GEORGE TOWN, April 23 – Recent data from thirteen countries, including Malaysia, has unveiled the presence of nearly 500 chemicals in recycled plastic pellets, comprising pesticides, industrial chemicals, PCBs, and other toxic substances. Of particular concern are the findings from Malaysia, where two samples analyzed detected a total of 123 chemicals. This revelation comes as government officials from Malaysia gear up to participate in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Ottawa, Canada later this month.
As part of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) conducted tests on recycled plastics obtained from a recycling company in Penang. The results, analyzed by scientists in Sweden, Germany, and Denmark, highlighted the presence of 107 chemicals in one sample and 111 chemicals in another, with 95 chemicals common to both. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the health and environmental risks associated with plastic recycling, urging a shift towards controlling plastic production and eliminating toxic chemicals throughout the entire lifecycle of plastics.
