Busan, South Korea — 27 November 2024 – Plastic pollution has reached a critical tipping point, but Asia is leading the charge with innovative reuse and refill systems that prove we can move beyond single-use plastics. With the fifth round of negotiations of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on Plastic Pollution ongoing in Busan, South Korea, co-convenors of the Asia Reuse Consortium—GAIA Asia Pacific, Plasticdiet Indonesia, and Break Free From Plastic—are releasing a comprehensive report entitled, ‘Unpacking Reuse in Asia,’ which underscores pioneering efforts across the region and offers scalable solutions to address the global plastics crisis.

From the Philippines’ “Kuha sa Tingi” initiative, where consumers bring reusable containers to buy daily essentials, to India’s Crockery and Cutlery Banks, which eliminate the need for disposable tableware at events, these systems underscore the environmental and economic benefits of reuse.

“Asia is home to a vibrant reuse economy with innovative solutions that have existed for centuries and are now evolving to tackle single-use plastics,” says Rahyang Nusantara, Deputy Director of Plasticdiet Indonesia. “This report highlights Asia’s leadership in sustainable practices and demonstrates how refill and return systems are transforming consumption patterns while supporting livelihoods.”

“The study underscores the need for a strong, legally binding global plastics treaty to support Return and Refill systems with clear, consistent frameworks,” says Ambily Adithyan, Zero Waste Cities Program Officer at GAIA Asia Pacific. “Such a treaty must define reuse systems effectively, establish ambitious targets, and ensure the infrastructure and collaboration needed for seamless implementation.”

Key Highlights from the Unpacking Reuse in Asia Report:

• Refill and Return Systems: These are distinct components of reuse systems, each with unique processes contributing to reducing single-use waste.
• Beyond Material Reusability: Effective reuse systems require more than reusable packaging materials; they demand robust infrastructure and processes to ensure packaging can be reused multiple times for the same purpose.
• Supply Chain Collaboration: The success of reuse systems hinges on coordinated efforts across the entire supply chain. Collaboration ensures efficient operations and enables a just transition, allowing all stakeholders to adapt and integrate equitably.
• Context-Specific Solutions: Reuse systems like return and refill must be tailored to fit local contexts. Customized approaches ensure higher adoption rates and greater impact within communities.
• Policy Support: Establishing ambitious targets for return and refill systems is critical. Policies must also prioritize the development of supportive infrastructure and secure financing to enable these systems to scale effectively.

As negotiations for the plastics treaty continue, the report underscores the urgent need for treaty provisions that address the full lifecycle of plastics while centering reuse systems as critical components of global plastic pollution solutions.

Pinky Chandran, Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator at Break Free From Plastic, notes, “The treaty must recognize that reuse systems fit at a nexus of corporate accountability, strong governance, labor and livelihood rights, and the ultimate responsibility for and costs of transitioning to reuse systems lies with governments, producers, and retailers. It is important that the plastic treaty mandates reuse systems that ensure waste pickers and workers in informal and cooperative settings are integrated into the system.”

Regional Highlights: Leaders in Reuse

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, reuse is at the forefront of addressing disposable waste. According to Kelvin Tsui, Co-founder and CEO of ReCube Limited, “Reusable tableware rental systems are vital in driving Hong Kong’s shift toward a circular economy, addressing the pressing issue of disposable waste. We’ve demonstrated that reuse can be both practical and convenient, making it easy and accessible for everyone.”

India

In India, reuse systems are creating opportunities for sustainable event management. The report puts the spotlight on Crockery and Cutlery Banks, which have gained traction for their ability to eliminate single-use plastics at gatherings.

These localized and context-based solutions illustrate the need for a comprehensive approach to reuse, particularly in packaging. Adithyan adds, “There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The focus must go beyond the material’s reusability to include the infrastructure and processes that enable packaging to be reused multiple times for the same purpose. Effective reuse systems also demand collaboration across the entire supply chain to ensure seamless and efficient functioning.”

Pakistan

Salman Taariq, Co-Founder of Davaam Life comments, “Pakistan produces 3.9 million tons of plastic waste annually, equivalent to two times the height of K2. If left unchecked this may go to 12 million tonnes by 2040. This is why it is critical to introduce measures such as reuse and refill systems to avoid plastic waste and change consumer behaviors.”

The Philippines

In the Philippines, community-driven initiatives like “Kuha sa Tingi” are transforming how people consume. Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner at Greenpeace, highlights its significance: “Reuse and refill systems like ‘Kuha sa Tingi’ prove that true sustainability is achievable and economically viable. These initiatives should inspire global leaders to champion a just transition to a reuse-based economy.”

Thailand

“To fight the single-use culture, reuse is key—and people are ready. We urgently need legal support for inclusive, safe reuse systems, which are too often overshadowed by flashy innovations,” says Salisa Traipipitsiriwat, Senior Campaigner/SEA Plastics Project Manager at the Environmental Justice Foundation. “Reuse is already part of our lives; it must be preserved, expanded, and made mandatory in waste reduction policies, and this report gives you everything you need to know to make Reuse possible.”

Vietnam

Vietnam’s Refillables Dong Day program exemplifies the circular economy in action. According to Hanh Vu and Alison Batchelor, Co-owners of the initiative, “Return systems go far beyond minimizing the waste accumulating in our landfills, these systems are key to safeguarding what’s left of our natural resources for future generations. This is a huge opportunity for business and community leaders to transition into a more symbiotic relationship with our environment, and live as nature lives. The report is an important invitation to join in this collective movement of doing what we should have been doing all along, protecting our environment.“

A full version of the report, set to be released in 2025, will provide a comprehensive roadmap for scaling these proven systems globally, inspiring bold actions against plastic pollution.

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Download Unpacking Reuse in Asia [Abridged Version] here. For more info, check out: Reuse in Asia

Media Contacts:

Ambily Adithyan, Zero Waste Cities Program Officer, GAIA Asia Pacific | ambily@no-burn.org 

Eah , Senior Communications Officer, Break Free From Plastic | eah@breakfreefromplastic.org | eah@breakfreefromplastic.org | +639278277960

Adithiyasanti Sofia, Communications Manager, Dietplastik Indonesia | dithisofia@plasticdiet.id | +62817187501

Dan Abril, Communications Associate, GAIA Asia Pacific | dan@no-burn.org | +639174194426

About GAIA:

GAIA is a network of grassroots groups as well as national and regional alliances representing more than 1000 organizations from 92 countries. With our work, we aim to catalyze a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. We envision a just, zero waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped. www.no-burn.org