Transition to Circular Plastic Economy: How It Is Unfolding in Developing Countries

Using a multidimensional transition framework, this paper focuses on mapping comparative progress towards the circular plastic economy (CPE) in three Asian developing countries - India, Indonesia, and Thailand. The state of the CPE system at various points in time is assessed using seven functions defining the dynamics and performance of the CPE system. Multiple lines of evidence: trade database, national policy documents, reports, academic literature, ministerial announcements, and news in mass media show ‘circularity’ per se is gaining high attention in recent years in the context of climate action, plastics, decent jobs, and social justice. However, groundwork in these countries started through disjoint but various actions towards plastic and waste management, characterized by the Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle principles since the 1990s. In 2017, when China imposed restrictions on waste imports, the Southeast and South Asian regions started gaining importance in the global plastic waste trade. This triggered the Early Adoption phase of circularity initiatives in the region through recycling, technology, and knowledge development. However, our analysis indicates that societal readiness through businesses, markets, and consumer response is still lagging. Further, policy implementation and financial mobilization also need more attention. None of the countries excel in all dimensions. While Thailand is leading, followed by India and Indonesia, but to foster just transitions to circularity, there must be holistic planning that is tailored to the contexts of the country. These include, but are not limited to, incentives for businesses, regulation, infrastructure, monitoring, evaluation, mobilization of personnel, and financial resources, and promoting community and individual awareness and action.