The Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT RRC.AP), in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR, Zero Waste Laos, Urban Management and Services Office (VCOM), Luang Prabang City and with support from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (ERIA RKC-MPD), conducted the Capacity Building Workshop on Preventing Recycling-Related Plastic Leakage from Plastic Recycling and hosted by VCOM, Luang Prabang City, Lao PDR, 21-22 May 2026 under the CaRMPAC Project.

The workshop brought together participants from government agencies, waste management and recycling-related sectors, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders. The opening session was opened by Mr. Khamphet Thammavong, Deputy Director of VCOM of Luang Prabang, Mr.Khadtiya Vanhnasack, Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Luang Prabang; Dr.Guilberto Borongan, Director of AIT RRC.AP; and Mr. Reo Kawamura, Director of ERIA RKC-MPD. In their remarks, the speakers highlighted the importance of translating regional knowledge from the CaRMPAC initiative into practical local action, particularly for Luang Prabang as a UNESCO World Heritage City and major tourism destination where environmental quality is closely linked to cultural identity, community well-being, and the local economy.

Over the two days, participants examined how plastic leakage may occur across the recycling value chain, from household handling and informal collection to junk shops, transport, storage, and recycling operations. The discussions emphasized that recycling remains an important part of waste reduction and circular economy efforts, but that leakage can occur when sorting, storage, washing, processing, and residue handling are not properly managed.

A key feature of the Luang Prabang workshop was its strong focus on local problem-solving. Participants discussed challenges specific to local waste systems, including limited market connectivity for recyclable materials, declining participation of middlemen, transportation costs, irregular collection, low-value plastics, and the difficulty of sustaining recycling activities in areas where recyclable volumes are limited. These issues were explored not only as technical problems, but also as ecosystem challenges requiring coordination among local authorities, recycling businesses, waste collectors, communities, schools, temples, markets, and tourism-related actors.

Following the behaviour change session on the second day, participants worked in groups to identify practical solutions for improving waste separation, strengthening awareness, supporting recycling enterprises, and improving cooperation between policy makers, consumers, and small-scale recycling actors. The group presentations reflected local priorities such as public education, clearer responsibilities, improved collection systems, practical infrastructure support, and stronger coordination between communities and local authorities.

Through the CaRMPAC initiative, AIT RRC.AP continues to support ASEAN cities in strengthening local capacity, promoting practical actions, and advancing regional collaboration to reduce recycling-related plastic leakage and marine plastic pollution.