Output
1) Research Work
The "Research Work" deliverable of this project will encompass research activities, including a Desk Study, Stakeholder Mapping, preliminary survey (questionnaire), Domestic Industry Visit and all aimed at developing a comprehensive background paper.
The research work aims to explore the current state of Quality Infrastructure (QI), identify challenges and opportunities in strengthening the plastics recycling industry through enhanced Quality Infrastructure (QI) and standardization pathways across APEC economies.
The research will begin with a desk study, reviewing existing literature, regulatory documents, standards, technical regulations, and relevant policy frameworks, best practices related to plastics recycling and the circular economy. Key international references will include ISO standards (e.g., ISO/TC 61 on plastics), guidelines from International organizations and/or domestic policies from selected APEC member economies, notably the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, which have established advanced frameworks and pilot programs for recycled plastics management and circular-economy initiatives.
Building on the findings of the APEC SCSC04 2023S project, which highlighted the value of science-based international standards and revealed gaps in harmonized terminology, quality-infrastructure capacity, and regulatory convergence. This research will focus on strengthening Quality Infrastructure (QI) and standardization pathways for the plastics recycling industry across APEC economies. It will specifically address challenges identified in the current proposal, such as inconsistent quality- control mechanisms, limited alignment of standards and conformity assessment practices, and the need to accelerate adoption of circular- economy approaches through harmonized regulations and enhanced accreditation, metrology, and certification systems.
The study will incorporate qualitative approaches. A structured questionnaire survey will be distributed to stakeholders across APEC economies to collect data on the implementation status of relevant standards, conformity assessment procedures based on practical and/or the result of previous APEC Projects, quality control mechanisms, and eco- design practices. This will also be complemented by Domestic industry visits will be conducted to observe recycling practices, quality control processes, and standard implementation on-site, providing practical insights and validation of findings. A gap analysis and benchmarking will identify regulatory and technical challenges, as well as best practices from leading APEC economies.
The findings are expected to establish pathways and provide actionable recommendations for APEC economies. Additionally, it is anticipated to serve as a comprehensive strategic policy to promote mutual recognition, expand market access, increase transparency, and ensure uniform safety and quality standards for products across the APEC region. It should be noted that the research findings will not be published as an APEC Publication. The report will have a minimum 7 pages in length (excluding annexes) and contain the following sections:
- Executive Summary
- Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview
- Research Work
- Desk Study
- Result Analysis of the questionnaire
- Conclusion and Recommendations
References
2) Workshop
Workshop on Empowering Plastics Recycling Industry: Quality Infrastructure and Standardization Pathways for Circular Economy in APEC will be held in June 2026 (3 days in person), Bali Indonesia, and involve 60 participants from multi-stakeholders (Government, Industrial Associations, Academia, International Organization, Conformity Assessment Body and/or related organizations).
Expert (speaker and moderators) from International organizations; Industrial Association; and Representative from APEC Economies. Tentative Agenda: 09:00-17:00
Day 1 – Workshop Sessions (Full Day)
Total experts: 6 (1 keynote + 5 speakers/panelists)
Opening & Keynote – APEC Circular Economy Policy Directions: Global Challenges in Plastics Recycling
1 keynote speaker (APEC/International Organization)
Session 1: Regulatory Frameworks, QI Landscape, and Trade Facilitation (3 speakers)
Session 2: Best Practices and Regional Approaches for Plastics Recycling (2 speakers)
Day 2 – Workshop Sessions Total experts: 4
Session 3: Technologies for Enhancing Recycled Plastics Quality (2 speakers)
Session 4: Eco-Design & Circular Product Standards (2 speakers) Finalize the strategic approach as recommendation by the workshop
Day 3:
The Day-3 field trip will give participants direct, hands-on exposure to Bali’s leading recycled-plastics operations to observe how ISO and SNI standards, accreditation, metrology, and conformity-assessment procedures are applied in practice. By visiting PT XYZ Recycling Indonesia (Denpasar), Bali Waste Cycle (Badung), and EcoBali Recycling (Canggu), delegates will see advanced quality-control systems, digital traceability, and eco-design practices that ensure high-quality recycled materials and enable cross-economy trade. The visit supports the project’s capacity- building goals by demonstrating real examples of quality infrastructure, encouraging dialogue on harmonizing standards and conformity assessment, and highlighting opportunities for regional cooperation and technology transfer. Scheduled as a half-day technical visit following a morning wrap-up session, it maintains a full-day agenda.
The estimated rough agenda of field trip will be:
After completing the group discussion and wrap-up session at the hotel, participants will receive a short briefing on the field trip objectives and safety requirements. The group will then depart for the selected recycling facility in Bali. Upon arrival, company representatives will provide an introductory discussion and detailed safety briefing, followed by a guided tour of the plant to observe sorting, washing, pelletizing, and quality- control processes. The visit will conclude with an interactive dialogue between participants and company experts to exchange insights on the implementation of standards, traceability systems, and best practices in plastics recycling.
Closing & Post-workshop Evaluation
The result of the workshop:
The project overseer will circulate Post-workshop Evaluation and compile the feedback through the post-workshop evaluation, especially input related to possible areas for future capacity-building activities, right after the Workshop.
3) Project Summary Workshop
An electronic version of the Project Summary Report will be 12 pages minimum (excluding annexes).
Recommendations for future work will be prepared as part of the Project Summary Report guided by the discussions/results of the Workshop. This Project Summary Report will be an APEC publication. The structure of the Project Summary Report is a table of contents, executive summary, project activities, key discussions from the Workshop, best practices shared through the Research Report and/or Workshop, conclusion, recommendations, and Research Report as one of the Project Summary Report's annexes.
Outcome
Improved understanding of quality infrastructure (QI) and standardization frameworks. Participants will gain enhanced knowledge on the role of standards, metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment in supporting sustainable and high-quality plastics recycling aligned with circular economy principles. It is measured by Post-workshop evaluations assessing knowledge before and after the workshop.
Strengthened capacity to identify and address regulatory and technical gaps in plastics recycling. Participants, especially policymakers and industry actors, will be better equipped to identify challenges and propose strategies to harmonize standards and conformity assessment procedures across APEC economies. It is Measured by Participant feedback, level of engagement in discussions, and case studies shared during the workshop.
Encouraged regional cooperation to support harmonized standards and promote trade in recycled plastics. The project promotes the development of joint strategies to improve interoperability, facilitate trade, and support investment in the plastics recycling sector, particularly through enhanced regional collaboration.
It is measured by Number of collaborative recommendations produced and reflected in the final project report and workshop outcomes.
Beneficiaries
The project’s primary beneficiaries are policymakers from APEC economies responsible for regulations, quality infrastructure, and market compliance in the plastics recycling industry and circular economy, along with industry representatives such as packaging and recycling enterprises, associations, eco-design implementers, and researchers who will participate directly in the workshop and discussions.
Secondary beneficiaries, who may not attend the event but will benefit from its outcomes, include other government agencies seeking reference for future regulations, private-sector actors across the plastics value chain, academic and research institutions, and regional or international organizations interested in sustainable resource management. These groups will gain knowledge and practical guidance through the APEC publication, the project summary report, and any policy or structural improvements inspired by the project’s recommendations.
