UNDP, Viet Nam NPAP | Research on the integration of independent waste workers in solid waste management in Viet Nam
How can Vietnam achieve its ambitious target of increasing plastic recycling from 11% to 38% by 2030? The answer lies in the strategic integration of Independent Waste Workers (IDWWs). This 2025 study by UNDP Viet Nam provides a comprehensive roadmap for transitioning the informal waste sector into a formalised, rights-based system. By addressing institutional barriers […]
SEA-MaP | Regional Behavior Change Communications (BCC) Strategy Playbook on Plastic and Plastic Waste in ASEAN
Plastic pollution remains a critical threat to the environment, public health, and economies across Southeast Asia, driven by persistent everyday behaviors like littering and a heavy reliance on single-use plastics. While awareness is growing, the transition to sustainable habits requires a deep understanding of the specific “enablers” and “barriers” that influence daily choices. This newly […]
WWF Germany | Biogenic Resources in Packaging
According to a study by ifeu and GVM published by WWF Germany, substituting fossil-based materials with biogenic resources in packaging is not automatically more sustainable. Although overall packaging consumption in Germany is projected to drop by nearly 16%—from 17.89 million tonnes in 2023 to 15.05 million tonnes by 2045—the widespread adoption of bio-based plastics threatens […]
The Pew Charitable Trusts, ICF | Breaking the Plastic Wave 2025
In 2020, The Pew Charitable Trusts and Systemiq published a groundbreaking report, “Breaking the Plastic Wave,” amid significant data gaps on plastic pollution, substantial debate over the scale of the plastic pollution problem and various proposals to meet the challenge. With that report, Pew and partners sought to move the global discourse forward by identifying […]
WWF | Indonesia Waste Banks Go Digital
Case Study Indonesia: Bogor, Depok, JakartaWWF Involvement: January 2023 to December 2025Focus Area: Enabling FrameworkPSC Approach: Monitoring and AssessmentSystemic Intervention: Systems and Infrastructure Key Lessons Learned Background Aplikasi Data Sampah Indonesia (AKSI) is an Indonesian Waste Data Application, available on Apple Store and Google Play, developed to help waste banks move away from manual record-keeping […]
WWF | Hue’s City Action Plan for Clean Streets
Case Study Viet Nam: HueWWF Involvement: September 2022 to December 2024Focus Area: Enabling FrameworkPSC Approach: Local Policy and RegulationSystemic Intervention: Strategy Development / Policy Advocacy Key Lessons Learned Background The journey towards “Hue – A Plastic Smart City in Central Viet Nam”, started with conducting baseline studies guided by the Plastic Smart Cities’ (PSC) Plastic […]
WWF | Recycling for Change: San Isidro’s Social Shift
Case Study Philippines: San IsidroWWF Involvement: October 2022 to December 2024Focus Area: Recovery and RecyclingPSC Approach: Community-based Waste ManagementSystemic Intervention: Systems and Infrastructure Key Lessons Learned Background This initiative focuses on enhancing waste collection, processing, and value recycling to improve integrated solid waste management while promoting social inclusion and gender equity in San Isidro’s waste […]
Rare, GEF, SGP, UNDP | Solutions to Plastic Pollution with Community-Based Behavior Change
Plastic pollution is a global crisis impacting natural systems, wildlife, and human health. Nations are currently negotiating a high-level treaty to coordinate efforts to reduce plastic use worldwide (Chen, Sulan et al., 2024). No single solution can solve this crisis. Tackling plastic pollution requires changes at every stage of production and use: governments must enact […]
OECD | Regional Plastics Outlook for Southeast and East Asia
According to the OECD’s Regional Plastics Outlook for Southeast and East Asia, the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) region—comprising the 10 ASEAN Member States alongside China, Japan, and Korea—accounts for nearly one-third of global plastics use and over one-third of global plastic leakage. Without intervention, regional plastic waste generation is projected to more than double from […]
WWF | Surat Thani’s Pathway to Waste Bank Success
Case Study Thailand: Surat ThaniWWF Involvement: January 2023 to December 2024Focus Area: CollectionPSC Approach: Community-based Waste ManagementSystemic Intervention: Systems and Infrastructure Key Lessons Learned Background Lung Dum waste bank started in the Wat Potawas Temple Community of Surat Thani, Thailand. Founded by the community leader Mr. Lapon Phuekdej, also known as “Lung Dum” or “Uncle […]