BACK Keeping Up with Global Trends: On Bioplastics and Waste Reduction for Sustainable Industry
Environmental issues are becoming a major concern for many, as rapid population growth, technological advancements, and economic development lead to significant waste problems. Today, waste is a global challenge, with severe impacts on the environment, human health, and society. One of the solutions is to develop industries that produce alternatives to plastic products, such as containers, packaging, and materials made from natural sources. These alternatives can play a vital role in creating a sustainable future for both the environment and public health.
Laws and Regulations on Single-Use Plastic Ban Effective in 2024
Following the European Union’s (EU) decision to ban single-use plastic products on January 16, 2018, to reduce plastic waste—a major environmental issue contributing to global warming—countries around the world are facing changes. The EU now imposes waste management taxes on companies producing single-use plastics. Many countries have been affected by this, especially those exporting to the EU, as they must comply with these new regulations. Initially, several countries struggled to adjust, but the law is already being enforced on ten types of products, including:
- Plastic food containers
- Plastic cups
- Cotton swabs
- Plastic cutlery/straws/stirrers
- Balloons and plastic balloon sticks
- Snack wrappers
- Beverage packaging and caps
- Cigarette filters
- Wet wipes/sanitary products
- Plastic bags
Countries exporting these products to the EU must now use materials that can be recycled, reused, or naturally biodegradable. China, the world’s top exporter to the EU, began implementing these regulations in five major cities in 2021 and plans to extend them nationwide by 2024. For Thailand, the EU is its eighth-largest export market, prompting private companies to research and develop environmentally friendly materials to comply with the regulations while maintaining their market share in the EU.
Opportunities for Thailand's Bioplastics Industry
More than 90% of Thailand’s bioplastic production is currently for export, with the U.S. and Europe as the main markets due to legal requirements. Domestically, usage remains low, but in the future, collaboration between the public and private sectors will be crucial to encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials. This could drive rapid growth in Thailand’s bioplastics industry, benefiting everyone from farmers to manufacturing plants
As a leading agricultural nation, Thailand has the potential to become a key player in developing bioplastic products in Southeast Asia and beyond. Developing bioplastics in Thailand can help reduce plastic waste and create new business opportunities. It also adds value to agricultural industries, enhancing the reputation of Thai products globally. Agricultural materials that can be used to produce bioplastics include cassava residue, sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, and corn stalks—items often burned by farmers. Using these materials helps reduce carbon emissions and contributes to the fight against global warming, while also improving the prices of agricultural products for Thai farmers.
Environmentally Friendly Production Processes
Beyond the raw materials used, factories and production processes must also be environmentally friendly. Initially, production facilities must be certified under ISO 14001, the environmental management standard. Most factories located in industrial estates are already certified due to legal requirements. These include wastewater treatment, waste separation, and minimizing waste during production, all of which must be verified and audited by relevant agencies. 304 Industrial Park, located near agricultural resources and labor pools, ensures that there are enough raw materials available for bioplastic production to meet demand.
The bioplastics industry is poised to become one of the largest markets in the future. Not only will it cover the ten products mentioned above, but it could also expand into other industries, including apparel, where many brands are starting to research and develop sustainable alternatives. For Thailand, adopting bioplastics presents opportunities for industries such as tourism and other sectors linked to environmental conservation. Using eco-friendly materials can improve the country’s image in terms of environmental responsibility, boosting confidence in products made in Thailand.
Thus, developing Thailand’s bioplastics industry not only addresses environmental issues but also creates business opportunities and enhances global recognition for high-quality, environmentally friendly products made in Thailand.
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