NSTDA Collaborates with TIPMSE to Advance EPR and Promote Sustainable Packaging Practices in Thailand

On 30 September 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA, participated in the “Sustainable Packaging Management Network Showcase” under the theme “Driving EPR: Turning Packaging into Raw Materials” at the Sustainability Expo (SX2025). The event was organized by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The initiative unified partners from various sectors to promote the practical implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Thailand.

The panel discussion highlighted the importance of Thailand’s recycling industry as a vital foundation for promoting EPR, with each material demonstrating unique potential.

  • Glass: Achieves a recycling rate of up to 65%, ranking among the highest globally, and can be reused infinitely without degrading its quality.
  • Packaging Paper: Utilizes over 95% recycled pulp as the main raw material and achieves a domestic recovery rate of up to 70%, supported by effective contaminant removal technologies.
  • PET plastics: Achieves a recovery rate between 60–80% and possesses a robust production capacity for high-quality recycled PET (rPET) that meets market demand, supported by internationally certified technologies.
  • Aluminum: A valuable material that naturally supports efficient collection systems. Thailand is recognized worldwide as a leader in aluminum can recycling technologies.
  • Beverage cartons: Despite significant challenges, recent innovations and specialized facilities now enable the separation of composite layers and the conversion of used cartons into higher-value products.

This partnership reaffirms the industrial sector’s readiness and the shared commitment of all stakeholders to develop a truly sustainable packaging management system in Thailand.