The pilot project will demonstrate use of biodegradable plastic bags to collect household organic waste in an efficient way, as well as the potential of producing organic matter or fertilizer from organic waste.
The project will support the recommendations for the bioplastics environmental policy to build composting facilities in Thailand, as it is the infrastructure required to realize the potential of composting. When the model is endorsed, the potential production capacity of high quality organic fertilizer is six million tons annually, which could be exported.
Suchinda Chotipanich, permanent secretary, ministry of science and technology, and chairman of bioplastics industry development subcommittee, said: “The pilot project is a key initiative towards the development of the bioplastics industry as one of Thailand’s new wave industries. In evaluating and developing sustainable options for end-of-life product waste management, we have to remember that landfilling of organic, biodegradable waste generates methane – a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide – and composting helps to reduce emission levels of this harmful green house gases.
“For the first time, since we put forth the road map for the development of the bioplastics industry which was approved by the Cabinet in 2008, we are implementing measures at a community level.”
The launch was held at the pilot plant site in the Kradangar District of Samut Songkhram province. Recommendations for the bioplastics environmental policy, which is expected to be completed within the next six months, will outline infrastructure, framework, instruments and guidelines to promote the use and production of bioplastics in Thailand.
