Thailand's fight against plastic waste: circular economy at risk!

Thailand's fight against plastic waste: circular economy at risk!

Thailand has the potential for a comprehensive circular economy system, particularly in the area of ​​plastics. But the transition to a more sustainable economy is being seriously delayed by a number of challenges. Loud today.line.me The stated goals for 2030 are still 2-4 years behind schedule. There is a lack of clear economic data and the appropriate infrastructure necessary for change.

A major problem is the misunderstanding of waste management and recycling. The circular economy is often reduced to just recycling, which promotes structural problems. Measures to reduce single-use plastics and a recycling rate of 50-70 percent are urgently needed in order to achieve the goals by 2030.

The role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is highlighted as a key mechanism to provide incentives and enforcement in the recycling process. rkcmpd-eria.org highlights the importance of all stakeholders — producers, consumers, government and civil society — working together to support the transition to a circular economy.

Thailand's waste management is based on the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act of 1992, which contains various laws regulating specific types of waste. These include the Public Health Act, which assigns responsibility for municipal waste to local governments, and the Factories Act, which regulates the management of industrial waste.

Strategic plans and action plans for plastic waste

An important document that sets the direction is the Plastic Waste Management Roadmap 2018-2030. This document is divided into three phases and aims to achieve a 100 percent recycling rate. In addition, the Bio-Circular-Green Economy Action Plan from 2021-2027 also plays a central role for plastics as a basis for the transition to a circular economy.

Recent implementations, such as the EPR model currently being tested in Chonburi, show progress towards a systematic solution to track plastic products from production to disposal. Nevertheless, implementing laws to reduce non-recyclable products is one of the most pressing challenges.

Consumer awareness and behavior are crucial to these changes. In Europe, deposit systems have already shown how incentives can be created. However, in Thailand there is still a need for information campaigns to clear up misconceptions and positively influence consumer behavior.

The challenges associated with plastic waste require an active and collaborative approach. Only through the interaction of production, consumption and efficient management can the ambitious vision of a comprehensive circular economy for plastic in Thailand become reality.