In the fight against plastic pollution, a Cambodian social enterprise is making a big impact. TonToTon is pioneering a community-based solution for managing and treating non-recyclable plastic waste.
This innovative approach tackles Cambodia’s environmental crisis while empowering local communities and fostering a circular economy.
TontoTon focuses on ‘orphan plastics’, lightweight, low-value plastic waste often excluded from traditional recycling systems.
Through a collaborative effort with households, communities and businesses they collect plastic waste. It then undergoes what is known as co-processing, safely converted into fuel used by cement kilns. This not only diverts plastic from landfills and the environment but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels in cement production.
TontoTon’s impact on Cambodia extends beyond waste management.
Their model empowers local communities by creating jobs in waste collection and processing. This not only fosters economic empowerment but also promotes a sense of ownership and environmental responsibility within communities.
EXO Cambodia actively champions TonToTon and their efforts in the community.
In early 2024, we created a Plastic Impact Tour centred around a visit to TonToTon. The experience, which lasts around 1-1.5 hours, makes for an informative, engaging stop on the drive to Cambodia’s southern beaches. In addition, EXO purchases recycled plastic products made by TonToTon to give to guests on select responsible journeys.
Recently, the EXO Cambodia team visited the facility as part of their annual retreat, getting a closer look at the efforts and impacts of TontoTon. The EXO Foundation, the non-profit arm of EXO Travel, has also lent support with a recent financial donation equivalent to the amount of plastic used in our Cambodia operations in 2023.
EXO Cambodia Product Manager, Sophie Chan, explains, ‘Aligned with our values, we are incredibly proud to support TonToTon. By introducing our guests to the project through our Plastic Impact Tour or by offering them products created by TonToTon, they can also contribute to and support the project.’
EXO Cambodia’s Plastic Impact Tour
During a visit to Sihanoukville or travelling through Cambodia’s southern coast, make a stop at TontoTon.
A guided tour of their Material Recovery Facility explores the challenges of plastic pollution in Cambodia and the ways that TontTon is addressing these challenges.
The tour provides a deeper understanding of responsible plastic consumption as guests see how plastic waste is sorted, shredded and transformed into new products through upcycling. An interactive workshop further educates guests on the impact of TontoTon’s efforts.
At the end of the visit, guests receive a certificate of contribution, a lasting reminder of their positive impact on the environment and local livelihoods.
Reach out to EXO Cambodia team or view the tour online to learn more and book!
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt="">