Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia: Plastic Recycling in Cambodia and Current Landscape with Opportunities

This study aims to assess the SME-led plastic recycling initiatives in Cambodia by exploring the role of IWWs and SMEs in plastic recycling value chain, and examining their business model and market access, studying operating models, technical, financial and organizational feasibility for expanding and integrating their role in a formal circular plastic economy framework. The ultimate objective of this study is to establish a foundation for enhancing and increasing SME involvement in plastic waste recycling by creating pathways for formalizing and integrating it into a formal economy in Cambodia, thereby supporting environmental protection, economic growth, and social development. The expected outcomes of this study are to: Provide evidence-based insights by gathering stakeholder perspectives to identify the role of SMEs, challenges, opportunities, economic and technical factors, environmental implications and key market dynamics of recycling. Inform policy makers to make enabling policy decisions that support the growth of SMEs in the waste recycling industry. Develop a model for SME-driven recycling initiatives in Cambodia with supportive policy alignment, technology access, funding opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives, that can be scaled, adapted and replicated to other countries in the region