Amcor inspires action in Asia to address plastics in the ocean

At the Responsible Business Forum (RBF) Singapore today, David Clark, Vice President, Sustainability, shared an Amcor-commissioned report on recycling initiatives in Asia.

"Most marine plastic originates from countries where consumer economies developed faster than their ability to manage waste. And more than half comes from just countries in Asia," said Clark.

"The report, Toward Circularity of Post-consumer Flexible Packaging in Asia, proposes how Amcor and others can further increase efforts to recover and recycle flexible plastic packaging," he said.

Sumangali Krishnan, Head of Research and Strategy from Gone Adventurin', who compiled the report, says that efforts must include a multi-stakeholder approach and local government participation is key.

"Our findings show that solutions need to embrace the segregation of packaging at source, support material recovery facilities, and ensure a financially viable end solution," said Krishnan.

The report provides an up-to-date picture of what is being done today in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

"We shared recommendations at the RBF because the leaders in the room have the power to collaborate and make a difference," said Clark.

During the RBF panel, Clark described Amcor's contribution to protecting oceans and encouraged greater collaboration to address the issue more urgently in Asia.

The Singapore forum attracted business and leaders, along with representatives of United Nations (UN) agencies and non-governmental organisations, from across the region. The meeting intends to advance initiatives toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Amcor is a partner in the RBF, which characterizes itself as a think-and-do-tank promoting responsible businesses that considers the environmental and social effects of their operations, and sponsored the event's workshop on SDG No.4, Life Below Water.

Download the full report here