BANGKOK – 7 Sep 2023 Dow, a founding member of AEPW and PPP Plastics, led by Jim Fitterling, CEO, hosted a collaboration announcement for Thailand Plastic Circularity Ecosystem on September 7th, 2023, with over 20 leading organizations to advance the sustainable management of used plastics, prevent their entry into the environment, and transform them into alternative feedstocks for the industry.
Funded by AEPW and PPP Plastics, in collaboration with the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and EEC, Thailand’s Smart Recycling Hub Project will establish Material Recovery Facility (MRF) infrastructure and systems with the goal of recovering a minimum of 50,000 tons of high-quality plastic waste annually.
These MRFs will manage and process post-consumer recyclable materials, particularly plastics, to transform plastic waste into high-quality alternative feedstocks for the recycling industry. This project adheres to the principles of the circular economy and aligns with the national agenda on the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model.
"AEPW is delighted to witness the strong commitment and collaboration among government, private sectors, and civil society organizations to accelerate plastics circularity. We are pleased to support this initiative, which contributes not only to environmental conservation but also to enhancing the entire plastic waste management value chain. It represents the first ecosystem model in this region," commented Jacob Duer, CEO of AEPW.
"Collaborations like this make me more encouraged every day that – together – we can make a successful transition to a more circular economy and we can advance our communities and the world toward greater sustainability,” added Jim Fitterling, Chair and CEO of Dow and AEPW Chair.
Pornphrom N.S. Vikitsreth, Adviser to the Governor of Bangkok (Environmental Affairs), stated, “The cooperation of all parties under the Smart Recycling Hub project will be an essential element to support the policy implementation and scale up the campaign. In addition to creating more value of used materials while protecting the environment, it will eventually lead to the reduction of waste problems and costs of waste management.”
Dow Thailand, an active member of AEPW and PPP Plastics and leading member of the local implementation team, hosted the announcement event to support the kick-off of the Smart Recycling Hub feasibility study.