A Validation Workshop for the ASEAN Toolkit for Sustainable Consumption Convened

The ASEAN Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCP) held a Validation Workshop on the ASEAN Toolkit for Sustainable Consumption from 26-28 July 2021.  Funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the ASEAN Sustainable Consumption Toolkit is developed to help formulate effective policies to promote sustainable consumption and sustainable consumption production.

ASEAN is experiencing a steady increase of household incomes which in turn has driven consumption.  In addition, the advent of technologies such as E-Commerce has given the region access to more choices of products with better prices. Although the increase of consumerism is healthy for the regional economy, the constant increase of consumption may strain the current finite resources. The workshop also looked into real-life cases within and outside the region and explored practical applications in major sectors such as food, energy, consumer electronics, and plastic sectors.

Supported by the Japan ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), and lead by the Department of Trade and Industries of Japan, four modules are being developed with the following titles: 

• Concepts and Principles of Sustainable Consumption;
• Best Regional and International Practices and Approaches to Policies that Promote Sustainable Consumption;
• Tools and Instruments used in Influencing Consumer Behaviour; and
• Use of Appropriate Instruments and Tools in Selected Sectors.

The ASEAN Toolkit for Sustainable Consumption is expected to be completed before the end of the year.