Transitioning Plastic Packaging Waste Management in Laos: Circular Solutions and Environmental Implications

Plastic packaging waste is an escalating environmental concern for Laos. The lack of an adequate waste management system and reliable data pose significant challenges for making informed decisions about future waste management and understanding the associated environmental impacts. This study addresses the data gap by estimating plastic packaging flows using United Nations international trade data (UN Comtrade) and a scenario-based emission model to further evaluate the environmental implications of alternative plastic packaging waste management pathways in Laos. Four case scenarios are modelled: S1 Business as Usual, S2 Ban on Open Burning and Open Dumping, S3 National Plastic Action Plan 2030, and S4 Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility. The results show that S4 delivers the most favourable environmental performance by reducing emissions associated with a high recycling rate that replaces virgin plastic production, accounting for up to 63% lower emissions compared to S1. However, even under the most ambitious scenario S4, over 60% of waste is still landfilled, indicating that moving beyond end-of-pipe waste management is necessary. The findings highlight the need for an integrated policy package, in which mandatory extended producer responsibility acts as an enabling mechanism, alongside demand reduction, eco-design, targeted investment, and circular economy strategies, to reduce mismanaged plastic packaging waste and support long-term sustainability.