On 19 February 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), organized an online seminar titled “Success Cases of Reusable and Refillable Packaging Systems from Thailand and ASEAN countries .”
The seminar aimed to promote knowledge exchange and showcase practical initiatives on reusable and refillable packaging systems across ASEAN countries while strengthening capacity development for reuse systems in Thailand. The event highlighted upstream solutions that demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of reusable and returnable packaging models.
The seminar was officially opened by Ms. Hiroko Matsuo, Programme Management Officer from UNEP, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr.Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of MTEC. Key presentations included Mr. Rahyang Nusantara from Dietplastik Indonesia, who discussed reuse systems as upstream solutions, and Mr. Shingo Yoshizumi, CEO of Kaman Corporation, Japan, who shared experiences on a reusable takeaway container-sharing service.
The event also included panel discussions on refill systems for personal and home care products, as well as returnable packaging for food and beverage services. Experts from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, and Vietnam have shared their views as well as their experiences with implementing reuse systems across the region.
In addition, Thai case studies were presented by EcoCrew, Delifill, and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), highlighting practical reuse and refill initiatives in Thailand. The seminar also included a presentation by Ms. Jaya Raizada from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on advancing global reuse systems.
The seminar attracted 162 participants from 101 organizations across 11 countries, providing an important platform for knowledge exchange, regional collaboration, and the promotion of circular economy solutions to reduce plastic pollution in ASEAN countries.
