Powwow on greener plastic

(From right) Chow, Lean Giap Group of Companies market development leader Kent Lim and Paper and Toast business development assistant head Michelle Lee at the launching of the conference.

THE state government has told the Penang Green Council (PGC) to look into the sustainability of the plastic industry.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said there was a need to rethink the use of plastic.

“While Penang is at the forefront of coming up with various initiatives against single-use plastic, it seems only 2% of the pollution in the ocean are from these while there are other areas that need attention.

“We need to rethink the use of plastic and the plastic industry as there is still a need for plastic.

“It is necessary, as we cannot do without it.

“We have to admit that these are necessary products for the modern world, ” he told reporters after opening the In.Tech Conference 2019 titled ‘Sustainability Within the Plastics Industry’ at the UAB building in China Street Ghaut in George Town on Wednesday.

Chow said it was not about banning the use of plastic, but more about finding solutions for a sustainable use of plastic.

“We need to look into the processes involved in the plastic industry that can reduce the impact on the environment, ” Chow said.

The conference themed ‘Going Beyond Reduce’ saw 19 speakers from various industries, including key plastic industry players, talk about sustainable solutions that can be adopted by the plastic industry.

Speaker Yasmin Rasyid shared that plastic was a sensitive but necessary topic.

“There is hope as we all know why it needs to be addressed. Now we just need to get ahead.

“Innovation is key to take this to the next level.

“Everyone says we need to live a new way of life without plastic but I believe we need to live a new life with plastic.

“If I walk into a hospital today, plastic will save my life.

“We still need plastic but we need to be sustainable, ” she said.