Drastic plastic

Thailand is at the forefront of Southeast Asia's efforts to reimagine how plastics are produced, consumed and recycled, writes Lamonphet Apisitniran

- Lamonphet Apisitniran

The results were striking: 11,243 reusable cups replaced 22,486 single-use cups and lids, while 1,992 reusable bowls eliminated an equal number of disposable containers.

In total, the initiative reduced nearly 24,500 pieces of single-use plastic.

City officials also partnered with the Environmental Justice Foundation and water service providers to install drinking water dispensers, reducing reliance on bottled water. Over the course of the event, 768 litres of water were dispensed, equivalent to avoiding 1,280 plastic bottles. The BMA said this saved 153.6 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions.

For Bangkok, these small but measurable victories demonstrate how urban policy can align with national sustainability goals.

GREEN PLASTICS

Businesses in the petrochemical and plastics sectors are increasingly embracing the concept of green polymers — plastics made from renewable resources or recycled materials.

"Thailand aims to promote green plastics by being a leading producer and implementing the BCG model to encourage sustainable resource use," said Thitithum Pongpanangarm, chairman of the FTI's Plastic Industry Club.

Among the most ambitious players is SCG Chemicals (SCGC), a unit of Siam Cement Group. SCGC is investing heavily in purification processes that turn plastic waste into usable polymers.

"We plan to produce up to 1 million tonnes of green polymers by 2030," said Sakchai Patiparnpreechavud, SCGC's president and chief executive.

The company's focus on plastic beads derived from waste reflects a broader industry trend towards high-value recycling.

Thailand's agricultural abundance also offers opportunities. The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board has highlighted sugar as a potential feedstock for plastics.