Plastic leakage could fall sharply in Southeast and East Asia if stricter policies are put in place, according to a new OECD report that highlights the region’s crucial role in addressing global plastic pollution due to the economic scale of the region and its strategic role in plastics supply chains, as well as fast-growing demand, reported Recycling Magazine.
The region now accounts for nearly one third of global plastic consumption, with per capita use ranging from 32 kg in lower-middle-income countries to over 100 kg in wealthier ASEAN Plus Three (APT) economies. In 2022, Southeast and East Asia released 8.4 million tonnes of plastic into the environment – more than one third of the global total – including 3.5 Mt from ASEAN and 4.9 Mt from China. Most of this leakage stems from inadequate collection and disposal systems, with plastic packaging and containers ending up in landfills and waterbodies.
If current trends continue, plastic use is projected to reach 280 million tonnes annually by 2050, with leakage rising 68% to 14.1 million tonnes per year. Under a more ambitious ‘high stringency’ scenario, however, coordinated action across the plastics life cycle could cut consumption by 28%, raise recycling rates to 54%, and reduce mismanaged waste by 97%.
This scenario would cost an estimated 0.8% of regional GDP by 2050, but the burden would fall unevenly. Lower-middle-income ASEAN countries could face average costs of 2.8% of GDP, underlining the need for stronger regional cooperation and targeted international support.
Despite significant challenges – including rising waste volumes and wide disparities in infrastructure and income – progress is underway. Most APT countries have adopted national plastic action plans and are expanding regional collaboration. The region’s recycling rate already stands at 12%, above the global average, with efforts underway to improve waste sorting, reduce littering, and boost the use of recycled materials in manufacturing.
For greater impact, strategies should be tailored to local needs and backed by investment in waste infrastructure, stronger regulations, clearer policy signals, and the formal integration of informal waste workers.
