Sustainable Management Strategies: Thailand’s Sustainable Plastic-management Leading the Thai Plastic Industry Towards Becoming a Bio-plastic Hub

摘要

Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem in the world, and Thailand is one of many countries faced with increasing plastic and foam waste problems. Plastic pollution affects canals, rivers and beaches, and the health of sea creatures and wild animals who eat plastic bags. The popular solutions for this plastic problem are reducing, reusing and recycling; however, the Thai government focuses on a different solution: replacing the problematic product (plastic) with bio-plastic. This research analyses the project initiated by the Thai government which aims to facilitate relevant public and private sector agencies, working together to push the Thai plastic industry towards becoming a bio-plastic hub. The government has chosen replacing because the development of bio-plastic contributes not just to environmental objectives, but also to economic, technological and social goals. The research undertakes a thorough review of critical literature in order to assess the challenges and barriers likely to face this project. The research also aims to find out how the strategies of the project in all three phases can address the challenges and barriers encountered.