Cambodia launches roadmap to cut plastic pollution by 74% by 2040

PHNOM PENH, Jan 21, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious Plastic Action Roadmap aimed at slashing plastic pollution by nearly three quarters by 2040 and accelerating the country’s shift toward a circular economy.

Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth said the plan marks 2026 as a “Year of Action with Concrete Results,” pledging measurable outcomes for future generations.

The roadmap sets four headline targets: a 74% reduction in plastic pollution, a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, public cost savings of 37%, and the creation of about 26,000 jobs.

It calls for stronger regulations, sustainable financing, improved infrastructure across the plastic value chain and behavior change to reduce single use plastics and strengthen waste management.

Government data show Cambodia generated about 546,000 tons of plastic waste in 2022 — around 33 kilograms per person — above the average for lower middle income countries, with sharp urban rural disparities in collection.

UNDP’s Enrico Gaveglia said the roadmap opens opportunities for recycling and biodegradable alternatives, while GPAP director Clemence Schmid described it as an evidence based strategy that could lift circular plastics to 52% by 2040.

The plan was developed by the Ministry of Environment with UNDP and the Global Plastics Action Partnership, a World Economic Forum led initiative spanning 25 countries.