Asia, a region greatly affected by mounting plastic waste, presents a unique opportunity to spearhead global solutions. As we move toward the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting (INC5) in Busan, South Korea, adopting and promoting reuse and refill systems is imperative. This meeting is the last in a series of five meetings that bring together representatives from over 170 countries to finalize an international agreement on plastic pollution, also known as the Global Plastics Treaty.
Phasing Out Sachets and Single-Use Plastics
One of the key challenges contributing to the plastic crisis is the widespread use of sachets and single-use plastics (SUPs). Sachets consist of multiple layers of materials that are difficult to separate mechanically and process for disposal. Often, the only treatment option applied for managing these is incineration, a damaging method with high capital cost as well as environmental pollution that has a lasting effect on communities’ well-being.
While these products were pushed by industry in the name of convenience and affordability, they come at the cost of people’s health and the environment. By transitioning away from SUPs, particularly sachets, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of SUPs while fostering economic growth. However, realizing this goal requires a comprehensive approach, including robust policies, public-private partnerships, and active civil society engagement.
Both Indonesia and the Philippines grapple with sachet waste. In Indonesia, sachets account for a substantial portion of the country’s plastic waste, with each household generating 0.25 to 2 kg of sachet waste weekly. This issue is exacerbated by the complexity of recycling sachets, which consist of multiple layers of materials that are difficult to separate and process. As a result, sachets represent a major environmental challenge, contributing to 12 percent of the nation’s plastic waste.
Indonesia’s sachet industry contributes approximately 839.1 billion rupiah ($51.6 million) to national GDP, but its environmental costs, including the health impacts from waste incineration and pollution, amount to an estimated 1.4 trillion rupiah annually. Efforts to replace sachets with reusable packaging are underway, focusing on both economic viability and environmental sustainability. Surveys indicate a high willingness among consumers to participate in reuse programs, provided there are convenient infrastructures and incentives.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, cities like San Fernando, Pampanga, and San Carlos, Negros Occidental, have pioneered local ordinances to reduce SUPs, including sachets. These cities have implemented phased approaches to plastic bans, combining regulatory measures with extensive community engagement and educational campaigns. These efforts have led to significant reductions in plastic waste and high compliance rates among residents and businesses.
Making the long-term shift toward reuse and refill systems would require enabling policies, stringent guidelines for brand owners and retailers, and behavior change by consumers. Spreading awareness through campaigns together with regulations mandating the phasing out of SUPs can help drive this shift.
Reuse and Refill Solutions: A Sustainable Approach
A reuse and refill system is simple yet impactful. It involves creating products and packaging that can be reused multiple times safely. This approach decreases waste and preserves valuable resources and energy that would otherwise go into producing new materials.
Reuse is about reusing products and packaging for the same purpose for which it was first designed, with or without additional product support that allows the packaging to be refilled. Reuse can be further divided into two categories: refill and return. Refill is the act of refilling packaging once it is empty or almost used up with the same or different material/ingredients, where consumers own the packaging/containers. The second category is the return system. The return system (or reuse system) requires consumers only to return their packaging/containers; another party then provides the collection, washing, and redistribution of reusable containers.
In parts of Asia, creative efforts focusing on reuse and refill initiatives are playing a role in cutting down on SUPs.
For instance, Vietnam’s Refillables Dong Day stands out for its range of products and active engagement with the community. Similarly, Greenpeace Philippines’s Kuha Sa Tingi, a refill project in the Philippines, demonstrates how refilling systems in small stores can bring both benefits and positive environmental impacts. In Indonesia, initiatives like Toko Cura’ and Taksu Reuse have successfully reduced waste through community collaborations and event-based reuse systems. In India, the National Hawker Federation is leading efforts to educate street vendors about using reusable products. Additionally, Alner in Indonesia assisted micro retailers in promoting reuse and refill models, underlining the potential for daily essentials that generate minimal waste.
These collective endeavors showcase how community-driven solutions can drive change in combating plastic pollution.
Government Regulations on Refill Stations
Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand have enacted regulations mandating refill stations for cosmetic and household products. Indonesia’s recent regulations, specified under Indonesian Food and Drugs Administration No. 12 Year 2023, encourage the distribution of cosmetics (shampoo, body wash, and hand wash) through refill stations. All facilities engaged in refilling processes must adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP) to guarantee consumer safety and product quality. The regulations also prioritize sustainability by reducing single-use waste and promoting the utilization of refillable containers.
In the Philippines, guidelines were made for refill stations for cosmetics and hazardous substances. Only establishments licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can operate these stations, following GMP standards. The system includes inspections and requires clear labeling to ensure safety and transparency, aiming to reduce plastic use while maintaining high health and safety standards.
Thailand has introduced specific regulations for cosmetic refill stations to reduce plastic waste and support sustainable consumption practices. These regulations require that all cosmetic products sold through refill stations display clear Thai-language labels and comply with stringent safety standards. The guidelines also include provisions for the hygiene and sanitation of refilling stations, ensuring that consumers receive safe and high-quality products.
Highlighting these initiatives, the Asia Reuse Consortium was co-convened early this year by Dietplastik Indonesia, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives Asia Pacific, and Break Free From Plastic. The consortium brought together stakeholders from local governments, startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and civil society from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and India.
By fostering regional collaboration, the Asia Reuse Consortium aims to scale up successful practices and develop new strategies tailored to Asia’s unique challenges. The consortium also promotes reuse and refill through co-development of reuse standards, capacity building for reuse entrepreneurs, and strengthening the region’s stance on reuse systems in the Global Plastics Treaty.
Conclusion
The journey toward a plastic-free future requires bold actions and collaborative efforts. Reuse and refill solutions offer a promising pathway to combat plastic pollution by enabling the phase-out of sachets and SUPs. The Asia Reuse Consortium exemplifies the region’s commitment to sustainability, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier planet.
The regulations implemented in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand supporting refill and reuse options mark an advancement in reducing waste and promoting a mindset of reuse and sustainability. Through standards and compliance guidelines, these nations are laying the groundwork for safer, more environmentally friendly consumer practices.
The ongoing negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty represent a historic opportunity to address plastic pollution on a global scale. However, the lack of observer involvement, especially from civil society organizations, rights holders, and impacted communities in the upcoming Intersessional Ad-hoc Expert Group in Bangkok, Thailand, is concerning. Based on our experiences in Asia, civil society organizations bring valuable insights and expertise from the ground experience of implementing solutions. Their participation is crucial for ensuring that the treaty is comprehensive and effective.
Asian countries must set an example and prioritize the voice of all stakeholders, especially civil society, for the Global Plastics Treaty. This inclusive approach will be key in developing fair solutions to the pollution crisis. By showcasing the success of reuse and refill solutions, Asia can influence global policies and inspire other regions to adopt similar approaches. This collective effort will be crucial in ensuring the treaty’s success and in achieving a plastic-free future.