According to a press release from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) on December 26, 2024, the agency, along with the Pollution Control Department (PCD) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, outlined comprehensive strategies to address Thailand's mounting plastic waste challenges. The proposed initiatives include:
Modifying regulations to facilitate the adoption of label-free drinking water bottles
Implementing digital solutions for product information communication
Pharmacist Lertchai Lertwutthi, Deputy Secretary-General of Thai FDA, stated that the agency was drafting regulations to allow bottled water producers to display information without plastic wrap-around bottles. The current labels, with their adhesives and printing inks, significantly impede PET bottle recycling processes, making recycled plastic pellets more expensive than new ones. Under the proposed regulations, bottled water manufacturer can display essential information such as product name, food registration number, quantity, production date and expiration date directly on containers through embossing or laser printing technologies. Additional product details would be accessible via QR codes integrated into bottle caps.
Furthermore, Thai FDA and PCD have proposed tax reduction measures for water manufacturers who transition to recycled materials, demonstrating government’s commitment to supporting sustainable industry practices.
Statistics from the Plastics Institute revealed that Thailand generated 5.68 million tons of plastic waste in 2021, with a mere 19% recycling rate. In response, the government has intensified its efforts to enhance plastic waste management strategies and accelerate progress toward Thailand's Sustainable Development Goals.
