An ERIA report on carbon recycling in ASEAN says the region's uneven industrial strengths could become an advantage. Singapore could anchor chemical and synthetic fuel production from captured CO2, while Malaysia's offshore experience supports transport and storage, and Indonesia's urea, plastics, and energy sectors offer early uses for recycled carbon. Brunei's methanol and hydrogen export infrastructure is also noted as a possible foundation for future CO2-derived products, if clean power and credible accounting are added. The report warns that fragmented national rules and standards are the main barrier. Cross-border movement of captured CO2 or CO2-derived fuels would need separate approval and certification in each market. It proposes an ASEAN Carbon Recycling Council to harmonise regulations, support shared infrastructure, and set common monitoring and verification standards. Without that, projects will stay at pilot stage, and emissions claims will be hard to trust across borders.
