Energy Supply Crisis An Opportunity To Phase Out Single-use Plastics Phase-out Target By 2030 - Experts

By Ahmad Erwan Othman

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Rising prices of petroleum-based raw materials due to the global energy supply crisis are seen as a catalyst to end dependence on single-use plastic packaging, thereby accelerating the targets set under the Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018 - 2030.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Institute of Sustainable Environmental Research director Prof Dr Muhammad Zaly Shah Muhammad Hussein, said cost pressures or pocket pressure, have proven more effective in driving immediate behavioural change among consumers and industries compared to awareness campaigns, which take longer to yield results.

He noted that since plastics are derived from crude oil and natural gas, the surge in prices of key raw materials such as resin has made environmentally-friendly alternatives more competitive and relevant in the current market.

“Frankly, pocket pressure is more effective. We have seen this with the 20 sen plastic bag charge - within a short time, people began bringing their own bags not because they suddenly became environmentally conscious, but because they felt the impact on their wallets.

“When the cost of conventional plastics rises, eco-friendly alternatives naturally become more competitive. The cost argument, which has long been the main barrier for industries to shift to bioplastics, is now weakening. This is a rare opportunity that depends on firm government action, not just market pressure,” he told Bernama recently.

The Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018 - 2030 serves as the country’s strategic guide to gradually reduce plastic pollution through various initiatives targeting items such as plastic bags, straws and polystyrene.

Despite its clear policy intent, a noticeable gap remains between policy and implementation, posing a major challenge for the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.

On industry transition, Muhammad Zaly said the use of recycled materials is no longer merely a “green” option, but a risk management decision to safeguard business profit margins amid volatile petrochemical prices.

He also urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to proactively monitor industrial raw material prices such as plastic resin to prevent traders from raising product prices beyond actual cost increases through asymmetric price transmission.

Touching on the readiness of Malaysia’s bioplastics industry, he said the country has abundant raw materials such as palm oil waste, empty fruit bunches and mesocarp fibre that could serve as a strong foundation for high-quality bioplastics. However, a significant gap still exists between university and SIRIM research outputs and large-scale commercial production.

“If the construction and retail sectors shift on a large scale, our local bioplastics industry will not be able to meet demand. It will take at least three to five years, along with serious investment and consistent policy support, to truly scale up and meet large demand,” he said.

Meanwhile, Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the current energy supply crisis underscores the reality that excessive reliance on single-use plastics is unsustainable and vulnerable to external economic shocks.

He said businesses and retailers must lead the change by eliminating takeaway plastic containers and excessive packaging, while consumers should be encouraged to bring their own containers and adopt reuse and refill practices.

To ensure a successful transition, he suggested that the government ban unnecessary single-use plastics, provide pragmatic tax incentives for local bioplastics industry investments, and streamline certification processes for alternative products to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

Mohideen added that a coordinated approach among policymakers, industry players and consumers is crucial to building economic resilience and advancing towards a more responsible circular economy for future generations.

-- BERNAMA