Plastics associations in Asia promote sustainability

The 25th Asia Plastics Forum (APF), held in conjunction with the 11th Bangladesh International Plastics Packaging Printing Industrial Exhibition 2016, took place in Dhaka Bangladesh on January 20-22. The Forum was attended by representatives  from  Bangladesh,  India,  Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia,  Philippines and  Thailand. The 25th APF 2016 was  hosted  by  the Bangladesh  Plastic  Goods  Manufacturers  and Exporters Association (BPGMEA).
 
This year's theme "Plastics Waste Management: Going Beyond the Observations," focused on the impact of plastics on the environment and how various countries in the Asian region can contribute to sustainability.

The APF Programme was designed to highlight the misconception of plastics and its effects on the environment, and waste management practices from selected APF member countries.  Callum Chen, Secretary-General, APF, in his address, spoke about the misconception of plastics and its impact on the environment. Mr. Chen said that the misconception of plastics is due to littering and poor  waste management practices.    

The highlights of the Forum included the presentations by Michael Taylor, Vice-President, Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) and Steve Russell, Vice-President, American Chemistry Council (ACC), USA. Mr. Taylor presented on plastics as the green option and its perspective of the environment. Mr. Russell stressed on the disposal of plastics and solutions on marine debris.  Datuk  Lim  Kok  Boon,  President,  Malaysian  Plastics  Manufacturers  Association  (MPMA) presented  a  paper  entitled  ‘Green  Living  with  a Conscience: The  Consumer's  Role’. In  his presentation, Datuk Lim emphasised the consumer's role in making wise choices in terms of green decisions.  Plastindia  Foundation  presented  on  zero  waste  to  landfills  and  the  involvement  of  brand owners and MNCs in waste management efforts. Plastindia Foundation was represented by KK Seksaria, President. Crispian Lao, Past President of  the  Philippine  Plastics Industry  Association  (PPIA)  and Vice-Chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Commission reported on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies on various types of carrier bags used in the city of Manila.

Over the past four years, APF has been concentrating on environmental issues affecting the plastics industry, reflecting on the current global situations where the 3Rs and litter issues are among  those  intensely  debated  by  countries.  In  March  2007,  members  agreed  to  the formation  of  the  APF-Sustainable  Development  Committee  (APF-SDC)  to  spearhead discussions on topics relating to the environment.