We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Striving Toward a Circular Economy: A Case Study of a Zero Single-Use Plastic Policy in Pearl of the Orient (Penang)
Summary
This case study examined how Penang, Malaysia is implementing national single-use plastic reduction policy toward a circular economy goal. Researchers interviewed 12 government, industry, and NGO stakeholders and found significant challenges in coordinating across levels of government and sectors. The study provides insights into the political and institutional barriers to transitioning away from single-use plastics.
This study aims to explore how the state of Penang could enhance a circular approach to single-use plastic by implementing a new federal policy (Malaysia's Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastic 2018-2030). The study involves twelve semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including representatives from both the state and the federal governments, city council, producers, manufacturers, NGOs and the recycling facilities. The study clarifies what a zero single-use plastic policy means, presents alternatives to conventional single-use plastic as well as introduces several means of enhancing a circular approach towards single-use plastic such as improved waste management system, stakeholders' engagement, Extended Producer Responsibility, effective policy enforcement, a need for clearer communications along with identifying measurable Key Performance Objectives.