The UTAR PR CSR Project, We Want No Plastic, took place in June 2024 and was organised by 62 students from the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations programme, under the guidance of their project advisor, Ms Diong Fong Wei. As part of the project, the members of the We Want No Plastic team visited Zantat Sdn Bhd’s Perak branch in Kampung Kepayang on 15 August 2024.

This enlightening visit was led by Dr Tai Nyok Ling, Research and Development Manager of Zaneco Sdn Bhd, alongside Ms Alicia. They presented an engaging promotional video detailing the history of Zantat Sdn Bhd and its subsidiary, Zaneco Sdn Bhd. The video highlighted Zantat’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, green technology, and the reduction of environmental pollution. The students were also provided with a comprehensive explanation of the companies’ business operations, product lines, and core values.

Following the presentation, the students had the chance to engage with Zantat’s professionals and observe the production process of high-grade calcium carbonate powder and dispersion products. As a leading producer of calcium carbonate in Malaysia, Zantat Sdn Bhd illustrated how industrial activities can be aligned with environmentally sustainable practices. The company is recognised for its innovative production techniques and its focus on sustainability governance, carbon footprint reduction, and the development of compostable bioplastics through Zaneco Sdn Bhd. This approach closely aligns with the goals of the We Want No Plastic project.

Zaneco Sdn Bhd has developed a revolutionary compostable bag known as Earthya. The Earthya Compostable Bag is an innovative and sustainable solution to combat food waste and plastic pollution. Unlike traditional plastic bags, Earthya bags are 100% compostable, breaking down swiftly in the presence of microorganisms to form nutrient-rich compost, leaving no harmful residues. This makes them an ideal alternative for waste management, supporting a circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources that benefit plant growth.

Dr Tai expressed her sincere appreciation to the We Want No Plastic committee members and their advisor, Ms Diong, for their initiatives. She praised the students’ talent, creativity, and dedication to the project.

Chen Zhi Shan, Project Director of We Want No Plastic, remarked, “Our primary objective in visiting Zantat and Zaneco was to gain a deeper understanding of our project partner’s business. Zaneco, as a growing business specialising in compostable bags, exemplifies sustainable development through its innovative integration of calcium carbonate in products that decompose within six months. This aligns perfectly with the core values of the We Want No Plastic project.”

Wong Ket Kian, Deputy Director of the project, expressed his admiration for the Earthya Compostable Food Waste Bags, stating, “Plastic has become a vital part of daily life, so it is crucial to mitigate its environmental impact. The Earthya bag is truly a breakthrough in addressing this issue. This visit not only strengthened my confidence in environmental protection but also reassured me that we are not fighting alone. We are collaborating with many like-minded individuals to advance environmental sustainability. This collective effort fuels our hope for a greener future.”

Koh Yi Lin, Head of the Non-Profit Development Department, shared, “After visiting Zaneco, I learned that the company not only produces compostable bags but also calcium carbonate, which is essential in reducing environmental pollution. I had the chance to witness the production process of Earthya bags firsthand. Zaneco’s researchers also introduced me to the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques they use to assess the thermal stability and composition of materials, which are key in producing environmentally sustainable products.”