Report: Consumers and business concerned about plastic waste but expect governments to do more

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Food Industry Asia (FIA) today released a regional survey of consumers and food and beverage businesses across South-East Asia that shows a significant disconnect between expectation and action on reducing plastic waste. The challenges of plastic pollution have only increased in the past few months, with the COVID-19 pandemic generating a surge in waste.

The survey polled consumers and businesses in five countries that are estimated to be among the top 10 sources of plastic marine debris globally – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. Among the key findings were that:

1. Consumers are concerned about plastic waste, but are not changing habits.
2. Consumers’ focus on recycling is increasing.
3. Businesses understand that their current efforts are not sufficient.
4. Targets by businesses on plastic waste need strengthening.
5. Many businesses are not yet engaged in industry collaborations to tackle plastic waste issues.
6. Both consumers and businesses want and expect further action by governments.

This survey and report were co-commissioned by SEA circular, an initiative of UNEP and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) – supported by the Government of Sweden – and FIA to inspire market-based solutions and encourage enabling policies to prevent marine plastic pollution in South-East Asia. The analysis was conducted by AlphaBeta.

Source: UN Environment