PlasticSmart Cambodia

The Challenge

Cambodia faces significant challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular economy, particularly in addressing plastic waste and pollution. Rapid urbanization and inadequate waste management infrastructure have led to high levels of plastic waste, with only 11% of waste being recycled. These issues highlight the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions and circular economy initiatives to reduce environmental impact and promote resource efficiency. The project reduces plastic waste in Cambodia through the adoption of sustainable food packaging and waste management practices. It fosters access to green finance by promoting sustainable practices and business models within the food vending sector and supporting the development of a more robust and circular waste management system. The project aims to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Cambodia by promoting sustainable packaging and effective waste management practices. It will support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including shopkeepers and street vendors, in transitioning to environmentally and economically sustainable food packaging business models. Additionally, the project will assist waste management companies and informal waste collectors in adopting sustainable waste management practices and plastic recycling business models. These initiatives will be piloted in the vicinity of four garment factories across three provinces in Cambodia.

The Objectives

The project contributes to Cambodia's green and just transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient and circular economy. Its specific objective is to reduce pollution and GHG emissions in Cambodia through improved sustainable packaging and effective sustainable waste management practices.

The Way Forward

• Sustainable and profitable food packaging business models successfully implemented.
• Environmentally and economically sustainable waste management and plastic recycling business models adopted.
• Increased awareness and adoption of sustainable packaging and waste management practices.
• Secured resources to replicate and scale up successful business models.

Relation to European Green Deal, Circular Economy and Climate Change 

The Action aligns with the purposes of the EU Global Gateway, the European Green Deal and the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, fostering economic partnerships, and contributing to carbon neutrality by 2050 and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific. It promotes the uptake of green business models by MSMEs, while specifically addressing the reduction of carbon footprints in production systems, focusing on plastic packaging and waste management. The Action contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improved waste management practices and reduced plastic pollution.