On June 18, 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), welcomed a delegation from Taiwan comprising executives from the Material and Chemical Research Laboratories (MCL), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), together with executives from Chiao Fu Material Co., Ltd. and NatureWorks. The visit took place in Meeting Room M506, MTEC Building, Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani Province.
On this occasion, Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of MTEC, together with Dr. Chanchana Thanachayanont, Director of the Environmental Research Group; Dr. Pairote Jittham, Director of the Rubber Processing Innovation Research Group; Dr. Pawadee Methacanon, Director of the Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group; and Dr. Atitsa Petchsuk, Senior Researcher with the Material Modification Innovation Research Team, welcomed the delegation. The participants discussed potential collaboration in materials research and technology development and exchanged information and perspectives on low-carbon industrial development in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, particularly in the rubber, plastics, and chemical industries. The discussion also covered applications of low-carbon materials technologies to promote resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and advance sustainable industrial development.
At the beginning of the meeting, the delegation received an overview of MTEC’s mission, roles, and research capabilities, followed by a presentation on ITRI’s Material and Chemical Research Laboratories (MCL). The organizations then discussed potential collaboration, focusing on technologies for sustainability, polymer and rubber materials development, and opportunities to build upon research and innovation through future joint initiatives.
The delegation also visited the laboratory of the Plastic Technology Research Team, where Dr. Noppadon Kerddonfag, Research Team Leader, welcomed the visitors and presented the team’s work on film and plastic processing. The participants exchanged knowledge and experience in plastic processing technologies and materials development aimed at meeting the future needs of industry.
The Latex and Rubber Materials Research Team presented its innovative biodegradable rubber seedling bag, a new alternative to petroleum-based plastic bags. Made by processing natural rubber into a bio-based material, the bag provides suitable strength for nursery use over a period of three to six months. A key advantage of the innovation is that farmers can plant rubber seedlings directly in the soil without removing the bags, as the roots can penetrate them naturally. This simplifies the planting process, reduces labor requirements, and sustainably helps curb pollution from plastic waste in rubber plantations.
The visit by the Taiwanese delegation reflects MTEC’s role under NSTDA in fostering research and innovation networks with international partners. It also provided an important opportunity to connect expertise across countries in pursuit of low-carbon materials technologies and innovations that support sustainable industrial growth in the future.