MEDIA RELEASE PR37534
Project to Promote Use of Biodegradable Bags Launched
BANGKOK, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-Asia-AsiaNet/ --
Project to support recommendations for bioplastics environmental policy
The National Innovation Agency (NIA), Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Technische
Zusammenarbeit (GTZ: German Technical Cooperation), Thai Bioplastics Industry
Association (TBIA) and BASF today launched a pilot project to highlight the potential of
composting as a feasible and effective waste management option. The pilot project is a
first for Thailand and will demonstrate the use biodegradable plastic bags to collect
household organic waste in the most efficient way, as well as the potential of producing
organic matter or fertilizer from organic waste.
The project will support the recommendations for the bioplastics environmental
policy to build composting facilities in Thailand, as it is the infrastructure required
to fully realize the potential of composting. When the model is endorsed, the potential
production capacity of high quality organic fertilizer is 6 million tons annually, which
could be exported.
"The pilot project is a key initiative towards the development of the bioplastics
industry as one of Thailand's new wave industries. In evaluating and developing
sustainable options for end-of-life product waste management, we have to remember that
landfilling of organic, biodegradable waste generates methane - a greenhouse gas 23
times more potent than carbon dioxide - and composting helps to reduce emission levels
of this harmful green house gases. For the first time, since we put forth the road map
for the development of the bioplastics industry which was approved by the Cabinet in
2008, we are implementing measures at a community level," said Dr. Suchinda Chotipanich,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology and Chairman of the Bioplastics
Industry Development Subcommittee.
As part of the launch, which was held at the pilot plant site in the Kradangar
District of Samut Songkhram Province, a community outreach group consisting of community
leaders and students promoted the use of biodegradable plastic bags to 730 households.
"The pilot project further demonstrates that Thailand is well-placed to achieve its
goals backed by strong supporting industries, international alliances, active industry
cooperation and supportive governmental policy. We believe that the project will provide
useful information to support recommendations for the bioplastics environmental policy.
Additionally, to further raise environmental awareness and encourage the use of
environmentally friendly products as a new social norm. This in turn will be a
significant boost to Thailand's ambitions of becoming a key bioplastics player in the
region" said Dr Supachai Lorlowhakarn, Director of NIA.
Recommendations for the bioplastics environmental policy, which is expected to be
completed within the next six months, will outline the infrastructure, framework,
instruments and guidelines to promote the use and production of bioplastics in Thailand.
The biodegradable plastic bags could be made of cassava starch and calcium carbonate
compounded with BASF's Ecoflex, a fully-biodegradable, compostable polyester which is
tear-resistant, puncture-resistant, waterproof, printable and elastic. Ecoflex
significantly improves the functionality of raw materials based on renewable resources
and as such has been used in the production of the biodegradable bags to provide very
demanding mechanical properties.
"Fully biodegradable and compostable polyesters can make a significant contribution
to efficient biowaste management. BASF is a global market leader in the area of biobased
and biodegradable polyesters, and our Ecoflex is already commonly used in Thailand for
organic waste bags, carrier bags and shopping bags. Our participation in the pilot
projects demonstrates our firm commitment and contribution towards Thailand's ambitions
of developing the bioplastics industry. We believe this project will also be an
excellent showcase for other countries in the region which are considering a similar
initiative" said Dr. Jens Hamprecht, Head of Global Product Management, Biodegradable
Polymers, BASF.
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio
ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine
chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in
virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and
intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global
challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF
posted sales of more than euro 62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees
as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt
(BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the
MEDIA CONTACTS
Maki Okura
Corporate Communications, BASF Japan
Tel: +81-3-3796-4865
Fax: +81-3-3796-4111
Email: maki.okura@basf.com
SOURCE The National Innovation Agency (NIA); German Technical Cooperation
(GTZ); Thai Bioplastics Industry Association (TBIA) and BASF
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