Jordan
Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. launched their Green Clean campaign at Me.reka
Makerspace, Publika Shopping Gallery today, as part of their efforts to raise
the awareness on the 3R concept: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
The
event was attended by the Ambassador of Norway to Malaysia, Her Excellency Ms.
Gunn Jorid Roset, and officiated by the Director General of the Department of
Environment (DOE), Malaysia, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Kamarulnajuib bin
Che Ibrahim.
The event also saw the attendance of environmental
non-governmental organisations as a show of support for Jordan’s Green Clean
initiative.
The
Green Clean campaign is expected to run from April to December in different
phases, expected to be revealed later. Eric Yong, Country Manager of Jordan
Asia Pacific said, “Recognising the need to raise the awareness on the 3Rs in
Malaysia, we aim to work with our eco-partners to share as much information to
the public through the help of our media colleagues over the course of this
campaign.”
Sharing a ‘sneak preview’ of what is to come in the next phase, Eric
said, “We will be rolling out an old toothbrush collection drive and when that
takes place, we hope to get as much support from the Malaysian public as
possible.”
Speaking
at the event were Professor Dr. P. Agamuthu, a Professor at the University of
Malaya, as well as International Advisory Board Member of the Society of Solid
Waste Management Experts in Asia and Pacific Islands, and William Koong, the
Chief Executive Officer of Biji-Biji Initiative, a leading social enterprise
which champions sustainable living, reusing wastes creatively, and
collaborative production using discarded materials.
According
to Professor Dr. P. Agamuthu, there were approximately 14 million tonnes of
municipal solid wastes generated in Malaysia in 2019, or 40,000 tonnes a day,
and the overall recycling rate that year was 17.5 per cent. He also shared that
plastic was the second highest household waste at 13.2 per cent, behind food
waste which comprised of 44.5 per cent household waste composition in 2017.
Professor
Dr. P. Agamuthu said, “Malaysia aims to become a zero-waste nation and that is
where 3R comes in. In order to reduce the generation of wastes, we need to Reuse, Recycle and Compost most of what is thrown away. Unfortunately, the
current uptake of 3R is minimal as a majority of municipal solid wastes are
sent to landfills.” He continued, “3R is important to avoid the mining and
extraction of new materials, to reduce demands on natural resources, to reduce
carbon and other emissions, for waste reduction, and to reduce the usage of
non-renewable energies. In order to successfully implement 3R in Malaysia,
participation of all stakeholders is crucial.”
Sharing
his knowledge on plastic recycling, William added, “Plastics are classified
into seven different categories and not all of them are recyclable. In fact,
some plastics produce hazardous materials after being reused multiple times or
if being put under extreme conditions.
It is therefore important to reduce
plastic usage and to avoid single-use plastics.” He continued, “Plastic
recycling plays a part in providing a source of sustainable raw materials while
reducing the impact to the environment and landfill problems.”
Her
Excellency Ms. Gunn Jorid Roset also shared information on Norway’s efforts in
plastic recycling. She said, “97 per cent of plastic bottles in Norway are recycled.
This being the outcome of our nationwide bottle deposit scheme.” She added,
“Plastic producers also play a part in improving plastic recycling in Norway. They
are incentivised with zero taxation on Environmental Tax if they achieve a
collective recycling target of 95 per cent.”
Yang
Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Kamarulnajuib said, “The 3Rs are the cornerstone to
becoming a zero-waste nation and this cannot be achieved overnight. Everyone
plays a part in the efforts to becoming a sustainable nation. From separating
your household wastes, to manufacturing fully recycled products for
consumption, it is crucial for us to start being ‘Eco at Heart’.”
“It
is also important for us to look at another R, which is “Replace”.
Manufacturers and importers need to look into alternatives which are friendly
to the environment and safe to use.
Consumers also need to be discerning when
purchasing consumables and equip themselves with the knowledge on which
products are eco-friendlier as compared to others.” he continued.
During
the launch, Jordan introduced the Green Clean Toothbrush, which Jordan says is
their greenest toothbrush ever. Sandee Chai, Jordan Asia Pacific’s Regional
Brand Manager said, “At our core, we are 100 per cent Eco at Heart.
Designed by
renowed interior designer, Andreas Engesvik, the product’s functional design
combined both beauty and sustainability in one eco-friendly Green Clean
toothbrush.” She continued, “Made of 100 per cent recycled plastic, with 100
per cent bio-based bristles, and packaged in a 100 per cent green packaging,
the Green Clean toothbrush has given materials a new life and has enabled the
minimising of resource use, which is in line with our 3R philosophy.”
Jordan
Green Clean toothbrushes can be purchased at selected pharmacies and
supermarkets in major cities around Malaysia, at an introductory price of RM7.90.
What are you waiting for? Start living ‘Green Clean’ today! Made with Purpose.
He continued, “I am happy that Jordan has been encouraging
creativity in children through their Finding Jordan Picasso contest. This
year’s food-related theme which comes with a reminder to brush your teeth
thirty minutes after a meal further enforces Jordan’s commitment to both dental
hygiene and fostering the love of art in children.”
Jordan Oral Care Malaysia had
treated the children to a healthy and hearty meal, on top of teaching them
about the importance of oral hygiene and distributing a full set of oral care
items to each child during the event.
.png)
