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          Since January 1, 2020, convenience stores and supermarkets have been campaigning for customers to bring their own reusable bags instead of using plastic bags. This is crucial because plastic waste is difficult to decompose and has been a long-standing issue that requires everyone's attention. Plastic waste has caused significant problems for society and the environment. Over the past 2 to 3 years, many countries around the world have made efforts to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic materials, especially in the form of packaging bags, which are used in large quantities. Other types of plastic waste, such as water bottles, cups, and packaging boxes, also need to be managed properly.

Clearly, the awareness of managing plastic waste is essential, and it is important to develop innovations and technologies for plastic waste management that will play a significant role in the future. For example:

  • Upcycling Innovation, which is part of the recycling process and is a suitable solution for managing plastic waste in Thailand. This involves transforming waste into new products, adding value and creating new uses without returning waste back into the plastic waste cycle. Examples include using waste to create construction materials, office supplies, and lifestyle products.
  • Biodegradable Plastics or Bioplastics, which can be decomposed by microorganisms and bacteria in nature. These can be produced from renewable raw materials such as sugarcane, cassava, and corn. They have properties similar to traditional petrochemical plastics and can return to nature 100%, making them a true environmentally friendly option.

  • Microplastic Management Innovation, as microplastics are tiny and often invisible, contaminating water sources and oceans, and becoming part of the food chain as reported in the news. This issue needs urgent attention, and businesses and industries involved should seriously consider finding alternative materials or implementing strict management processes for a better environment and ecosystem.
  • Converting Plastic Waste into Energy, which is another interesting innovation. This involves transforming the vast amounts of plastic waste into thermal energy, electrical energy, etc. Developing such innovations can also help reduce costs in these activities while creating value for the related industries.

 

In 2020, the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) is set to continue its innovation projects for cities and communities, seeking innovations in plastic waste management (Plastic Waste Management Innovation) in five areas: plastic waste collection innovation, plastic waste sorting innovation, plastic waste utilization innovation, plastic waste disposal innovation, and promoting public participation in plastic waste management. Initial concept proposals will be accepted from February 3 to 28, 2020.

Thank you for the information from: National Innovation Agency (Public Organization)