Thailand to Ban Three Types of Plastic

Thailand is working towards banning three types of plastic - microbeads, cap seals and oxo-degradable plastics by the year-end. And by 2022, the Cabinet is looking at banning four other types of single-use plastics - lightweight plastic bags less than 36 microns thick; styrofoam food containers for takeaways; plastic cups and plastic straws.

The Plastic Waste Management Road Map 2018 - 2030 also includes an ambitious plan for Thailand to use 100 per cent recycled plastic by 2027 in various forms, including turning waste into energy. Acknowledging the road map, the Cabinet assigned the Natural Resource and Environment Ministry to formulate a draft action plan for plastic waste management to be in line with their 20-year national strategy. Moreover, the Cabinet called for clear details on related agencies' role in the integration of the work for managing plastic waste. "The work procedure must consider lifecycle plastic-waste management so steps are taken from the very start - with plastic products designed applying the 'Eco Design' approach, manufacturing and post-consumption disposal which will include garbage separation, transport and storing, recycling and proper disposal."