AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SUSTAINABLE VENTURES AND THEIR EFFICACY IN TACKLING PLASTIC POLLUTION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Abstract

With an increased global focus on environmental sustainability issues such as climate change, clean energy and the circular economy, sustainable ventures have emerged looking to tackle sustainability-related issues. Sustainable ventures face the challenge in balancing a double bottom line - financial and sustainable impacts. Within Southeast Asia, the problem of plastic pollution is one of the biggest, most complex issues due to the geographical landscape, as well as infrastructural challenges in waste management for most nations. Despite the rise of sustainable ventures that aim to tackle plastic pollution, many often struggle to survive or are unable to measure their impact. This dissertation aims to explore the significance of sustainable ventures within Southeast Asia and identify its efficacy in tackling plastic pollution across the region. This multicase study approaches four sustainable ventures across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines to identify and understand the motivations behind each organization, and dive deeper into their respective organizational structure, design and systems.

Qualitative data and research were collected to identify key challenges and gaps that need to be addressed. A list of recommendations is then proposed based on findings and suggest key areas of strengths that sustainable ventures should leverage on.