BANGKOK, July 2015 – The Industry Ministry is considering using 10,000 tonnes of rice in the government’s stockpiles to produce environmentally friendly bioplastic products following an initiative of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, according to Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich.
He said he had raised the Prime Minister’s initiative for discussion with entrepreneurs in plastic industries and the Federation of Thai Industries, and the latter showed their support to the idea. As a result, the Plastics Institute of Thailand has been ordered to work out details for the initial plan before it is proposed to the Prime Minister next Wednesday, 29 July.
The Commerce Ministry plans to buy ten thousand tonnes of stockpiled rice at a reasonable price for the production of bioplastic products on a trial basis. Such products will use rice in 20-25% of their raw materials. Target products include anything that are not food containers such as carry bags, waste bags, traffic cones, and plant pots.
If the project is realized, a symbol will be designed to bring recognition to buyers that the products are made from “Environmentally-Friendly Bioplastics”. Quality and price of new products should be standard as their usage is for a replacement of purely plastic-made products.
The minister said the government would ask convenience stores and supermarkets to use more bioplastic products. If receiving good response from them, the government may develop biodegradable products from other plants, such as cassava, husk, and sugarcane.
