The association of the countries of nations of Southeast Asia (Anase), in particular Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, sail in the complexities of the enlargement of the petrochemical, plastic and plastic waste in the midst of criticism to be principal, contributors to marine plastics while suffering from pollution caused by waste imports.
These development economies must navigate the duality of being both producers and victims of plastic pollution, by walking a stiff rope between economic aspirations and sustainability.
THE Anase declaration on plastic circularity Recognized the growing urgency to combat the damage of marine plastic debris and pollution on sustainable development. However, the declaration has neglected two factors: firstly, plastic seriously affects human health, and secondly, we must reduce the production of primary plastic and eliminate dangerous chemicals.
Force against vulnerability
Aside from Singapore, the ASEAN countries are taken in a race to achieve their economic potential such as Asian tigers. By aggressively developing their petrochemical and plastic industries, these nations can gain in economic force, but they also become more vulnerable to losses caused by diseases linked to pollution and environmental degradation.
And even if plastic offers opportunities, it provides challenges with an increasing global examination on production, waste management and waste exports.
Leadership of the Anase to balance economic growth and health
The complexities of the Anase led to a disunity and a reduction in engagement during the fifth negotiations on plastic treaties (Inc5) in Busan, South Korea, where civil society has been excluded, and rigid “red lines” have been traced.
During a spectacular fence plenary, Rwanda led more than 84 countries to declare the support of a global connection treaty covering the whole life cycle of plastic. Mexico, supported by 94 countries, demanded binding provisions to eliminate harmful plastic products and worrying chemicals.
Meanwhile, the oil nations “sharing the same ideas” protested the production targets in the treaty project, and insisted that it should only cover plastic products and exclude petrochemical extraction and the production of primary polymers.
At the INC5, the Philippines and Thailand have revealed a certain ambition on issues such as production targets and exports for exporting plastic waste. However, Malaysia aligned with “countries sharing the same ideas”, while other Anase countries, such as Indonesia, have remained discreet.
Health impacts
The Asean plastics market should drop from 30.48 million tonnes in 2024 to 38.36 million tonnes by 2029, an annual growth rate more than 4%. However, Anase must balance economic growth with the imperative to protect public health and the environment.
Since 2020, more 200 microplastic studies (MP) were carried out in the region. A study indicated that ASEAN people have the highest MP food absorption rate In their bodies, mainly fish.
On 16,000 chemical additives are used in plastic applications and more than 4,200 plastic chemicals have been identified as worrying chemicals due to their persistence, bio-accumulation, mobility and / or toxicity. Plastic chemicals are the main cause of global Decline of male fertility and can also cause Hormonal imbalances, obesity and brain development problems.
The recycling of contaminated plastic will affect the entire value chain and consumers. High concentrations of Cancer cancer plastic chemicals, Including the HAPs, phthalates, phthalates, OPFR, UV stabilizers of benzotriazole, phenols and bisphenols (for example, BPA), were found in the blood of plastic recyclers.
In Busan, the countries have proposed a “circular economy”, but this is based on False affirmations on plastic recyclability,, which to have fed The overproduction of plastic.
Growth costs
Petrochemical installations are expansion,, And market manager merger in the Anase, aligning the expected growth of plastic production. The risks upstream of plastic on our economy and our health are often overlooked.
Cookies in the world would have inactive capacities, mainly below 75% Due to aging plants and rigid competition. The largest industrial conglomerate in Thailand suspended Its petrochemical plant in Vietnam after a month due to low margins. Lotte Chemical Titan In Malaysia, stopped to reduce the losses caused by an excess offer.
At the same time, communities living around petrochemical plants suffer from devastating effects. In Thailand last year, an explosion in a reservoir storing provoked plastic by-products deathWhile two workers were killed In another explosion of chemical reservoir.
In Indonesia, repeated chemicals and gas leaks several petrochemicals Last year affected hundreds of people. In addition, children living around petrochemical clusters Indonesia And Malaysia are having several handicaps, delayed development and respiratory diseases Due to pollution and heavy metals. Plastic fires and explosions are also widespread through Thailand, Malaysia,, IndonesiaAnd Vietnam.
An enlightened region
The ambition of the industry to become market leaders in petrochemicals and plastics has an immense cost for people, the environment and the economy. A plastic tsunami already threatens stability Earth systems and represents a serious threat to our health and our future generations. Plastic costs, including greenhouse gas emissions, waste management and pollution, are estimated More than ten times their market costs. Scientists believe that plastic disease in the United States 249 billion dollars.
Reduction of plastic production could be economically beneficialwith the Inaction cost significantly higher than that of reducing plastic production.
Science has spoken. ASEAN communities are increasingly recognizing the need for sustainability, with zero waste initiatives to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste segregation and eliminate toxic chemicals.
Working together, Anase countries can benefit the development of complete strategies to reduce plastic production and resolve its environmental and health impacts.
It is time for the leaders of the Anase to confront the real cost of plastic and to ensure that the region does not become a “paper tiger” or a “plastic dragon loaded with chemicals”.
This article is suitable for a joint declaration Released by 17 civil society organizations during the Anase Inc5.