European Union

About Prevent Plastics+

Prevent Plastics+ is a three-year initiative under the European Union-funded SWITCH Asia programme. Building on the Prevent Plastics project, it aims to support Myanmar’s transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular economy by helping micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt sustainable practices such as reuse, repair, and improved resource efficiency.

The project focuses on the manufacturing and agri-food sectors, addressing plastic reduction, waste management, and product circularity. Extending product lifespans through reuse and repair, it advocates for reuse models in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and emphasises second-hand goods. It also supports circular start-ups by providing market access, financial knowledge, and guidance to secure funding, while promoting green business cases to investors. In addition to working with businesses, the project lays the groundwork for behaviour change and circular lifestyles by raising consumer awareness about reducing waste and making sustainable choices, including alternative plastics.

Through community collaboration, Prevent Plastics+ fosters local ownership and ensures sustainable outcomes, driving innovation and resilience in Myanmar’s circular economy.

Achievement of Prevent Plastics project (2020-2024)

Implementors

sequa gGmbH

sequa gGmbH is the EU’s leading agency for strengthening business membership organisations. Its shareholders are Germany‘s top business membership organizations (DIHK, ZDH, BDA, BDI) and GIZ. sequa has managed around 1,000 projects in more than 100 developing countries in the areas of business membership organization capacity building, vocational training, private sector promotion and social dialogue. In addition, sequa has designed and implemented more than 90 EU financed projects such as SMART Myanmar 1,2 and SMART Textile & Garments.

Partners

Thant Myanmar

Thant Myanmar is a Myanmar organisation born out of a movement to fight plastic pollution. It registered in February 2019 as a non-profit company continuing its campaigns and public awareness-raising but also doing contractual work around the topic of waste management, surveys and research, development of toolkits and guides for the private sector. Now our clients range from the World Bank to UN programs, NGOs and private sector industries developing waste reduction efforts in their specific industry.

Community SWM is at the heart of our mission to reduce waste. Combine grass-roots initiatives with a structured method for sustained waste collection and community funding. Building on this basic structure and work on more challenging topics like plastic reduction, waste segregation and composting. Since October 2019 Thant Myanmar set up these structures in the largest city of Myanmar, Yangon creating a better waste management system for over 100.000 people.

Associates

City Mart Holding Company Limited (CMHL)

City Mart Holding Company Limited (CMHL)

City Mart Holding Company Limited (CMHL), Myanmar’s leading consumer business and retail chain, has engaged in plastic reduction messaging and campaigns with their consumers for several years. As an Associate Partner, CMHL will collaborate in tandem to promote Environmental Awareness & Plastic Reduction ‘Behavioral Switch’ to consumers in Myanmar. CMHL in partnership with Prevent Plastics Myanmar, will also develop trainings, procedures & methods towards a Sustainable Retail Chain.

Our Team

Daniel Mista

Daniel Mista

Team Leader

Daniel brings over 15 years of experience from the private sector, primarily in hospitality, where he trained his operations and team leadership skills. Recently, he transitioned to the development sector as Team Leader for the Prevent Plastics+ project. Daniel works with his experienced team in Myanmar to develop innovative approaches to waste reduction and resource efficiency. His strong foundation in hospitality, paired with a new focus and fresh perspective on green growth, allows him to bridge practical business insights with impactful environmental solutions.

Naing Ye Aung

Naing Ye Aung

Technical Expert (Sustainable Waste Management)

Naing Ye Aung is a Technical Expert in sustainable waste management at Prevent Plastics+, where he develops circular economy strategies and focuses on stakeholder engagement, sustainable consumption, and climate change mitigation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and renewable energy ecological design from Green Mountain College and has over 10 years of experience promoting sustainable development in Myanmar. Naing collaborates with industries and CSOs to advance international environmental policies and fosters energy literacy and civic engagement for sustainable practices.

Chan Let Mon

Chan Let Mon

Project Coordinator

Mon is from Taunggyi in Southern Shan State. In 2007, she obtained a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering Management from the Asia Institute of Technology in Thailand. She has worked with a local non-governmental organisation in Myanmar for nine years, focusing on the Youth Empowerment Program for Environmental Conservation and Peace Education since 2011.

From September 2020 to October 2024, she served as the project coordinator for the Prevent Plastics Project with Sequa gGmbH. In 2024, she transitioned to Phase 2 of the Prevent Plastics Plus Project, continuing her role as project coordinator. In this position, she coordinates activities with partner organisations, assists team leaders, monitors project indicators, and manages general office administration.

Htet Htet Aye Kyu

Htet Htet Aye Kyu

Admin & Finance Officer

Htet Htet Aye Kyu is a Finance and Administration Officer at Prevent Plastics+. She has 10 years of experience in accounting, finance, and administration, with over six years in the international development sector, specifically in conservation organisations. Htet Htet holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Yangon University of Economics and a Diploma in International Financial Reporting (IFR) from ACCA. She is currently pursuing an MBA. Htet Htet excels in managing financial operations, ensuring compliance, and streamlining administrative processes to enhance organisational efficiency and sustainability. Although her career focuses on finance and accounting, her passion for environmental conservation and her love for nature grows.

Yupar Mon Mon Oo

Yupar Mon Mon Oo

Team Assistant

Yupar brings a unique blend of skills and a profound passion for environmental activism to the team. As a recent addition to the team, she is already making waves with her dedication and determination to positively impact the planet.
With a passion for the environment that is truly infectious, Yupar is committed to raising awareness about the pressing issue of plastic waste. She firmly believes that the power of the youth can drive meaningful change.
Yupar’s primary role is to provide crucial support to her fellow members, helping them excel in their activities and contribute effectively towards project goals.

Wai Pwint Wabo

Wai Pwint Wabo

Communication & Outreach Manager

Wai Wabo’s profession & passion harmonise to promote SCP actively. She has over six years of experience in enhancing the communication of the EU cooperation & value in the Myanmar business sector. Graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor Degree in Management & minor in Media Communications from Webster University, Wai has seven years of sportsmanship experience from being part of the national sailing team.
Environmental Activists at heart advocating for single-use plastic reduction from an individual behavioural switch level to nationwide.
Walking toward zero waste with her utmost ability by practising what she preaches.

 

Hnin Thet Wai

Hnin Thet Wai

Communication Intern

Hnin has a strong passion for preserving the Earth’s natural beauty. She is a curious individual dedicated to her community and as a delegate for the Y.E.A.H. (Youth Environmental Action & Hope) Programme, organised by Prevent Plastics. Through this program, she shares the knowledge she has gained to raise awareness about environmental issues.

As a communication intern, Hnin engages happily with the communication team. She actively encourages others to avoid using luxurious single-use products that harm us and the planet, emphasising that a luxury lifestyle ultimately depends on the health of our natural environment of nature.

Zin Min Htut

Zin Min Htut

Communication Intern

Zin is a passionate young activist in the environmental sector and a graduate of the YEAH Programme Vol. 2, which strongly emphasises community and environmental development. Energised by youth and purpose, he leads the “ME To ME” (Micro Effort to Million Effects) project, which promotes the principles of the Circular Economy and was established under the YEAH Program. In January 2025, he joined the Prevent Plastics Plus project as a communications intern, reporting to the Communications Manager. With a deep commitment to advocacy and a fervent enthusiasm for environmental issues, Zin is dedicated to driving positive behaviour change in himself and within his community.

Shwe La Thar

Shwe La Thar

Logistics

Ko Shwe loves providing safe transport for the team. Although his career and the environmental field may not align perfectly, Shwe’s sense of responsibility motivates him to continue supporting Prevent Plastics+ after completing the four-year Prevent Plastics project. He is also committed to mindful consumption and working to change the behaviours around him to help protect the environment.