October 22, 2025
Phra Wisanu Room, 3rd Floor, Asawin Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok
The National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), an entity of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), hosted the seminar “Advancing Thai Industries Toward the Circular Economy with Recycle/Upcycle Innovation and Technology” in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM). The event was conducted to support a project aimed at strengthening industrial capabilities to engage with circular-economy markets through innovative technology. It attracted significant interest from entrepreneurs, government officials, and researchers, resulting in substantial attendance.
Dr. Kittipan Bangyikhan, Director of the Raw Materials Innovation and Downstream Industries Division, DPIM, stated that DPIM maintains a strong emphasis on the efficient development and utilization of resources, particularly by advancing the use of technology in managing industrial waste, enhancing the effective reuse of residual materials, and developing technologies that increase the economic value of raw materials. These efforts are aligned with the government’s current BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) industrial policy. He noted that these initiatives are strongly supported by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA, as well as by entrepreneurs who shared knowledge and presented practical approaches. Their contributions are instrumental in establishing a collaborative network among government agencies, researchers, and the private sector to drive Thai industries toward sustainability under the circular economy framework.
Dr. Sitthisuntorn Supothina, Deputy Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), emphasized that MTEC–NSTDA is committed to advancing Thailand’s industrial sector toward a tangible shift to the Circular Economy. This is achieved through the utilization of science, technology, and materials innovation to improve manufacturing and add value to industrial byproducts, rendering them reusable in line with the principles of Recycling and Upcycling. These initiatives aim to assist industrialists in mitigating environmental impact, enhancing production efficiency, and strengthening the nation’s overall competitiveness.
Ms. Araya Salaipetch, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM), presided over the seminar’s opening and presented certificates to entrepreneurs participating in the project to develop and enhance industrial capabilities, fostering stronger links to circular-economy markets through innovation and technology. During the address, Ms. Araya congratulated the participants. She expressed her appreciation to partner organizations, notably the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), for their sustained collaboration in advancing the project. She noted that these joint efforts play an essential role in assisting Thai industrial entrepreneurs to adapt and sustainably strengthen their competitiveness.
The seminar also featured a presentation on the project’s outcomes, focusing on developing and enhancing industrial establishments to connect with circular-economy markets through innovation and technology. Dr. Anucha Wannagon, Director of the Ceramics and Construction Materials Research Group at MTEC–NSTDA and Project Leader, delivered an overview that summarized the project’s implementation and key achievements.
Furthermore, the seminar featured case studies presented by entrepreneurs participating in the project, showcasing practical applications of circular technologies within the industrial sector. Specific instances were demonstrated, including:
- Thai Fine Sinter Co., Ltd.: “Recycling Metal Powder Parts: Turning Waste into New Opportunities.”
- Cam Global Aluminium Co., Ltd.: “Improving Manufacturing Processes to Reduce Flux Consumption in Rotary Furnaces.”
- Thai Citric Acid Co., Ltd.: “From Synthetic Gypsum Waste to Sustainable Raw Materials for the Construction Industry”.
- Siam Kraft Industry Co., Ltd.: “Eco-Friendly Concrete: A Major Step Toward Low-Carbon Industry Through the Recycling of Biomass Fly Ash and Bottom Ash”.
- M.R. Separator Limited Partnership: “Recycling Industrial Waste for Concrete Block Production – Learning, Understanding, and Applying Proper Practices”.
- KM.34 Tannery Industrial Estate Co., Ltd. & KeraTiles Ceramic Co., Ltd.: “Chromium Extraction Technology from Industrial Waste for the Production of Ceramic Pigment Powders.”
All presentations and case studies highlighted the strength of collaboration among government agencies, researchers, and the private sector in driving Thailand’s circular economy forward in a tangible and impactful manner.