Asian Marine Waste Issue - History from 2001 to the 2020s

Asian Marine Waste Issue - History from 2001 to the 2020s

In 2001, it was estimated that approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste entered the world's oceans annually, with more than 60% originating from the Asia-Pacific region. In Indonesia's Jakarta Bay, about 640,000 tons of plastic waste flowed annually, while Manila Bay in the Philippines observed 250,000 tons of waste annually, highlighting the specific damage caused. In response, ASEAN countries and Japan promoted proper waste management and the introduction of recycling technologies. Japan's Sumitomo Chemical developed biodegradable plastics, and Toray introduced waste collection devices as concrete measures.

Entering the 2010s, the volume of plastic waste inflow increased to over 9 million tons annually, with inadequate waste management in ASEAN countries being a significant issue. In Malaysia's Johor state, approximately 30 million dollars were allocated annually for coastal cleaning, while over 200,000 tons of waste flowed into the sea annually from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. In response, ASEAN countries set a goal to reduce plastic outflow by 50% by 2030. Japan also provided 200 billion yen for constructing waste treatment facilities, strengthening international cooperation.

In the 2020s, the annual inflow of plastic waste reached approximately 11 million tons, with 70% originating from the Asia-Pacific region. Specifically, 3.3 million tons of waste flowed annually into the Yangtze River estuary in China, where Shanghai doubled recycling facilities, securing a capacity of 10 million tons per year. In Indonesia's Jakarta Bay, more than 900,000 tons of waste flowed annually, and the AI-based waste collection system provided by Hitachi improved processing efficiency by 30%. Additionally, in Manila Bay, Philippines, 1.5 million tons of plastic waste flowed annually, and the waste collection amount increased by 50% thanks to Daikin Industries' special filter technology.

The main components of plastic waste are 35% PET bottles, 25% food packaging, and 20% plastic bags. This waste has severe impacts on marine ecosystems and economic activities. In Langkawi Island, Malaysia, the cost of cleaning tourist areas exceeded 50 million dollars annually, and in the "garbage belt" of the North Pacific, 90% of fish and seabirds ingested plastic, reducing fishery productivity by 20%.

From 2001 to the 2020s, efforts to address the Asian marine waste issue progressed, driven by multilateral cooperation and technological innovation. However, addressing the reality of 11 million tons of annual waste inflow requires further strengthened policies and the achievement of specific numerical targets. Achieving sustainable ocean management necessitates collaboration among local residents and international efforts.