PCD Backs PRO-Thailand Network to Strengthen Sustainable Post-Consumer Packaging Management, Advancing Thailand's Waste Management Roadmap

Data from the PCD indicates that in 2021, approximately 24.98 million tonnes of solid waste were generated. Of this amount, only 7.89 million tonnes were sorted and recycled, while 9.28 million tonnes were properly disposed of. Consequently, over 7.81 million tonnes of solid waste were improperly disposed of. Among the solid waste collected and disposed of, some could have been repurposed. However, the lack of waste segregation by individuals leads to wasteful collection expenditure. Additionally, some portions become contaminated and require disposal, putting strain on the disposal system.

Mrs. Kanchalee Navickabhum, Deputy Director-General of the PCD, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasised "Efficient waste management across the country requires serious cooperation from all stakeholders to make tangible change. Currently, the PCD is addressing the nation's waste issues through a range of measures, including waste reduction at the source, enhancing waste management capabilities to promote resource circulation in line with circular economy principles, and advocating for proper waste management practices. The involvement of the private sector, exemplified by initiatives like the Packaging Recovery Organisation Thailand Network (PRO-Thailand Network), represents a crucial step in addressing post-consumer packaging waste by focusing on segregating and collecting post-consumer packaging for recycling or processing into alternative products."

The PCD recognised that for private sector-driven management of post-consumer packaging to be effective and successful, there must be legal support from the government. Consequently, the PCD has drafted the Thailand Sustainable Packaging Management Act (Bill) under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle. This principle mandates the involvement of all stakeholders in the packaging value chain, from design to disposal or recycling, ensuring equality and fairness, which conducives to establishing a circular economy in Thailand. While EPR principles have been proven successful in numerous countries, their application must be tailored to suit the Thai context. Therefore, the PCD is facilitating collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, academics, and civil society to develop and enforce the appropriate EPR laws for Thailand.

The Deputy Director-General of the PCD reiterated, "The Department stands ready to collaborate with all sectors in developing tools and support measures to pilot the operation of the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) model in a sandbox format. This PRO will serve as a representative of entrepreneurs facilitating the collection and segregation of post-consumer packaging, including both valuable items like PET bottles, aluminium cans, and glass bottles, and less valuable items like UHT beverage cartons, snack bags, and refill pouches, for recycling or sustainable management. Currently, the Department is discussing and coordinating with the private sector, which has voluntarily formed the Packaging Recovery Organization Thailand Network or called 'PRO-Thailand Network' to systematically manage post-consumer packaging. This initiative aims to translate theories gleaned from international practices into tangible actions within the Thai context, leveraging on-site learning and collaborative problem-solving with stakeholders across the packaging value chain."

The management team of PRO-Thailand Network has stated, "The focus of PRO-Thailand Network's work lies in managing the entire life cycle of packaging—from designing and selecting eco-friendly materials for packaging production to collecting post-consumer packaging for recycling or processing for alternative purposes, also known as recovery. This effort is being carried out through a pilot project in collaboration with the Resources Management for Sustainability (3R) Foundation. In addition, the PRO-Thailand Network has partnered with the PCD and other private sectors during the voluntary EPR period, to study and develop a national PRO including developing the pragmatic and effective draft Sustainable Packaging Management Act (Bill)."

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The pilot project of the PRO-Thailand Network has been operating since 2020, focusing on the collection of three types of post-consumer packaging: PET bottles, UHT beverage cartons, and Multi-layered Packaging (MLP) such as snack bags and refill pouches. Over the four-year period of project implementation, it has collected 40,134.15 tonnes of post-consumer PET bottles, 466.14 tonnes of UHT beverage cartons, and 1,178.56 tonnes of MLP. Importantly, the PRO-Thailand Network has worked with up to 13 recycling plants across Thailand, including supporting the work of the Saleng and Recycle Trader Association while raising awareness and encouring participation in the sustainable management of post-consumer packaging among the general public throughout its communication campaign.

Mrs. Kanchalee concluded, "The PRO model is one of the crucial tools for packaging management in accordance with the EPR principle. Therefore, the efforts of the PRO-Thailand Network represent as one of aspriations for the development of national PRO operational model, particularly in terms of collecting post-consumer packaging for recycling or processing into new sustainable products."