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Cambodia: A Dynamic Ecosystem of Committed Entrepreneurs Focused on Environmental Issues
After a one-month technical stop in Singapore for dry dock maintenance, the Plastic Odyssey ship resumed its voyage, charting a new course through Southeast Asia.
This leg of the expedition saw the ship travel along the mighty Mekong River, passing through Vietnam before finally docking in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. This symbolic journey marks the furthest inland point ever reached by the vessel.
OnBoard Laboratory: 20th Edition of the Onboard Incubation Program for Recycling Actors
In Phnom Penh, the Plastic Odyssey team encountered a dynamic ecosystem of local entrepreneurs committed to environmental issues. For three days, the ship hosted the 20th edition of the OnBoard Laboratory incubation program, welcoming about ten local entrepreneurs with projects covering a wide range of waste management initiatives.
Cambodia, compared to its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, still lags in terms of recycling. The country is often seen as the underdog of recycling in the region. Although there is a small informal sector for waste collection and processing, recycling infrastructure remains limited, and the industry struggles to establish itself. However, in recent years, local and international actors have mobilized to change this. Initiatives like those led by the entrepreneurs met by Plastic Odyssey show a growing commitment to creating sustainable solutions to plastic pollution and developing a circular economy in the country.
Meet the Entrepreneurs
Sophal – GOMI Recycle
Among the first entrepreneurs to come aboard was Sophal from GOMI Recycle, a Japanese company based in Cambodia with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). GOMI Recycle is dedicated to collecting industrial waste and recycling it using techniques similar to those of Plastic Odyssey, such as extrusion and thermo-pressing. Their modest production of 5 tons per year includes urban furniture, trash bins, benches, and tables. Active during the three days on board, Sophal was eager to discover new methods and possibilities for finished products. They also faced challenges with processing soft waste like plastic bags.
Alix Langlois – Trash is Nice
Another remarkable project is Trash is Nice, led by Alix Langlois. A resident of Cambodia for over five years, including two in Phnom Penh, Alix is inspired by the Precious Plastic movement to build small-scale recycling machines. These devices transform waste into personalized objects such as pots and trophies. Her commitment goes beyond recycling: with a team of four, she carries out awareness campaigns in schools and businesses, raising awareness about plastic pollution and offering recycling solutions.
Tapas Kuila – GrubFeeds
Tapas Kuila, founder of GrubFeeds, brought a different but equally essential perspective. Specializing in organic waste treatment, GrubFeeds uses black soldier fly larvae to convert waste into animal feed. While Tapas plans to expand his project to process 100 tons of organic waste per day, he faces the challenge of managing the 5-10% of plastic waste mixed with organic materials. Seeking advice on plastic recovery, Tapas joined the “Onboard Lab” to explore possibilities and connect with Cambodian stakeholders.
François Lessage – The Plastic Flamingo
François Lessage, from The Plastic Flamingo, is a French entrepreneur who recently moved to Cambodia after working in the Philippines. He shared his experience in waste collection and processing. With more than five years of expertise in the field, his network and methods for turning recycled plastic into planks, sheets, and even corrugated roofing provided valuable insights and sparked enriching discussions with local actors.
Lykheang Seat – Young Eco & Seila Chea
Lykheang Seat, founder of Young Eco, an environmental project consulting company, also joined the expedition’s program. Coming from a family of plastic recyclers, Lykheang Seat has an in-depth understanding of the informal recycling sector. His current project involves installing waste barriers in rivers around Phnom Penh to capture floating debris. Alongside him, Seila, a student at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, is working on the same river project, eager to find sustainable solutions for the collected waste.
Christophe Lauger – Erget Group
Christophe Lauger, a French expatriate and executive at the insurer Erget, a sponsor of the Plastic Odyssey expedition, is working to support a recycling project in Siem Reap, seeking strong political and institutional backing. Keen to better understand the challenges of successfully launching such a project, he also aims to meet local actors involved in these initiatives.
Ny Ouk & Nary Elbonary
Adding a corporate dimension, Ny Ouk, representing one of Cambodia’s largest food importers, explored waste management strategies for plastic films used in transport. Similarly, Nary Elbonary, from the Shangri-La hotel chain, is looking for solutions to manage and reduce hotel waste, considering partnerships to purchase recycled furniture and support local recycling initiatives.
The Plastic Odyssey expedition in Phnom Penh was a mosaic of innovations, collaborations, and hope. It highlighted the essential role of local entrepreneurs in the global fight against plastic pollution, proving that even the smallest efforts can have a major impact. As the ship continues its journey through Southeast Asia, it carries with it the dreams and aspirations of those it has touched, working towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
OnBoard Laboratory, our incubation program for recycling entrepreneurs
At each stopover on the expedition, the Plastic Odyssey vessel welcomes on board several local recycling entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and develop concrete solutions to combat plastic pollution.