Video conference, 13 August 2025: The SEA-MaP Regional Project convened the Second Technical-Level Consultation Workshop for the development of the Best Practice Manual for Development of Minimum Standards and Technical Requirements for Plastic Packaging and Labeling via video conference.

This workstream supports the implementation of Action 4 of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris (RAP) in the ASEAN Member States which calls for the Elaboration of Best Practice Manual for Development of Minimum Standards and Technical Requirements for Plastic Packaging and Labelling (‘the Manual’). In particular, the Manual aims at improving the understanding and supporting the development of standards and labeling for more sustainable plastic packaging, and at moving towards harmonizing standards and mutual recognition of labeling for plastic packaging in the ASEAN region.

The Consultation featured the following objectives:

1. Present the proposed draft Manual (including the proposed structure and methodology), and findings from the stocktaking review and gap analysis,
2. Address identified gaps based on the proposed Manual content, and 
3. Gather technical inputs to strengthen output quality and ensure that contents of the Manual are suitable for application in the ASEAN context.

Participants included representatives from the ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and observers from the World Bank, with support from the SEA-MaP Regional Implementation Support Unit (RISU) within the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Project Management Unit (PMU). The Consultation was facilitated by FratiniVergano and adelphi, the consulting firm contracted to support the development of the Manual.

Later this year, a third consultation will be organized by the SEA-MaP to seek further feedback and guidance in developing the final draft of the Manual. The Consultation was held as a follow-up to the First Technical Consultation for this workstream that was held on 21 May 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.