Dow and TISTR Sign an MOU to Tackle Community Plastic Waste with Science, Technology, and Innovation

Bangkok 8 September 2021 – Dow Thailand Group (Dow), a leading materials science company with a strong commitment to sustainability, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) for a project named “Improving Community's Segregated Plastic Waste through Science, Technology, and Innovation.” The project aims to promote the use of scientific, technological, and innovative research findings to tackle community plastic waste problems. It enhances the community sorting hub to improve the quality and value of used plastics, while generating sustainable income for community members in line with circular economy principles. Dow and TISTR are committed to this approach as a sustainable solution.

Thailand is grappling with increasing amounts of waste, especially with the spread of COVID-19. The amount of plastic waste generated has surged by 15 percent, from an average of 5,500 tons a day to 6,300 tons a day—with only 23 percent making it into the recycling system. As part of an effort to reduce plastic pollution and community waste, the Thai government aims to have 100 percent of plastic waste in Thailand recycled by 2027 through an efficient recycling system.

Dow's expertise in materials science and experience in promoting community engagement, along with TISTR's body of knowledge, will be integrated to enhance sustainable waste management solutions. The waste management community model set up together by the organizations will serve as a platform for expansion to other communities in the future.

"We’re currently in a situation where there are limited global resources and growing demands. Science, technology, and innovation are vital for people’s well-being and a sustainable environment. Basic infrastructure and community engagement are also essential in optimizing the use of valuable resources to its fullest in a circular economy, especially used plastics. This project aligns with Dow’s sustainability targets, which were announced last year, to “stop the waste.” Dow aims to enable the collection, reuse, or recycling of 1 million metric tons of plastic through its direct actions and partnerships,” said Chatchai Luanpolcharoenchai, Dow Thailand President.

“TISTR and Dow recognize the importance of community engagement in waste management, using scientific and technological research findings. Funded by the Program Management Unit for National Competitiveness Enhancement (PMU-C), TISTR collaborates with private sector organizations to utilize its research findings to promote concrete community waste management according to the BCG economic model. Waste is considered a critical problem that requires proper management to avoid long-term impacts on the environment and people’s well-being. Creating value-added in community waste management is extremely important. This is especially true for plastic waste, which can be used as quality secondary raw material, further supporting the country’s industrial sector,” said Prof. Dr. Chutima Eamchotchawalit, Governor of the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR).

The “Improving Community's Segregated Plastic Waste through Science, Technology, and Innovation.” project consists of five key activities to be implemented in three years:

Improving the plastic waste sorting center and setting up a second-hand store in the community. This is focused on used plastics and food and agricultural waste recycling at a pilot site in the village of Wangwa, in Klang District, Rayong Province.
Creating methods and tools to measure the quality of recycled plastics standards; e.g., density and community testing.
Developing a curriculum for “Zero Waste Management,” with an emphasis on waste management based on the circular economy model.
Developing online tools—particularly mobile applications—linking the community to qualified waste-related businesses to promote waste management in a concrete manner.
Visualizing lessons learned from successful community waste management projects to develop a manual for expansion to other communities.

Community waste and used plastics management through science, technology, innovation, and community engagement will help efficiently drive plastic waste management policy while reducing environmental impact. Successful project implementation will deliver sustainable solutions and serve as a model for expansion to other communities.

For more information about the collaboration, please visit https://youtu.be/EJz2M8Qy9LY

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation and leading business positions to achieve profitable growth. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company, with a purpose to deliver a sustainable future for the world through our materials science expertise and collaboration with our partners. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer care. Dow operates 106 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $39 billion in 2020. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow our Facebook at www.facebook.com/DowThailandGroup/.

For additional information for the media, please contact:

Mrs. Apiradee Poopirom
Dow Thailand Group
Tel. 02-3657296 / 081-8026933
Email: papiradee@dow.com

Mr. Suttipong Krotintakom
Dow Thailand Group
038-673315 / 081-7919626
Email: skrotintakom@dow.com

Miss Lalida Tidadoldilok
Dow Thailand Group
Tel. 02-3657228 / 089-6687079
Email: lalida@dow.com