ALBA Group Asia recently attended the 6th Greater Mekong Subregion Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM-6) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the invitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This high-level event brought together over 200 participants to address environmental challenges and explore sustainable solutions for the region.

Representing the private sector, ALBA Group Asia presented a statement to environment ministers from six countries: Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Jakob Lambsdorff, CEO of ALBA Group Asia, outlined six key focus areas for governments to enhance private capital investment in waste management and recycling across the GMS region.

During the event, ALBA introduced its waste treatment activities across Asia. Cambodia’s Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr. Sophalleth Eang, and ADB Vice President, Madam Fatima Yasmin, visited ALBA’s booth. Dr. Eang emphasized the urgent need for recycling to combat plastic pollution in the Mekong region and stressed the importance of compliance in waste management practices.

In a panel discussion, Tobias Huinink, Business Director of ALBA Group Asia, shared insights on the private sector’s role in environmental management, underscoring the importance of establishing a circular economy. Additionally, Jakob Lambsdorff participated in a discussion on plastic recycling, where he addressed the challenges and opportunities of implementing reverse vending machines in Asia. He underscored how supportive legislation and policies are critical for deposit return schemes to succeed.

ALBA Group Asia remains committed to advancing sustainable waste management solutions across the Greater Mekong Subregion and looks forward to future collaborations in the region.