Launch event: Behavioural Insights Project Expands Regional Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

Phase II of the “Breaking the Plastic Habit in ASEAN” project was successfully launched on 18 October 2024 at the ERIA office in Jakarta.

Phase II
of the “Breaking the Plastic Habit in ASEAN” project was successfully
launched on 18 October 2024 at the ERIA office in Jakarta. The event was
attended by more than 100 participants, both in person and online. This phase
brings together an expanded network of partner organizations, countries, and
project initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable plastic consumption across
the region. A two-day capacity-building workshop was held on 16-17 October
2024, alongside the launch event, to partner organizations for project
implementation from January to August 2025.

At the
event, Mr Reo Kawamura, Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine
Plastic Debris, emphasized, “The case studies will equip provide policymakers,
businesses, and civil society with practical skills for behavior-focused
projects. Combining Behavioural Insights with strong policies and cross-sector
partnerships will drive the changes needed to reduce plastic waste and promote
sustainability in ASEAN.”

Building
on the achievements of the previous project, Phase II extends the project to
six Southeast Asian countries, broadening the scope and diversity of
initiatives. These new projects will be implemented by a wide range of organizations,
originating from academic, governmental, business, and civil society background.
The initiative also introduces a new measurement framework designed to evaluate
the impact of ‘nudge’ interventions, providing practical tool for policymakers
and stakeholders.

Representatives
from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia stated “Civil
society movements promoting initiatives such as behavioural insights can
support government efforts to manage waste sustainably. I hope the success of
this project can be scaled up and implemented in other regions of Indonesia.” The
expanded Phase II projects will use Behavioural Insights to complement existing policies, such
as bans and taxes

As ASEAN
grapples with the global challenge of plastic pollution, Phase II of the
project reaffirms the collective commitment to fostering sustainable, long-term
change. Through increased collaboration across sectors and regions, the project
is set to contribute significantly to the shared vision of a cleaner and more
sustainable ASEAN.

The project will be carried out by ERIA and the
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).