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Understand your plastic footprint
Effective action to stop plastic pollution requires an understanding of how companies’ plastic footprints contribute to the issue at large. Without understanding the issue or knowing the measures to tackle, it will not be possible to evaluate and make the necessary changes to transition towards circular economy.
A recent study by WWF-Malaysia shows that majority of companies especially small and medium enterprises in Malaysia have zero to limited awareness about plastic pollution and how their companies’ plastic footprint contributes to this issue. Those who are aware, however do not have sufficient knowledge on action or initiatives that can be taken to tackle this issue.
Through our No Plastic in Nature initiative, we at WWF-Malaysia intend to help/empower local businesses to adapt their business models, practices and processes to be more resource-efficient by providing them with guidance and best practices to start the transition towards circular economy.
This plastic circularity self-assessment toolkit (developed by WWF-Malaysia) aims to support companies’ to understand their current performance and to guide them to take necessary steps to start their journey to transition towards plastic circularity.
The toolkit is designed for companies from the following sectors:
Manufacturers or brand owners of fast moving consumer goods
Retailers
Hospitality Industry
This toolkit is designed to be user friendly where users are to answer a set of questions regarding their current level of initiatives or performance in the following key areas of actions.
01
Company Commitment & Policies
02
Packaging Design & Procurement
03
Plastic Waste Management Practice
04
Labeling &
Information
05
Training & Capacity
Building
06
Supplier
Engagement
07
Consumer Awareness Initiatives
08
Industry
Engagements
Companies’ current level of performance are as scored as below:
| Level | Company's current status | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
Level 0Conventionalist0 - 14 % |
Company has almost zero knowledge on circular economy for plastics, company's impact towards plastic pollution and no intention to commit or act towards addressing plastic pollution. | Company should start to seek information on what plastic circularity is and where to seek assistance. |
Level 1Explorer14 - 28.5 % |
Company has some basic understanding on plastic circularity and is in the process of developing an understanding of its business’ current plastic packaging usage. Subsequently, a brand should monitor developments on plastic circularity introduced by competitors or brands from parallel segments and familiarise itself with existing regulations and initiatives from government and relevant agencies/ organisations. |
1) Company should conduct a comprehensive assessment of current plastic usage for all products. 2) Explore existing policy support, facilitation and incentives from the government and relevant agencies on plastic circularity. 3) Develop an awareness on what competitors/brands from parallel segments are doing to address plastic waste. |
Level 2Initiator29 - 57 % |
Company is establishing practical goals for its businesses and narrowing down viable initiatives based on the goals. Companies may have also embarked in experimental projects to pilot test their plastic circularity initiatives. Progress in this stage requires effective, goal oriented discussions with a broad range of stakeholders to create a concrete action plan. Subsequently, it is crucial to identify roles and responsibilities of internal and external stakeholders and develop an action plan to implement the initiatives. | Companies should initiate effective, goal-oriented discussions with internal stakeholders. Conduct gap assessments to assess the performance/usage against the national or international (where relevant) policies, industry practices to set realistic and progressive goals and targets that are achievable. Establish goals and system for monitoring and enforcement to ensure proper operationalisation. Appoint subject matter expert or an form sustainability department to assist in formulating and implementation of plastic circularity plan. |
Level 3Adopter58 - 85.5 % |
Company has a clear action plan and is integrating plastic circularity related measures within the business operations through internal actions and collaboration within the value chain and consumers (e.g., partnership with waste management operators and suppliers, raising consumer awareness).This stage also involves developing a structured system to monitor and evaluate the impact of on-going initiative(s). Plans are adapted based on the performance of initiatives to ensure they remain relevant and all stakeholders involved are aware and able to carry out their responsibilities. | Collaborate with existing partners, industry associations or relevant experts to execute initiatives. Adopt a phased approach to introducing plastic circularity initiatives within the business. Develop effective monitoring and evaluation system of on-going initiatives. Communicate progress initiatives in a transparent manner. Educate consumers and industry on the importance of plastic circularity and encourage their participation in execution of the initiatives. |
Level 4Advocator86 - 100 % |
Company maintains a business set-up where plastic circularity is successfully integrated into the management and operations of the company. At this level, the company has the power to influence its suppliers, vendors, customers to get on board in plastic circularity actions. Company thrives with various tangible and intangible benefits from its plastic circularity actions while continuously improving its performance and capability to strengthen its commitment. | Drive organisational change and engrain circularity in organisational culture. Advocate for plastic circularity across supply chain. Actively participate in national, regional and international level policy dialogues. |