Feasibility study - circular economy for plastics in Pacific Island countries
OVERVIEW
The Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC) is a collaborative solution that brings together key players behind a shared vision of a circular economy for plastic, where plastic never becomes waste or pollution.
ANZPAC engaged Urban EP to prepare a circular economy feasibility study and discussion paper, which sets out options to recover large volumes of PET drink containers and other plastic packaging from across Pacific Island nations.
The aim of this work is to drive future investment into a pilot and more detailed business case for a circular economy for plastics, from commercial brands that sell drinks and other packaged products into Pacific Island nations. It serves as a foundation for future collaborative action, aiming to culminate in the operation of resilient, efficient and impactful circular economies for plastics across the Pacific Islands.
Progress on tackling marine plastic pollution is a priority for ANZPAC members and the wider Ellen MacArthur Foundation Global Plastics Pact Network. The pathway towards a mature solution for Pacific Island nations can serve as a reference point for solutions in other geographies impacted by or contributing to marine plastic pollution.
KEY INFO
| Location: | Pacific Islands |
| Stakeholders: |
Packaging brands ANZPAC Pacific islands |
| Solutions: | Circular Economy |
THE BRIEF
Working through APCO as its coordinator, ANZPAC has prioritised the development of practical and efficient models for the recovery of plastics from its Pacific Island member nations, and the shift towards packaging and products that are less harmful to the environment. It has embarked on a multi-stage collaborative program to establish recovery systems for the Pacific Island nations, tailored to the needs and characteristics of those countries.
This feasibility study serves as a starting point for this program, alongside in depth early engagement with Pacific Island stakeholders, commercial brands and other partners.
Working from an initial baseline study prepared by Marine Plastic Solutions and other references, the Urban EP team was tasked to deliver a final feasibility study comprising the following elements, using Fiji as a focused study area:
Indicative material flows and end of life management arrangements for plastics, including the present status and distribution of recovery activities and facilities in Fiji
Profile of existing and potential recovery pathways for PET and soft plastics arising from Fiji and other Pacific Island nations, according to technology type, location and commercial maturity
Description of key legal, commercial and technical considerations in cases where sorted plastics are to be exported to other countries for recycling, accounting for international conventions, customs and biosecurity requirements, import permits, due diligence on trading partners, and other matters
Proof of concept framework for recovering PET and soft plastics from Pacific Island nations, including roles, accountabilities, financial liabilities and governance considerations that require attention in implementing scaled circular economy solutions
Discussion paper to engage and enable further commitment from ANZPAC members, participating brands and other stakeholders to the next stages of the circular economy program.
THE RESULTS
Urban EP delivered the full package of feasibility deliverables to ANZPAC, with its quality and attention to detail noted. ANZPAC has since used key findings from the feasibility study and discussion paper to attract further investment into its Pacific Island circular economy program and move into the next stages. These stages are to involve a more detailed commercial business case and limited recovery trial, placing greater scrutiny on practical and commercial settings needed to ensure ongoing performance.
It is also understood that ANZPAC has used the report and discussion paper to engage with international bodies including the European Union, Ellen MacArthur Foundation and peer regional organisations, where it has been well received as a robust method for investigating and testing options for achieving a circular economy in locations that operate from a low starting point and face challenging initial conditions.