[FULL] Mei Xin: “Only 9% Of Plastic Is Recycled In Malaysia”, On Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics By Renting Out Reusable Foodware Plastics From OPack

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The Decode Diary

Ray Low

135 episodes

3 days ago

The Decode Diary isn't just a podcast; it's your passport to the untold stories of the average-looking but extraordinary Joes who try their best to make it in life. I first stumbled upon the idea of providing insights and perception of the general public when I had so much to talk about but also had so much to learn from those around me. The Decode Diary is a journey and process to decode and decrypt the everyday actions of these people with whom we can relate so much. If you are interested in learning their behavior and actions, this is for you. Welcome onboard.

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[FULL] Mei Xin: “Only 9% Of Plastic Is Recycled In Malaysia”, On Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics By Renting Out Reusable Foodware Plastics From OPack

The Decode Diary

1 hour 8 minutes 50 seconds

1 year ago

[FULL] Mei Xin: “Only 9% Of Plastic Is Recycled In Malaysia”, On Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics By Renting Out Reusable Foodware Plastics From OPack

When I first heard of this new startup which has only been around for 8 months since the start of 2024, I had a lot of skepticism. Particularly, the way it solves the plastic problem because it actually introduces more plastic into the ecosystem. Sure, they could have introduced another material and still call it a green company, but I think the problem of single-use plastics is still there. The idea and concept of single use.

I get it, because it’s so convenient and far too much time saved if we just dispose of our containers and utensils after every meal. I am guilty of this too. The idea of introducing reusable plastics is not new and novel, but the logistics of having it in every corner we visit might just make it work. I see there is a huge hurdle for the team at OPack to encourage the switch to reusable plastic, or any other material in that context, but having collaborated with companies and event organizers, they are on track to make an impact never before seen in Malaysia.

But should there be a punish/reward system for this to be successful? I’ll let you make the verdict after you finish the episode.

Timeline:

[00:00] What does OPack do?

[02:34] Measuring her own plastic usage

[04:58] The feedback she got about her business idea

[06:07] How eco-friendly is the process of making her plastic products?

[11:30] The reason biodegradables are not on her list

[15:21] Green-washing and the reason why recycling rate is low in Malaysia

[18:35] Isn’t OPack producing more plastics?

[21:38] Aren’t there already reusable plastics?

[23:42] Partners of OPack

[25:42] Missing out on the consumer market

[30:53] Rental rate = Amount of single-use plastic avoided

[34:35] Is it already a profitable business?

[36:19] The pilot projects that kicked off OPack

[38:54] The single hardest part of running the business

[40:20] Large corporations still prefer single-use plastics due to the low cost of logistics

[43:27] Are deposit systems the best way to increase the rental rate?

[45:22] Why aren’t there more companies doing what OPack does?

[46:43] Can technology step in to help?

[49:11] CSR and ESG of companies matter to OPack

[54:58] She wanted to stop doing this back in 2022

[01:00:03] Her motivation to keep doing this

[01:01:05] Her day-to-day routine as a founder

[01:03:58] The last happiest moment for OPack

[01:05:55] Short-term goals for OPack

Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com and https://www.epidemicsound.com/