Case 10: Heng Hiap Industries—Pioneer in the plastic recycling industry

Plastic pollution has always been a global concern, as it threatens the sustainability of the environment. Malaysia, an emerging market, is not exempted from this threat. To address this alarming issue, policymakers worldwide have advocated adopting a circular life cycle for plastics. In this regard, plastic recycling has received increasing attention as a sound solution to overcome plastic pollution. The demand for recycled plastic materials has also increased due to the higher acceptance of recycled products among consumers. Following this phenomenon, the plastic recycling industry has achieved notable growth in the past few years. Among companies operating in this industry, Heng Hiap Industries (HHI) is the pioneer in plastic recycling in Malaysia. This case study presents the challenges of plastic pollution in general, plastic waste management in Malaysia, the operation of HHI, and how it overcomes the challenges in the plastic recycling business. By examining HHI’s experiences, the present case study offers valuable insights into the complexities of the plastic recycling industry and the measures required to ensure its success.