Thailand fights against plastic waste: new recycling system presented!

Thailand fights against plastic waste: new recycling system presented!

Combating plastic pollution in Thailand has become increasingly important in recent years. The petrochemical industry group in Thailand (ส.อ.ท.) has launched an initiative to develop a system for returning plastic waste for recycling. The goal? Creating high-quality raw materials for the new era and supporting the promising target industry, also known as S-curve. This initiative actively works to improve the infrastructure for the recovery of used materials to combat the pressing problem of plastic pollution. The initiative is part of the comprehensive plastic waste management roadmap, which was launched back in 2018 and is valid until 2030.

The chairman of the petrochemical industry group, Apichai Charoensuk, reports on 28 member companies that have come together to address these challenges. All sectors of society—from government to private sector to citizens—should be involved in the development of a sustainable plastic circular system. This partnership, known as PPP Plastics, emphasizes the role of collaboration between different stakeholders in society to reduce plastic levels. "Thailand is ready to comply with the plastic reduction framework," said PPP Plastics.

The role of PPP Plastics

Cooperation between government, business and civil society is becoming increasingly important in waste and plastic waste management. PPP Plastics recently held a seminar to promote the circular economy. Over 40 organizations and more than 100 representatives attended this important event. Despite the challenges posed by waste management—Thailand produces 27-28 million tons of waste annually, less than 50% of which is managed correctly—there are already clear lines of action. With a clear plastic waste management action plan covering Phase 2 from 2023 to 2027, Thailand is on a solid path.

It is also particularly noteworthy that the petrochemical industry in Thailand has a total value of 2.4 trillion baht and accounts for 13% of the gross domestic product. In 2023 alone, the export value was nearly 500 billion baht, accounting for 5% of the country's total exports. This industry creates around 400,000 jobs and supports around 3,000 small and medium-sized businesses. This shows how interconnected and important the industry is for the Thai economy.

Environmental and market aspects

Despite all these successes, Thailand faces serious challenges in plastics management. According to the World Bank The mismanagement of plastic waste is a huge problem that has not only economic but also serious environmental consequences. Asia is responsible for over 80% of plastic emissions into marine environments, with Thailand ranking sixth in the global rankings.

A major obstacle to recycling plastic is the high cost structure. The prices for recycled products are often higher than those for new raw materials, which slows demand accordingly. Another starting point of the regulation is extended producer responsibility, which is seen as a central component of the sustainable circular economy. This could help manufacturers take an active role in combating plastic pollution.

Despite the global challenges, Thailand is already actively influencing plastic waste management. The Global Plastics Treaty, considered the first legally binding agreement to control plastic pollution, includes 184 participating countries. However, a successful conclusion is still a long way off as many points of contention remain open in the negotiations. Nevertheless, Thailand is determined to make progress on its own.

Hopefully, the initiatives and partnerships launched in recent years will not only advance recycling, but also contribute to reducing plastic production in Thailand in the long term. This is the only way the country can remain competitive in the global market while protecting its environment.