This article is written to propose a business model for river and ocean waste management. The core objective of this writing is the attempt to apply a business model originating from the other side of the globe to the Lower Mekong Region. This work is presented as part of the Lower Mekong Business Case Competition (LMBCC), an activity organized under the umbrella of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU).

The proposal must address the following challenges

Main Challenge:

How could Bureo’s ocean plastic recycling model be applied to the Lower Mekong region, where rivers, lakes, and coastal areas also suffer from plastic pollution and ghost fishing gear?

Supporting Challenges:

• What environmental or community challenges could Bureo face in the Lower Mekong?
• How can Bureo create partnerships with local fishing communities, youth groups, or social enterprises in the Lower Mekong region to ensure a sustainable supply chain and social impact?
• Which SDGs fit Bureo’s model, and how can it support them locally?
• Considering the cultural and economic diversity of the region, what strategies can shape awareness, trust, and demand for its products in Southeast Asia?

As an M.5 (11^th Grade) student, the author has done their utmost to propose this viable business model within the two-page limit.

How could Bureo’s ocean plastic recycling model be applied to the Lower Mekong region?

The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) is widely considered the lifeblood of the region. The Mekong River Commission (MRC), in its State of the Basin Report published in 2010, noted that the region connects to the livelihoods of over 40 million people[1]. Applying Bureo’s ocean plastic recycling model to the LMB is possible, but the following key considerations must be taken into account:

[1] Transforming Traditionalist Perspectives: Addressing the deep-rooted, anti-progressive beliefs of local leaders and powerful interest groups is essential to secure long-term buy-in and organizational strength, ensuring the recycling model benefits all affected stakeholders.

[2] Geographic and Material Complexity: The Lower Mekong Basin encompasses diverse aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, canals, and ocean coasts. Consequently, the plastic recycling model must be flexible enough to source materials from varied geographical and ecological factors.

[3] Political and Policy Volatility: Frequent and rapid shifts in political landscapes or environmental policies create uncertainty for long-term project planning and investment. Therefore, engaging in cross-sectoral discussions with all governmental and non-governmental stakeholders is crucial for stability.

[4] Infrastructure and Logistics Deficiencies: Significant weaknesses in the region's infrastructure, particularly in transportation and logistics systems, pose major obstacles to the efficient collection, processing, and movement of bulky recycled materials.

[5] Material Suitability and Diversification: Since fishing net materials in the region may include polymers beyond Bureo's primary target, Nylon 6 (PA), further research is required to assess the feasibility of recycling polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) found in local fishing gear.

However, establishing robust partnerships with all key stakeholders is crucial. This engagement must include local actors (fishermen and their families, community leaders, and local officials), as well as high-level decision-makers (national policy makers and government officials). To facilitate this, the project should leverage the institutional support of international organizations such as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Mekong River Commission (MRC), Ocean Conservancy, The Ocean Cleanup, and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI).

Community-level cooperation must avoid criticizing traditional practices. Engagement should begin with economic incentives or assistance that offers greater value than existing unsustainable livelihoods. This strategy should leverage local cultural and religious affinity (e.g., the belief in a protecting river deity, similar to the Goddess Ganga in the Lower Mekong region) by integrating river cleanup activities into municipal festivals held to honor the deity. Rewards must carry both spiritual and economic value, such as monetary prizes combined with formal recognition or royal patronage to maximize local motivation and symbolic impact.

Using the “triangular relationship” model for Social Engagement, to maximize social impact in the Lower Mekong region, which maintains a strong cultural affinity for beauty pageants, we propose a Triangular Partnership Model that extends beyond mere economic cooperation. This model requires a sustained collaboration among Companies (Bureo and partners), Cultural Icons (Beauty Pageants/Local Celebrities), and Educational Institutions.

Implementation and Communication Strategy

This collaborative effort should involve year-round engagement activities across local communities and schools. Furthermore, leveraging the reach of digital influencers and online content creators is crucial for disseminating information rapidly. For instance, following the successful model of organizations such as Flop Education Org., which collaborated with TikToker name is Babyjolystar to present scientific knowledge, the partnership can utilize these platforms to normalize and popularize plastic recycling among youth in the region.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations (UN), are a global framework aimed at solving critical social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030. Bureo's ocean plastic recycling model aligns directly with the framework's five core Pillars (5Ps), and six specific goals (SDGs 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, and 17).

[1] People (SDG 8): Promote decent work by fostering inclusive public participation and creating stable, dignified livelihoods and economic empowerment for fishing and riverine communities.

[2] Planet (SDG 12 & 14): Directly address ocean plastic pollution and eliminate ghost fishing gear in the Mekong River, lakes, and oceans. This effort leads the transition to responsible consumption and production by serving as a model for circular business practices.

[3] Prosperity (SDG 9): Drive sustainable economic growth through innovation (NetPlus® technology) and develop the necessary infrastructure for collecting, processing, and integrating recycled material into global supply chains.

[4] Peace (SDG 16): Ensure project transparency and accountability through formal, legal agreements, thereby building trust and strong, just institutions within local and international supply chains.

[5] Partnership (SDG 17): Establish multidimensional cooperation by mobilizing diverse stakeholders (governments, NGOs, and the private sector) to tackle shared environmental and social challenges.

Strategic Recommendations for Bureo's Mekong Expansion

[1] Full Localization and Equitable Wealth Distribution: Localize the entire value chain, from net collection to final product manufacturing, to ensure equitable wealth distribution and maximize job and income generation within local communities.

[2] Community Incentive Mechanism: Implement a high-profile incentive program, such as “The River Goddess Ganga Gratitude Festival”, that rewards both individuals and communities, tying community-level prizes directly to infrastructure development projects (e.g., waste management systems).

[3] Market-Driven Product and Promotion Strategy: Focus production on competitive, market-tested products (e.g., Performance Cruisers, Surf Fins) and leverage digital influencers or celebrities to amplify product sustainability claims and drive consumer adoption.

[4] Localized Research & Development (R&D): Conduct in-depth market research to identify local consumer demands. Invest in R&D to diversify the product line and develop region-specific products that directly cater to the needs of the Mekong region.

[1] P.32 Mekong River Commission (MRC). 2010. State of the Basin Report 2010 https://www.mrcmekong.org/?download_document=1&document_id=01YJPZCUZEXSMF67UT5RDJ22FPZWO3NYQT&name=State-of-the-Basin-Report-2010.pdf