GIZ: CAP-SEA 2

The module aimed at supporting the enabling conditions to reduce single use plastics and packaging waste in Thailand and Malaysia. In Malaysia the module additionally provided policy advice on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems. This will create opportunities for the implementation of environmental technologies, such as deposit systems, reverse logistics, sorting, inspection, separation, and recycling technologies. The tailored technical solution finding was supported through targeted matchmaking in local environmental technology fairs, as well as through the collaboration of Thai, Malaysian, and German industrial associations.

The project built on the experience, partnerships and successful implementation of the "Supporting the Environmental Protection Export Initiative" project from 2019 to March 2023.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, the project focused on political recommendations for eco-design, with the aim of establishing a legal framework for existing minimum design standards, such as those for plastic packaging. These minimum standards were intended to introduce increased recyclability and a higher proportion of recycled material, as well as regulate environmentally harmful chemicals.

At the outset of the project, institutional and legislative conditions were analyzed to develop recommendations for incorporating the eco-design guidelines. The project then supported the establishment of capacities for implementing and monitoring the reform. Simultaneously, product groups were selected that can contribute to reducing single-use plastic, and new eco-design standards were developed, or existing ones revised. This selection and development was also based on a specific study of problematic plastic types in Malaysia.

Subsequently, the new standards were implemented on a trial basis with industry pioneers. The results of this trial were evaluated and incorporated into legislative consultation. Additionally, technical guidelines were created and shared with relevant stakeholders.

The project also provided policy advice to support the development of a legal framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems with the key actors.

Thailand

In Thailand, the focus lied on the development of reusable and/or deposit systems for public events and festivals. International experiences indicate that the introduction of such local reusable/deposit systems holds significant potential for waste reduction. However, the experiences from the first phase of the CAP SEA project have shown that these systems only succeed when they are locally embedded and supported by public policies.

The city of Bangkok has ambitious environmental goals, including waste reduction. Therefore, the Bangkok city administration is highly interested in collaborating with the CAP SEA project to develop approaches for avoiding single-use plastics. The project created a guide for avoiding single-use plastics through local reusable and/or deposit systems at the community level. Furthermore, the project supported the introduction of water refill systems in Bangkok by providing recommendations for the deployment and maintenance of such refill systems.