Plastics as a Major Environmental Challenge in Climate Fight

In the global fight against climate change, plastics have emerged as both a symbol of modern convenience and an environmental challenge. Thailand, which produces millions of tonnes of plastic waste annually, is now at the forefront of Southeast Asia's efforts to reimagine how plastics are produced, consumed and recycled.

The stakes are high. In addition to domestic sustainability goals, looming international trade rules could soon penalise carbon-heavy plastic imports, forcing industries to adapt or risk losing competitiveness.

One of the most direct ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is to change the way businesses and households handle plastics. From production lines to kitchen tables, the push is on to minimise reliance on virgin plastic, those made from fossil fuels, and to embrace recycling and green alternatives.

State agencies, private companies, and civic organisations have launched campaigns to cut waste and promote circular practices. Their collective efforts are helping Thailand's Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management gain momentum, while also preparing petrochemical manufacturers for the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a non-tariff barrier that could soon include plastics.

By 2027, officials expect 100 percent of plastic waste to be reusable. At the heart of this effort is PPP Plastics, the Public Private Partnership for Sustainable Plastic and Waste Management. The group has adopted circular economy principles, upcycling unwanted materials into new products, as part of Thailand's broader bio-circular-green economy model.

Thailand generates more than 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, though the exact figure remains uncertain due to incomplete data collection. The Petrochemical Industry Club, representing 28 companies, has pledged to transform waste into high-value products.

Plastic waste contributes to global warming at every stage of its lifecycle. Currently, Thailand is in the second phase of its roadmap from 2023 to 2027, which aims to eliminate targeted plastic waste from landfills.

This includes bottles, caps, single-layer film packaging, bags, and cups. PPP Plastics is working with local governments, communities, and petrochemical firms to recycle three key types of plastics in Rayong province: PET, PP, and HDPE.

According to Mr. Veera Kwanloetchit, Rayong's recycling model could process up to 700,000 tonnes annually. Bangkok, a city of more than 8 million residents, is also experimenting with ways to cut plastic waste.

During the BKK Expo 2025, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration encouraged participants to use reusable containers. The initiative reduced nearly 24,500 pieces of single-use plastic. Businesses in the petrochemical and plastics sectors are increasingly embracing the concept of green polymers.

Thailand aims to promote green plastics by being a leading producer and implementing the BCG model to encourage sustainable resource use. Among the most ambitious players is SCG Chemicals, which plans to produce up to 1 million tonnes of green polymers by 2030.

The EU's CBAM currently covers six products, and while plastics are not yet included, they could be added in the future. The EU is expected to charge 80 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2026, a cost that could significantly affect Thai exporters.

Manufacturers should prepare by adopting renewable energy, optimising efficiency with smart technology, and reducing overall demand. Thailand's plastic waste roadmap is more than an environmental policy; it is a strategic response to global economic realities.