Documents

This market study is the initiative of iDE Cambodia to understand the use and subsequent impact of agricultural plastic in Cambodia. The study was done with the support of Resilience Development Initiative (RDI). The project assessed the behavioural usage of plastic and its agricultural management, including a market study of its alternative potential conducted in five Cambodian provinces: Battambang, Kandal, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap. The purpose of this study is to understand the market size of biodegradable plastic, which include plastic mulching and plastic bags. Plastic mulch is the centre of this study since our findings show plastic mulch is the most plastic used in horticulture. Plastic products have been used extensively in the horticulture sector in Cambodia due to their versatility. However, the use of plastic products in horticulture also contributes to plastic pollution and waste in agriculture. Therefore, there is a need to promote sustainable farming practices, reduce plastic usage in horticulture or replace plastic products with an environmentally friendly material such as compostable plastic or bioplastic. This practice can only be achieved through the participation of the private sector involved in the plastic product supply chain (i.e. manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor and retail). As such, this report aims to provide related information for the private sector to contribute to biodegradable plastic production.