TBC participated in the “Packaging Sustainability Symposium: Embracing the Circular Economy”
On 23 January 2024, Thai Beverage Industry Association (TBA) organized the “Packaging Sustainability Symposium: Embracing the Circular Economy.” The association and its network partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote the production of recyclable beverage packaging. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between the government, private sector, and environmental organizations to support the creation of eco- friendly packaging and ensure these packages are recycled or repurposed to drive the Circular Economy. This will promote environmentally sustainable growth and responsible management of natural resources. The event was inaugurated by Ms. Chayanan Pakdeejit, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, at the Regency Ballroom, 5th floor, Hyatt Regency Bangkok.
The symposium featured a panel discussion on “Circular Economy Policy Framework and Climate Change Issues for Sustainable Development of the Beverage Industry in Thailand,” which included:
– “Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Sustainable Producer Management” by Prof. Dr. Shabbir H. Gheewala, Professor and Head of the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Lab at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) – “Development of Circular Economy Legislation in Thailand” by Dr. Sujitra Vassanadumrongdee, Senior Researcher at the Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University – “Thailand’s Climate Change Strategy Related to the Beverage Industry” by Mr. Pavich Kasavawong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment
In addition, the event showcased research presentations by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trakarn Prapaspongsa from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, and Souvik Bhattacharjya from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The research focused on the benefits of
recycling beverage packaging and provided environmental impact data to beverage packaging producers, beverage manufacturers, and policymakers to inform future environmental policy decisions.
The study covered the environmental impact assessment of aluminium cans, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, glass bottles, and beverage cartons throughout their life cycles.