Showing 1 - 10 of 15
Zero plastics is not a practical solution
Asia focus, Simon Baldwin, Published on 13/06/2022
» Few materials have been more widely used than plastic due to its sheer durability, versatility and cost efficiency. Since the first synthetic plastic was produced in 1907, it has made its way into every facet of modern life, from space exploration to keeping food fresh in our kitchens.
Time for plastic detox
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 09/05/2022
» Anyone who has ever strolled along a beach is familiar with the sight … plastic straws, snack packaging, some of it dating back years, plastic bottles and other junk washed up on the sand. It's enough to spoil your vacation memories -- and it's also part of a global crisis.
Catalysing Thailand's circular economy transformation
Asia focus, Arun Rajamani, Published on 25/04/2022
» Plastics have been a major driver of human progress over the last century. This diverse group of materials has evolved to underpin our modern world with numerous applications that make our daily lives more comfortable.
Supply chains refined
Asia focus, Apiradee Treerutkuarkul, Published on 28/06/2021
» The significant disruptions to supply chains worldwide caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted the need for Asia Pacific countries to consider policies and strategies that will improve resilience.
Plastic peril and opportunity
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 29/03/2021
» Working mostly from home these days, I occasionally opt for food delivery for convenience, particularly when the weather is extremely hot. I have to admit that I'm unavoidably consuming more plastic boxes and bags, and sometimes even plastic cutlery even though I have plenty of it at home.
A solution to plastic pollution: circular economy
Asia focus, Rana Karadsheh-Haddad, Published on 08/02/2021
» The dire state of the world's oceans can no longer be ignored. Discarded plastic waste -- particularly single-use plastic -- is putting marine life at risk.
Change on the menu
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 02/11/2020
» Food is among the necessities of life, and maintaining the complex supply chains that keep us all fed is a challenge at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. Covid-19 has also changed consumption behaviour, forcing companies of all sizes in the food and agriculture industry to rethink the way they do business.
Plastic loves the pandemic
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 04/05/2020
» The Covid-19 pandemic has upended daily life and commerce throughout the world. As one of the millions working from home over the past few weeks, I've grown accustomed to having meals delivered to my doorstep. Before that, I rarely used food delivery services; dining out was the norm rather than eating at home.
Winning the war on plastic
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 13/01/2020
» Asia is picking up the pace in tackling the plastic crisis. In Bangladesh, the High Court last Monday ordered the government to ban single-use plastics in coastal areas and in hotels and restaurants in one year. It also ordered the government to strictly enforce the ban on polyethylene -- the main ingredient in many plastic bags -- under the existing law.
Asia's century, China's year
Asia focus, Asia Focus team, Published on 30/12/2019
» Way back when 1999 was winding down, pundits were telling us that the Asian Century was about to dawn. That prediction has not yet been fully realised, but few would disagree that 2019 belonged to China. Over the past 12 months, the top headlines have been about the bruising trade war with America, defiant protests in Hong Kong against Beijing's tightening grip, and the rise of a surveillance state that is herding hundreds of thousands into "re-education" camps on its western fringes. Below, the Asia Focus team looks back on a busy and sometimes troubling 2019.