A1 Plastics hint at investment in waste recycling

MINISTER of Environment Eang Sophalleth has encouraged investment in plastic waste recycling projects, noting that they will contribute to reducing environmental pollution.

His remarks came as he met with Lee Hong Lan Deborah Anne, representative of Phnom Penh-based plastic recycling firm A1 Plastics Resource Limited, on February 21.

The two sides discussed the possibility of additional investment by the company, said an environment social media post.

“We support any investment activity that thinks of the interests of the people and local communities. We believe it contributes to the self-reliance and independence of local communities,” said Sophalleth, according to the post.

He added that plastic recycling operations align with the first phase of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which focuses on environmental pollution reduction. The strategy aims to strengthen the management of urban waste and hazardous plastics, while also promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience, green transport and clean industrial processes.

“Our company is interested in recycling plastic waste to produce Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET). This will reduce overall plastic waste, and also benefit people by stimulating the economy,” said Lee Hong Lan.

She complimented the ministry for its “Today I will not use plastic” campaign, which she believed had led to a 50 per cent reduction in plastic imports.

According to the ministry, the campaign has reached around five million people.

Sea Sophal, director of the NGO2 BambooShoot Foundation, which organises regular clean-ups of the Tonle Sap Lake, voiced support for additional investment in plastic recycling, agreeing that it would promote environmental sustainability and stimulate the national economy.

He requested that the ministry encourage more domestic investors.