MODULE 1

SETTING THE STAGE FOR A SUCCESSFUL CIRCULAR ECONOMY: EPR and Policy Developments in Asia

The first in a series of five webinars focused on the key pathways to prevent plastic pollution and advance the circular economy at scale, ‘Setting the Stage for a Successful Circular Economy’ looks at the role of policy in driving innovation and supporting the development of sustainable recycling systems.

Host Anne Johnson, VP at RRS/Resource Recycling Systems, takes an in-depth look at Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies in particular; the challenges to implementation in South and Southeast Asia, as well as EPR’s potential role in growing the circular economy in the region and globally.

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MODULE 2

BIOPLASTICS AND ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS: Evaluating the Role of Bioplastics in a Circular Economy

Presented by Hunt Briggs from RRS, the second module in our Circularity Concepts series examines the role of bioplastics. Considered by many to be a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, bioplastics are frequently produced from renewable feedstocks and are generally perceived to biodegrade upon disposal.

In reality, bioplastics are more complex, as they may or may not be produced from renewable feedstocks, and while some bioplastics are biodegradable, others are not.  Additionally, there are a number of factors that influence how sustainable a solution it really is. 

MODULE 3

ADVANCED RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES and a Circular Economy for Plastics

Advanced recyling is a broad term that describes a diverse suite of technologies used to regenerate polymers or break down polymer chains to produce monomers or hydrocarbon feedstocks that can be used to create new plastics, fuels, or other products.

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But how do advanced recycling technologies (ARTs) work alongside more traditional mechanical recycling systems? What are the pros and cons of scaling these technologies? How do they perform environmentally? Are they financially sustainable?

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In this module, host Anne Johnson, Principal, and VP at Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), examines the potential opportunities and challenges for ARTs to complement mechanical recycling and build a scalable, comprehensive solution for managing plastic waste at scale. 

MODULE 4

EVALUATING THE OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS of Reuse & Refill in a Circular Economy 

At its heart, reuse and refill is about avoiding or eliminating plastic waste by extending the value of plastics, ultimately reducing the need for use of primary materials. It is an area that is ripe for innovation, with meaningful potential to disrupt linear models. It also relies heavily on a shift in consumer behaviors to succeed.  

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In this module, host Anne Johnson, Principal, and VP at Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), breaks down the different models of reuse and refill and looks at some interesting examples emerging in Asia and beyond.

MODULE 5

PLASTIC CREDITS: Evaluating the Opportunities and Benefits of Plastic Credits in a Circular Economy

Originating from a concept developed by BVRio and implemented in Brazil in 2013, plastic credits are a voluntary funding mechanism designed to improve management and grow the recycling of plastics. 

However, the present reality is quite different, and questions remain around the efficacy and transparency of the industry and a lack of global standards to harmonize best practices.

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In this module, host Anne Johnson, Principal, and VP at Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), explores the way plastic credits are designed to work and the principles and practices companies should follow to better optimize the impact plastic credits have on improving the management and recycling of plastics.