The Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC) has unveiled an initiative aimed at improving the collection, recovery, and recycling of soft plastics in the Pacific Islands.
This pilot project represents a step toward establishing sustainable waste management solutions in the region, addressing the critical challenges posed by limited recycling infrastructure, the organisation said in a media release.
With recovery rates for soft plastics averaging a mere 5 per cent across the ANZPAC region—and dropping as low as 0.2 per cent in some Pacific Island nations—ANZPAC’s pilot project highlights the urgent need for action.
This program is part of the initial stage of the Circular Pacific Plastics (CPP) project, which unites global brands and local stakeholders to create tailored, impactful end-of-life solutions for plastic packaging in the Pacific.
“Circular Pacific Plastics is a true testament to the power of collaboration,” said Angela Mayer, Senior ANZPAC Program Manager.
“It has been inspiring to see so many brands and stakeholders from across the globe come together to tackle the issue of plastic packaging circularity in the remote Islands of the Pacific.”
The project, with support from WRAP and funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), kicks off with a brand-led recovery pilot in Fiji.
This pilot aims to develop a replicable blueprint for soft plastics collection and recycling, paving the way for similar efforts across the Pacific Islands.
Led by international companies such as Nestlé and Colgate-Palmolive, the first stage will test both Business-to-Consumer and Business-to-Business recovery models.
By exploring these varied approaches, the project seeks to identify the most effective strategies to overcome local barriers in soft plastics recycling.
“This is a major milestone for the ANZPAC region,” Mayer added. “We are proud to be working with local communities and businesses to develop recovery projects that are relevant, effective, and essential to the long-term success of end-of-life solutions for used plastic packaging.”
Working closely with the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) in Fiji, ANZPAC and its partners are integrating local knowledge and insights to ensure that the pilot delivers meaningful results for the community.
The project’s advisory group, comprised of representatives from major brands such as Coca-Cola, Scion, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, WRAP, as well as Fijian companies, will play a vital role in guiding the project’s vision and implementation.
Through CPP, ANZPAC aims to create a sustainable model that holds brands accountable and supports the development of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
If successful, this approach could set a precedent for similar initiatives across the Pacific Islands, making plastic packaging circularity a reality.
