Penang Leads the Charge Against Plastic Pollution with Global Sustainability Initiative
Every minute, 19 tons of plastic waste enter our oceans, threatening marine life and ecosystems. By 2050, projections suggest that plastic in our oceans could outnumber fish—a grim reality we must work to prevent. In Malaysia, plastic waste is a growing crisis, with 39,078 metric tonnes generated daily, contributing significantly to global marine pollution. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, L’Occitane en Provence and Plastic Odyssey are joining forces to drive change, making a significant stop in Penang as part of their global mission to tackle plastic pollution at its source.
Plastic Odyssey: A Voyage for Change
Plastic Odyssey is the world’s first global expedition dedicated to combating ocean plastic pollution before it reaches the sea. With L’Occitane as its main sponsor, the initiative travels the world to promote sustainable solutions and raise awareness about plastic waste management. The expedition has already visited Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, and now arrives in Penang to inspire local communities to take action.
“We believe that to fight plastic pollution at sea, we must act ashore,” says the Plastic Odyssey team. Through innovation, collaboration, and education, the initiative seeks to not only clean up past pollution but also build a sustainable future by empowering communities to adopt better waste management practices.
L’Occitane’s Big Little Things: A Local Commitment to Global Change
Sustainability is at the heart of L’Occitane’s mission. Beyond sponsoring Plastic Odyssey, the company has been driving impactful eco-conscious initiatives worldwide. In Malaysia, one of its proudest efforts is the Big Little Things (BLT) Recycling Program, which encourages customers to recycle their used beauty products and contribute to a circular economy.
Since its launch in 2019, the program has:
- Collected over 4.9 million beauty empties from Malaysian customers.
- Diverted 260 metric tonnes of beauty waste from landfills, giving new life to used materials.
L’Occitane aims to achieve net-zero impact by collecting as many beauty empties as it sells, while also engaging 100,000 active participants in the BLT program. “Sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility—it’s a collective movement,” says Elida Wong, General Manager of L’Occitane SEA & India. “Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger positive impact.”
Penang No Plastic Bag Every Day Campaign 2025: A Step Forward
As Malaysia’s leading green state, Penang has long been at the forefront of sustainability efforts. The Penang No Plastic Bag Every Day Campaign 2025 builds upon the success of its No Free Plastic Bag initiative, first introduced in 2009. The campaign is spearheaded by the Penang Green Council, which has been instrumental in educating and empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices.
“Penang is taking a bold step forward in its commitment to reducing single-use plastics,” says Ms. Josephine Tan, General Manager of Penang Green Council. “We are calling on businesses, communities, and individuals to ‘Ditch & Switch’ to reusable alternatives.”
Plastic Odyssey Exhibition: Experience Sustainability Firsthand
As part of its Malaysia stopover, Plastic Odyssey is hosting an exhibition at Alliance Française, Penang, offering an interactive and educational experience on sustainability. Visitors can explore best-practice solutions, witness innovative recycling methods, and engage with environmental experts to learn how small changes can lead to big impacts.
Event Details:
📅 Date: 13th – 21st February 2025
🕘 Time: 10 AM – 7 PM (Monday – Friday) | 9 AM – 5 PM (Saturday)
📍 Location: Alliance Française, 46, Jalan Phuah Hin Leong, George Town, Penang
🎟 Admission: Free & open to all
Small Acts, Big Impact: How You Can Get Involved
Beyond attending the exhibition, L’Occitane is also offering an exclusive incentive to encourage sustainable habits. From 1st March to 30th April 2025, customers at L’Occitane’s Gurney and Queensbay stores who choose to skip a paper bag will receive a complimentary gift as a token of appreciation for their conscious decision.
By participating in initiatives like the Big Little Things Recycling Program and embracing the No Plastic Bag Every Day Campaign, Penangites can take meaningful steps toward a plastic-free future.
A Call to Action: The Power of Collective Change
Every action counts—whether it’s choosing to recycle, reducing single-use plastics, or supporting eco-conscious brands. With L’Occitane, Plastic Odyssey, and the Penang Green Council leading the way, now is the time for individuals, businesses, and communities to step up and create a lasting impact.
Join the movement and be part of the change. The future of our oceans—and our planet—is in our hands.
