US-ASEAN Business Council Convenes EPR Workshop to Advance Circular Economy Efforts in Malaysia
The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) convened the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Workshop in Kuala Lumpur on 9 April 2026. The event brought together over 60 participants, including senior officials from key government agencies: Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), alongside representatives from the private sector, industry associations, and academia.
The workshop provided a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on Malaysia’s EPR landscape, covering key considerations in policy design, governance, and implementation. Discussions highlighted the role of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) in operationalizing EPR systems, the importance of inclusive and material-neutral approaches, and lessons from global practices. Participants also explored Malaysia’s strategic direction for EPR within its broader economic and sustainability agenda, alongside key institutional and governance considerations. In addition, the workshop underscored the role of innovation and digital tools in improving collection systems and traceability, as well as the importance of public-private collaboration in scaling circular economy infrastructure. The discussions further identified practical pathways to support implementation readiness, while emphasizing the need for strong coordination across stakeholders.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of ensuring that EPR frameworks are designed to be practical, scalable, and aligned with Malaysia’s institutional context. Participants emphasized the need for clear governance structures, well-defined roles across stakeholders, and policy coherence to support effective implementation, while enabling innovation and investment in circular economy solutions.
The workshop was supported by The Coca-Cola Company, SC Johnson, ExxonMobil, PepsiCo, as well as USABC partner CropLife Asia. The workshop reflected a shared commitment among stakeholders to advance practical, inclusive, and effective approaches to EPR as part of Malaysia’s broader circular economy transition.