The Myanmar Plastics Market is expected to reach a net manufacturing amount of 331.46 kilotons in 2025 and reach 410.49 kilotons by 2030 according to Mordor Intelligence. A surge in real estate projects and increasing consumer needs has boosted this industry. Technological innovations in the field of manufacturing and operations have also contributed to increased production accuracy.
However, due to a lack of consumer knowledge about recycling, along with concerns about environmental sustainability, most plastic product manufacturers do not promote the recyclability of plastics. Considering the environmental pollution taking place because of the increased amount of plastic waste, organizations need to implement circular economy measures and lower the amount of pollution.
Kyin Oo, Founder & Chairman, POPULAR GROUP has started to implement a CSR program together with the goal to emerge as one of the trustworthy manufacturers that promote the idea of environmental sustainability by recycling plastic and producing standard quality products.
He tested many trials to be able to manufactures with 40 percent recycled materials and 60 percent virgin materials that are able to meet with global standards. In developing economies like Myanmar, readily available and cost-effective materials like wood have traditionally been used for everyday items. However, advancements in materials science have led to the widespread adoption of plastic in many applications.
Notably, over one million plastic chairs have effectively replaced their wooden counterparts for everyday use, offering benefits such as durability, affordability, and diverse design options. While plastic offers these advantages, environmental concerns are paramount. His company is committed to sustainable practices and does not produce harmful plastic bags, actively seeking environmentally friendly alternatives.
Having been a part of the industry for more than 40 years, Kyin Oo celebrated the company’s Ruby Jubilee in 2025. The company is currently specializing in the manufacturing of a complete range of plastic product categories ranging from construction uses PVC pipes and profiles, water tanks, electrical accessories such as heavy-duty electric switches, durable trunking, electrical conduct pipes, industrial use crates and edible oil containers, agricultural use accessories and animal feeding related plastic products, household plastic wares, melamine wares, food containers, and road barriers.
“I started this company at a young age, and very slowly and steadily grew the business. Today, our company is operating with 20 offices and 25 factories throughout the whole country. Our products are being accepted by consumers at large and the company has been present to supply local demand.
We did face some challenges during the pandemic but since 2021-22, the company has been able to come back on track and cater to the diverse requirements of consumers”, mentions Kyin Oo, Founder & Chairman, POPULAR GROUP.
Honesty in Approach
During the establishment and foundation of the company in 1985, the Founder's initial aim was to become one of the leading companies in the plastic product manufacturing sectors in Myanmar. Currently, the initial goal has been reached, and the new goal is to diversify the company into other manufacturing industries and to become a trusted company in manufacturing sector, excluding livestock and alcohol related businesses.
Kyin had implemented a CSR program that is primarily to support the Human Resources of the company and to raise the morale and life security of its loyal employees. The company has established a nursing home for retired employees. “The company also helps manage the health and wealth of the employees. For health-related issues, the company diversified into the healthcare sector by establishing clinics. Our employees can go to the clinic at a discounted rate”, states Kyin.
Being a renowned manufacturer in the country, Kyin Oo’s company handles a significant workforce that is both skilled and unskilled. It always treats all the employees alike and plans to open a general hospital in the future to add further value to their health and safety. The company also has a policy of investing hotel properties in the country so that employees can spend vacations at discounted prices. For the wealth of employees, the company motivates employees to purchase estate in locations that have future growth potential.
And if employees require financial assistance during the purchase, the company will lend with a hire purchase policy with low interest rate. Also, if the employees feel insecure about that investment or needed cash flow at some time in the future, the company is willing to help purchase back immediately with the market price. “This motivation is mainly to support employees and their family’s future health-related issues. But before investing in the land, we motivate employees to purchase own house or home which is the most basic essential for one life security”, he adds.
We highly value the well-being of our employees, both their health and livelihoods, which is why we’ve expanded into the healthcare sector by establishing our own clinics
Sound Leadership
As the Founder and Chairman of the company, Kyin not only takes care of the employees but also is very responsible in his duties towards communities and religions. As a part of a Buddhist country that is governed by the path of the Lord Buddha, the company donates necessities such as rice, cooking oil, and salt monthly to the monks' communities in every location where the company has offices.
“We have mainly supported under-resourced monasteries for 15 years, enabling monks to focus on their spiritual practice without the burden of material needs. And we remain committed to this support. Each year, we support rural communities by improving educational facilities, such as repairing roofs and constructing water wells for their use”, states Kyin.
For over 20 years, Kyin Oo has participated in boxing, hiking, and equestrian federations of Myanmar, serving as Patron, President, Vice President, and CEC. He always aims for the benefit of the country, the citizens, the organization, and staff families and associations.
Road Ahead
Since its inception in 1985, the company has gained significant trust and recognition in the market because of its good quality products, customer-centric approach, and internal and external CSR/CSV approach. Looking ahead, he wants to carry on with the good work and become one of the manufacturing industry leaders that can supply substitutes for import products that bring more value to the country, rather than relying on imports. “We are promoting environmental sustainability by using recycled plastics and will continue to implement more eco-friendly measures in the coming years”, concludes Kyin Oo.
Kyin Oo, Founder & Chairman, POPULAR GROUP
Kyin Oo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Throughout his career, Kyin has been actively involved in various organizations and has held several leadership roles. He has served as the Vice President and Patron of Myanmar Traditional Boxing since 2010. Additionally, he was involved with the Myanmar Hiking and Mountaineering Federation from 2000 to 2019, where he held the positions of Vice President and Patron. Kyin is currently serving in multiple roles within the Myanmar Equestrian Federation, including Vice President and President, since 2010. Furthermore, he has been a Joint Secretary and Vice President of the Myanmar Plastic Industries Association (MPIA) from 2016.
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read more...
.jpg "Technology in Cancer Care: A story of evolving paradigms")
.jpg "Bringing Shop Floor to Manufacturer's palm: Smart Factory Solutions for tomorrow")
