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Towards Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Lao PDR: Options for a National Policy Strategy and Action Plan

Towards Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Lao PDR: Options for a National Policy Strategy and Action Plan Download (8.25 MB)

Publication Type:

Report

Publisher:

SWITCH-Asia

Publication:

January 2022


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This report assesses Lao PDR's capability in dealing with single-use plastic wastes and recommends policy options based on lessons from other countries and recommendations from stakeholders and experts.

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is facing challenges in waste management, particularly plastic wastes, many of which are single-use products such as bottles, food packaging, and carrier bags.

The country lacks services and infrastructure to collect, sort, and safely process post-consumer wastes and does not currently have comprehensive policies on sustainable production and waste management. 

This report assesses Lao PDR's capability in dealing with single-use plastic wastes and recommends policy options based on lessons from other countries and recommendations from stakeholders and experts. The report is expected to serve as an input in developing the country's national action plan on plastics.

Contents

  • Introduction
  • Introduction to Plastics
  • Plastics in Lao PDR
  • Current Policies and Approaches in Lao PDR
  • Changing Consumer Habits, Tourism and Travel 
  • A Systems Approach to Single-Use Plastics
  • Experiences from Other Countries—Governmental Actions on Single-Use Plastics
  • Situation Analysis for Lao PDR
  • General Policy Approach
  • Assessment of Specific Policy Options
  • Conclusions and Next Steps

Published January 2022.