Our project

Launched on 1 November 2024, ICP brings together diverse stakeholders (e.g. business, policymakers, NGOs, researchers, consumers) for meaningful dialogue on plastic packaging, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and sustainability, with a particular focus on the roles of consumers and waste management.

Building on the 3.5-year UKRI NERC funded Plastic Packaging in People’s Lives (PPiPL) and the 12-month LU GCRF, Newton Consolidation Account, and Future Cities Research Institute funded PPiPL Malaysia Pilot, the platform examines plastic packaging consumption and disposal as integrated within selected UK and Malaysian households, considering their personal, professional and social activities alongside the surrounding waste infrastructure.

The ICP aims to translate findings from the PPiPL Malaysia Pilot research into actionable insights for business and policy contexts, while identifying emerging research opportunities. To support this, it will host two knowledge exchange events—one in Malaysia and one in the UK—and produce a report outlining key research themes and future collaboration prospects.

ICP background and objectives

Single-use plastics remain a significant issue in Malaysia, with the government aiming to recycle 25% of post-consumer plastic by 2025 (Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2023). Malaysia is also a major destination for plastic waste imports from countries such as the UK, adding complexity to its waste management challenges.

To address these issues, Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MIT) has announced plans to mandate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) within the next three to five years. This policy will require plastic producers to account for environmental management costs within their production processes and encourage sustainable manufacturing practices (Ho, 2024). However, plastic waste management extends beyond production, and the wider value chain needs to be considered (it involves consumption patterns, disposal methods, and waste infrastructure). These interconnected factors influence how plastic is used, collected, and ultimately recycled (Cronin et al., 2024; Stowell et al., 2024).

Both Malaysia and the UK face similar and distinct challenges in capturing and recycling domestic plastics. Differences in waste management systems, the balance between formal and informal recycling sectors, and socio-cultural practices shape their approaches (see PPiPL resources). As efforts continue to improve recycling rates, this platform aims to foster dialogue across the value chain, exchange ideas, and identify critical research priorities.

Without targeted, locally driven research, Malaysia’s increasing plastic waste imports —coupled with inadequate domestic waste management — will cause irreversible environmental and public health consequences. A dedicated communications platform can support the Malaysian economy by facilitating collaboration among businesses, policymakers, NGOs, researchers, and consumers. This collaboration will enhance waste management efficiency, reduce costs, create jobs in recycling, and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a sustainability leader, attracting foreign investment. Addressing plastic waste effectively will also improve public health, boost productivity, and enhance economic resilience.

The ICP key objectives are to:

• Translate academic research into practical insights for business and policy context.
• Facilitate open dialogue among diverse stakeholder groups on plastic packaging, EPR and sustainability.
• Identify emerging research topics and opportunities for future collaborations.

ICP outputs and deliverables:

The outcomes from this project will provide crucial insights into potential resistance hotspots that may impede the adoption of EPR for plastic packaging in Malaysia over the next three to five years.

Key deliverables include:

• A suite of accessible communication materials, including a publicly available whitepaper.
• Two knowledge exchange events to foster dialogue and collaboration.
• A comprehensive report identifying future research themes and potential funding streams, such as the Global Partnership Fund (GPF) for future cities or the Newton Fund for translation projects.

ICP impact and beneficiaries

The ICP will enhance the global reputation of our universities as leading institutions in impactful plastics research, reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability and societal well-being. Additionally, the ICP will drive meaningful changes in business practices and policy decisions, facilitated by a shared communication suite. This will lead to measurable outcomes such as increased recycling rates, the establishment of an international network of stakeholders in Malaysia and the UK dedicated to plastic reduction, and the formation of new partnerships and collaborations directly stemming from our project.

Key beneficiaries include Lancaster University, Sunway University, and various stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy. This encompasses voluntary organisations (Malaysia and UK Plastics Pact communities), industry leaders (plastic producers, retailers, and the waste sector—including the Waste Management Association of Malaysia (WMAM) and the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM)), as well as policymakers (Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Malaysia; Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry Malaysia; and the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs).

Our communication package will provide in-depth insights into the challenges of aligning with single-use plastic packaging reduction efforts. It will also outline practical steps for implementation while fostering future synergies through research collaborations.

​Key insights, learnings and recommendations can be found on our resources page.

PPiPL resources