Tailored Policy Design and Collaborative Action: Keys to Thailand’s Packaging Circularity

Introduction

Addressing post-consumer packaging issues is a global challenge, and Thailand is no exception. The Thai Government, alongside key stakeholders, has been actively devising packaging policies to enable genuine circularity. Tackling this challenge requires navigating the complex landscape of waste management, taking into consideration the unique contexts of Thailand. While the overarching goal of achieving packaging circularity is universal, strategies and implementation methods must be adaptable and context-specific to effectively address diverse challenges and uniqueness.

Deep Dive into the Uniqueness of Thailand’s Context

One distinctive feature of Thailand's waste management system is its vibrant informal sector driven primarily by individuals, often known as "saleng," who scour the streets, landfills, waterways, households, and businesses for recyclable materials. They significantly contribute to waste reduction and resource recovery. The "saleng” sector comprises small-scale independent collectors and larger recycling businesses. Independent collectors typically operate in specific neighborhoods, collecting materials door-to-door or from designated points, while larger recycling businesses manage sorting and processing facilities, handling higher volumes and selling materials to recycling companies.

Thailand also excels in proactive government and industry participation in driving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). In recent years, we have seen significant momentum toward EPR policy development. Noteworthy initiatives include the formation of the Packaging Recovery Organization Thailand Network (PRO-Thailand Network), which unites seven leading companies in a pilot collection model. A voluntary collaboration to drive and promote sustainable post-consumer packaging management by implementing the EPR principles, especially the PRO-model. It focuses on managing the entire lifecycle of packaging - from design to collection, recycling or upcycling including disposal as well as educating the general public on proper waste segregation to increase collection for recycling or recovery. Additionally, the successful establishment of the National EPR Committee underscores a collaborative effort to shape EPR policy, involving knowledge exchange, research endeavors, and testing of post-consumer packaging collection models. These actions represent crucial steps and highlight the strength of Thailand’s policy ecosystem in driving effective packaging policies.

Activating Circular Packaging: The Power of Teamwork & Collaborative Action

Beyond grasping Thailand's unique context, which profoundly influences practical policy, it is crucial to recognize that vibrant engagement from all stakeholders across the value chain emerges as the key to achieving packaging circularity. There are three key focus areas, each with distinct roles for different actors:

Eco-Design:

Producers and government sectors are pivotal at this stage. Producers play a crucial role in designing packaging that is easily recyclable or reusable. Years ago, plastic wraps were commonly used over water bottle caps, but manufacturers have voluntarily phased out in favor of more eco-conscious designs. More recently, several initiatives have emerged to promote sustainable packaging. Consumer goods brands such as Namthip and Minute Maid have innovated by reducing the use of virgin plastic and incorporating liquid nitrogen to strengthen their bottles, also, the manufacturers across Thailand are also exploring ways to minimize virgin plastic usage and transition to lightweight packaging. Opting for clear plastics to increase recyclability is also a packaging innovation, for example Sprite switching from green to clear bottles to facilitate easier recycling and incentivizing collectors and recyclers with the increase in value. Furthermore, in an effort to reduce waste at the source, many leading brands are developing label-free packaging, further contributing to environmental conservation. Notably, in 2023, leading brands in Thailand launched rPET bottles made from recycled plastics, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. These innovations are possible only thanks to the government sector’s involvement in easing regulatory constraints, further enhancing Thailand's readiness to adopt greener packaging designs.

Consumption:

Consumers play a critical role in household waste management, influencing the quality of post-consumer packaging feedstock and creating demand for sustainable alternatives. Continuous initiatives have been launched by the government, NGOs, and the private sector to raise awareness about waste segregation and shape consumer behaviors. Recycle Me Campaign is a good example of how brand owners, retailers, and recyclers collaborate to make recycling more accessible. The program, launched in 2021, encourages waste sorting from the start and offers prizes to participants, making recycling fun and engaging, suitable for Thai consumers’ preferences.

Post-Consumption:

Effective management of packaging during the post-consumption phase is crucial. This involves the collection, recycling, and disposal of post-consumer packaging materials, requiring collaboration among multiple stakeholders. Collectors gather discarded packaging, while recyclers transform these materials into new products. The government supports this phase through robust regulatory and policy frameworks providing the necessary structure and oversight.

At this stage, producers also unite to support the collection of high-quality post-consumer packaging from the environment. Closing the loop requires financial assistance. One of PRO-Thailand Network’s goals is to test a practical collection model for Thailand to increase the collection of three types of post-consumer packaging, namely PET, beverage cartons, and multi-layer packaging by providing financial support to maximize collection and recycling rates. PRO-Thailand Network also strives to elevate recycling awareness and engagement among the public.

Moreover, NGOs play significant roles in promoting community engagement, while industry associations support policy advocacy and foster collaboration that benefits both businesses and the environment.

Conclusion

Several stakeholder groups have been making great efforts to drive packaging circularity across the value chain by gradually learning and crafting models and initiatives to fit the specific context as much as possible. Tackling post-consumer packaging in Thailand requires a unique approach tailored to the country's specific context. Collective effort is essential to creating sustainable packaging solutions that meet the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

The Author:

Ignace Corthouts is the President of ThaiNamthip, a bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company and the leading beverage producer in Thailand since 1959. ?Ignace has extensive experiences working in the beverage industry across continents. Under his leadership, ThaiNamthip has continued to grow its business, with an unwavering focus on customers, product portfolio, people development, and sustainability.?