Closing the Loop: A Comparative Policy Analysis of China, India, Japan, and Thailand towards Effective Plastic Waste Management and UN SDGs

The issue of plastic waste management has gained significant attention in recent years due to its impact on the environment and human health. In response to this, many countries have formulated policies and strategies to address the issue of plastic waste management, with the aim of achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This paper presents a comparative policy analysis of plastic waste management in four Asian economies: China, India, Japan, and Thailand. These countries, while demonstrating geographical and economic diversity, have implemented varied approaches to tackle the complex challenges of plastic waste management. The analysis focuses on how these nations are operationalizing key frameworks, including the 3R Plus model, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the Circular Economy, and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. The study finds that while all four countries have introduced significant legislation to address plastic pollution such as China’s plastic waste import ban and India’s evolving EPR framework challenges persist. Key gaps include the limited public and stakeholder understanding of circular economy principles, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for greater upstream intervention. The paper highlights the crucial role of circular economy education in bridging these knowledge and behavioral gaps, empowering all stakeholders from policymakers to the informal waste sector to drive change. By examining the strategies of these nations, the paper concludes that combining robust upstream policies, such as eco-design and single-use plastic products restriction, with effective downstream management and widespread education is essential for creating a sustainable and circular future.