Plastic pollution in the ASEAN region is a significant environmental challenge, with over 31 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually across six ASEAN Member States. This mismanaged waste contributes to marine debris, with plastic accounting for approximately 80% of all marine debris in the oceans [1].

Plastic pollution in ASEAN represents a pressing challenge that aligns directly with the 2025 World Environment Day theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution.” World Environment Day serves as a critical reminder for regional stakeholders to intensify efforts. World Environment Day offers an opportunity for ASEAN to reaffirm its commitment and showcase progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable future—one where plastic pollution no longer threatens ecosystems, economies, and communities.

To address the growing challenge of marine debris, ASEAN Member States developed the ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine Debris, adopted through the Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in the ASEAN Region, signed on 22 June 2019. Building on this, the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris (2021–2025) was launched on 28 May 2021. This plan outlines 14 priority actions to combat marine plastic debris, focusing on reducing plastic consumption, enhancing recycling efforts, and minimising waste leakage.

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