Cambodia Unveils US$2.65M “Plastic Reboot” to Cut Single-Use Waste in Tourism and Food Sectors

In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment introduced a new US$2.65 million project on September 25 under the Plastic Reboot Programme— "Promoting Circular Solutions for the Food and Beverage Sector to Tackle Plastic Pollution in Cambodia”—to curb single-use plastic production, consumption, and waste across the food and beverage (F&B) and tourism sectors. The five-year initiative aims to address plastic pollution through upstream and midstream circular economy interventions, and expected outcomes include the avoidance of 19,120 metric tonnes of plastic waste, a reduction of 74,144 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions, and benefits for more than 529,000 people.

In continuation of Cambodia’s Circular Strategy on Environment 2023–2028 to achieve carbon neutrality and Sub-Decree 168 on plastic bag management, key priorities include strengthening regulations, standards, and guidance on single-use plastics (SUPs); supporting finance and business action, including a pilot voluntary extended producer responsibility scheme for packaging; promoting gender-responsive behavioral change and social communication initiatives; and improving coordination, data collection, and knowledge sharing. With activities centered on Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk, the initiative is set to also assist at least 80 hotels, cafés, and restaurants, along with two food delivery services, in reducing their use of SUPs. 

This development aligns with Cambodia’s broader push to integrate economic growth with sustainability. Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth has outlined six priorities for a sustainable economic transition, including modernizing environmental monitoring systems, expanding green cover and natural resource protection, and mobilizing partnerships and sustainable financing. For companies advancing sustainability objectives, these priorities create opportunities for public-private collaboration in areas such as green technologies, sustainable packaging, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and circular business models.

Currently, the Ministry of Environment is drafting regulations that would require producers and importers to take responsibility for the management of plastic packaging waste after disposal, extending the EPR framework beyond electrical and electronic equipment. As a result, alongside emerging business opportunities, companies should anticipate more stringent waste management requirements and greater obligations to reduce, reuse, and recycle throughout their value chains.