Tackling plastic waste in Oceania: ANZPAC takes action

ANZPAC, in collaboration with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and UNSW, has set out a multi-year plan to combat plastic pollution in the Pacific. APCO's Angela Mayer, ANZPAC program manager, discusses the key actions, including expanding recycling programs and leveraging small-scale technologies.

In an ambitious move to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution in the Pacific, the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC) recently partnered with the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for a three-day workshop. The event brought together government representatives, major brands, and grassroots organisations to establish a multi-year strategic framework to combat plastic waste in Fiji and the Pacific.

Angela Mayer, program manager at the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), which leads ANZPAC, provided insight into the workshop’s outcomes and the challenges faced in the region.

Tangible action for real impact
A key outcome of the workshop was the agreement on measurable actions aimed at creating immediate and long-term impact. Mayer emphasised the importance of ensuring initiatives drive real change on the ground.

“We want to see tangible, measurable impact. Strengthening recycling systems is a priority, and this includes empowering the ‘Collection Pillars of Recycling’ – the informal waste pickers who play a crucial role in the region’s recycling efforts,” she said.

The partners have identified four core action areas:
1. Expanding collection and recovery programs in Fiji, including targeting tourism, retail, recreation, religious, and government institutions and piloting kerbside collection for households.
2. Utilising small-scale technologies to increase end markets accessibility across the Pacific.
3. Developing a data transparency project, starting with Fiji, to improve tracking of plastic waste and recycling efforts.
4. Initiating behaviour change and capacity building across other Pacific Island countries.

A complex issue
The Pacific’s plastic pollution crisis is compounded by its reliance on imported goods, the impact of tourism, and waste washing up from ocean currents. Mayer stressed that tackling this issue requires input from all stakeholders.

“Each player – industry, government, grassroots organisations – has different knowledge and experience. We need to harness this diverse expertise to create a holistic and impactful approach,” she said. “It’s crucial that initiatives are locally and regionally relevant to ensure long-term success.”

ANZPAC originally covered seven countries – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands – but has since expanded to address the wider Pacific region.

A challenge in the Pacific is the reliance on informal waste collectors who often work in unsafe conditions. ANZPAC’s partnership with PRF aims to change that by formalising and improving working conditions for these individuals.

“PRF is actively working to provide protective equipment, washing stations, and fair pay for informal recyclers,” Mayer explained. “By supporting PRF, we strengthen their ability to help waste pickers transition into more secure, recognised roles.”

Holding brands accountable
Global brands such as Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Colgate-Palmolive are participating in ANZPAC’s initiatives, contributing to projects that address waste management in the Pacific.

“Nestle and Colgate-Palmolive are actively involved in piloting soft plastics collection in Fiji and sharing local insights,” Mayer said. “Coca-Cola, for example, has long operated a PET bottle take-back scheme in Fiji and is now supporting the government in designing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme.”

While industry involvement is crucial, Mayer acknowledges that voluntary action alone is not enough. “Government support and mandates are pivotal in accelerating change,” she added. “Without regulatory backing, progress can be too slow.”

Leveraging technology
The UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre, led by Professor Veena Sahajwalla, is playing a critical role in exploring how emerging technologies can help address plastic waste in the Pacific.

“Small-scale technologies are particularly important in remote areas,” Mayer noted. “If we can process waste locally – whether by remanufacturing it into useful products or sorting it more effectively for export – we create job opportunities and reduce the environmental impact of shipping waste offshore.”

One promising initiative in Fiji is a project that turns plastic waste into street poles, currently being evaluated for broader application.

Government engagement

Mayer highlighted the growing support from Pacific governments, with many now developing or implementing EPR systems.
“We are seeing a real shift in policy direction,” she said. “Five years ago, most Pacific nations had little in place. Now, nearly all are designing or implementing EPR schemes, marking significant progress.”

ANZPAC is also working closely with the Australian federal government, as well as the Northern Territory government, to develop circular economy solutions for plastics.

The road ahead

Following the workshop, the focus now shifts to implementing the agreed actions. ANZPAC will work on developing implementation plans for each action area; identifying key delivery partners and establishing frameworks for tracking and monitoring progress.

“Success depends on our ability to measure impact,” Mayer said. “That’s why data collection and transparency will be a core component of our work, and UNSW will be instrumental in supporting these efforts.”

Despite the scale of the challenge, Mayer remains optimistic. “We are seeing unprecedented support from governments, businesses, and research institutions,” she said. “The Pacific Recycling Foundation is finally receiving the recognition and support it deserves, and we are developing real solutions that will have a lasting impact.”

Face-to-face engagement remains crucial in the Pacific, where relationships and trust are key to progress. “Real decisions happen in-country, not over Zoom,” Mayer pointed out. “Being on the ground helps us understand the reality of the situation and work collaboratively with local communities.”

Looking ahead, ANZPAC is committed to expanding its partnerships and scaling up its impact. “We are developing a model that we hope will inspire other brands and organisations to step up,” Mayer said. “This is a long-term journey, but we are moving in the right direction.”

With growing collaboration and a clear strategic direction, ANZPAC’s work represents an important step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Pacific region.