Abundant cash crops help make Thailand 2nd-biggest bioplastics producer
With a yearly production capacity of 95,000 tonnes, Thailand is now the second-largest producer of bioplastics in the world after the United States, which produces 150,000 tonnes.
Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri made the announcement on Monday citing data from the Thai Bioplastics Industry Association.
Anucha said Thailand is close on the heels of the US thanks to an abundance of cash crops like sugarcane and cassava and hopes to boost its annual capacity to 170,000 tonnes soon.
Of the 95,000 tonnes currently produced, 90% is exported and the rest sold locally, he said.
Bioplastics are not only seen as a solution to single-use plastics, but they also add value to the Thai agricultural industry and reduce carbon emissions.
Thailand’s bio-economy is part of the government’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model, which has been made part of the national agenda.
“This BCG model helps companies boost the value of their products with little or no environmental impact,” Anucha said.
He added that the government has applauded related industries for elevating Thailand’s business sector to international levels by using environmentally friendly and sustainable production systems.
Thailand is scheduled to hold an international exhibition, “Plastic and Rubber Thailand 2023”, which will focus on the transition towards sustainability. The expo will be held from May 10 to 13 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
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