed by the University of the Philippines, allows residents to report and map plastic waste in their communities, generating data that can support environmental monitoring and waste management planning. The initiative aims to engage communities directly in identifying plastic pollution hotspots and informing local action.

MANILA, Philippines — Bohol is adopting a citizen science application developed by the University of the Philippines to help residents report plastic waste and provide local officials with data for environmental planning and policymaking. The provincial government has partnered with the UP Marine ...

10/08/2026

What if changing the way we use plastic could help change our future? 🌏♻️

Across ASEAN, growing cities and rising consumption are driving more plastic waste. Six pilot initiatives in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam explored different ways to encourage people and businesses to reduce plastic use and adopt more sustainable habits.

From reusable systems to social media campaigns, the initiatives show that changing plastic habits is possible, but lasting impact requires the right policies, incentives, and support 🤝

Discover how these six initiatives are contributing to behavioral change across ASEAN, what challenges they face, and what can help make sustainable plastic use a normal part of everyday life!

Find the full article here:
https://rkcmpd-eria.org/news/plastic-use-found-everyday-how-six-initiatives-contribute-to-the-behavioral-change-across-asean

This post is part of our AYGC content series and features the ideas and perspectives of our finalists Xaypaseuth Sounthavong (Article Writer) and Muy Kunkanitha (Content Creator).

Follow along as we continue sharing more inspiring stories and innovative solutions from our talented AYGC finalists.

07/08/2026

Plastic doesn't disappear, it just becomes harder to see 🌊🔬

A plastic bottle or food wrapper may eventually disappear from sight, but that doesn't mean it's gone. Over time, larger plastic waste breaks down into tiny microplastics that can travel through rivers, coastlines, marine ecosystems, and even the food we eat. Across Southeast Asia, these invisible particles have already been found in rivers, sediments, fish, and shellfish.

Discover how microplastics are formed, why they matter, and why stopping plastic waste before it reaches our waterways is one of the most effective solutions.

Find the full article here: https://rkcmpd-eria.org/news/plastic-waste-does-not-disappear-southeast-asia-s-growing-microplastic-challenge

This post is part of our AYGC content series and features the ideas and perspectives of our finalists Calvin Shee Yin Ming (Article Writer) and Maurin Tsuwaibatul Aslamiyah (Content Creator).

Follow along as we continue sharing more inspiring stories and innovative solutions from our talented AYGC finalists!

07/08/2026

Can packaging laws satisfy everyone? 🧑‍⚖️♻️

California's CalRecycle is defending SB 54 after facing lawsuits from both industry groups, which argue compliance costs are too high, and environmental groups, which say the rules are too weak. Covering over 5,700 producers, the law took effect on 1 May 2026 with penalties of up to US$50,000 per day. The debate highlights the importance of transparent, practical Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies that can withstand implementation challenges.

In the US, California’s SB 54 is swiftly becoming a battleground for industry and environmental stakeholders, who are at odds with the legislation, though for contrasting reasons. Signed into law in 2022 and

06/08/2026

What if mixed plastic waste could become clean fuel? 🚗⛽
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (Ah-Hyung Park) and Ewha Womans University (Woo-Jae Kim) have developed a laboratory-scale process that converts mixed plastic waste into hydrogen fuel without sorting. Published in PNAS, the method produces over 90% pure hydrogen while operating at lower temperatures. While promising, the technology remains in its early stages, and its scalability and long-term feasibility have yet to be proven.

https://www.sciencealert.com/plastic-waste-has-been-turned-directly-into-hydrogen-fuel-no-sorting-required

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05/08/2026

Small islands shouldn't become the final stop for our plastic waste! 🏝️♻️

Shoreline trash on small islands is not always created locally. Across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, plastic waste can travel through rivers, wind, and ocean currents, making its way from the mainland to island coastlines. Combined with limited waste management systems and growing tourism, this creates a challenge that extends far beyond island communities.

Discover what drives shoreline trash on small islands and how local communities and governments are working together to address it!

Find the full article here: https://rkcmpd-eria.org/news/from-source-to-shore-how-small-islands-could-put-the-waste-into-the-right-place

This post is part of our AYGC content series and features the ideas and perspectives of our finalists Charles Joseph O. Nicholas (Article Writer) and Chu Ngoc Mai (Content Creator).

Follow along as we continue sharing more inspiring stories and innovative solutions from our talented AYGC finalists!