Thailand Unveils Initiatives to Boost Demand for Biodegradable Plastics

During a recent cabinet meeting in Thailand, a progress report on the review of measures for the development of the country's bio-industry from 2018 to 2027 was presented. The report outlined plans to stimulate the demand for biodegradable plastics.

The Central Accounting Office has introduced measures to promote environmentally friendly products and services. It designates eco-friendly packaging based on the Pollution Control Department's list of environmental products and services—a product category strongly supported and promoted by the government. Simultaneously, the Tax Department has issued related tax measures to encourage the use of biodegradable plastic products. According to Tax Law No. 749 of 2022, the deadline for companies or legal partnerships to deduct the expenses paid for certified biodegradable plastic products by the Industrial Economic Office has been extended. This allows a tax exemption equivalent to 1.25 times the expenses paid, applicable from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. The initiative covers 11 types of biodegradable plastic products, including tote bags, garbage bags, plastic cups, disposable plastic trays, spoons, forks, knives, plastic straws, plastic bags for planting, soil cover films, plastic bottles, glass lids, and glass lid films.

As of now, the Industrial Economic Office has issued 102 certificates to 8 companies. They have also published the office's guidelines and standards for issuing certificates for biodegradable plastic products, along with 19 product standards for bioproducts set by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute in the fiscal year 2022. A total of 346 standards have been implemented, with an additional 32 product standards for bioproducts introduced in the fiscal year 2023.

Furthermore, measures have been taken to establish a Bio Excellence Center (CoBE) in the form of a network for the Plastic Research Institute. Serving as a central coordinating body, it connects and prepares for relevant research, technology, and bio-innovation to drive the industry towards a bio-economy direction.

The cabinet meeting resolutions underscore the necessity of various actions, including the enforcement of mandatory measures, determining the usage ratio of biodegradable plastics in production, such as PLA bioplastics, and formulating corresponding Green Procurement policies and utilizing Green Products, including bioproducts, in government activities. The introduction of labels for products using biodegradable plastics is also part of the plan. If the anticipated effects are realized, the production costs per unit will decrease as demand increases, leading to widespread adoption. In the future, the use of plastic products may no longer evoke feelings of guilt.

来源： 可降解可循环中心