Plastic pollution

The crisis in Japan’s love affair with plastic

Japan's love of plastic is seen here in the rows of bento boxes at a convenience store.

How microplastics are heating the planet

The heat-trapping impact of airborne plastic pollution can be significant in areas with high volumes of plastic, such as parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Recycled plastic is in greater demand. So why does Malaysia have to import waste to make them?

Low-density polyethylene being made from discarded plastic waste at a recycling plant in Kapar, Selangor, Malaysia.

Bali’s waste crisis: Changemakers tackle the root of the problem

Kedonganan Beach clean-up. Bali’s waste challenge is reflected not only in viral beach clean-up photos, but also in hard numbers and uneven policy responses.

Iran war promises green edge for Asia as plastic packaging runs short

Workers prepare to ship bags of plastic pellets in Zhangmutou Town, also known as “Plastic City”, as rising oil prices drive up production costs for plastic manufacturers, in Dongguan, Guangdong province, China, April 1, 2026. REUTERS/Go Nakamura

Tokyo aquarium recycles fishnets into employees’ uniforms to fight waste

The uniforms were designed with colours and sizes suitable for both men and women.

Penang to enforce single-use plastic bag ban from Sept 1

The policy is currently in the awareness phase but will move into enforcement in the coming months.

‘Unofficial’ talks on plastic pollution treaty to begin in Japan

A cow feeds on garbage at a dumping ground in Varanasi, India, on Dec 1, 2025.

Why Bhutan’s plastic ban isn’t working

The dominant plastics in the country’s waste stream come from single-use plastic bags, PET bottles, and packaged consumer goods.

Health threat of global plastics projected to soar, says study

Most plastic ends up in landfills, where it can take centuries to decompose, leaching out chemicals during that time.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.