The principle that the Thai private sector is currently using to drive packaging waste management is “EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)” which involves extending the producer’s responsibility to various stages of the packaging life cycle. Unlike the traditional approach, where producers only manufacture and sell their products, and the responsibility ends there. But EPR expands the producer’s responsibility to cover post-consumer stages. Under EPR, producers must consider the full environmental impact, including material choice, product design, distribution, collection, and facilitating recycling or reuse, from the manufacturing phase to post-consumer use. 

However, in Thailand, the EPR principle has not yet been strictly enforced but remains voluntary. This is due to various factors, such as consumer behavior, the readiness of producers, and the availability of necessary infrastructure, which all need adjustments to align with EPR. However, the timeline for implementing the EPR principle in Thailand is not considered excessively delayed, and we are fortunate to have some existing systems in place, such as the informal waste sector and waste aggregator, which does not exist in other countries that have implemented EPR systems typically. This means that we are not starting from scratch, but there is still work to be done. Moving forward, it is crucial to engage in discussions and collaboration with all stakeholders of all sectors, as changes may impact those already involved in the existing processes. It is necessary to improve workflows so that everyone can work together effectively. Additionally, there must be supportive laws for the informal sector to ensure that everyone benefits equally from the EPR approach.

One important thing in applying the EPR principle is to first understand its advantages, disadvantages, and proper implementation methods. Therefore, over the past year, TIPMSE and those involved have been trying to understand the EPR process in terms of principles, without delving into the various steps. However, it is fortunate that the Thai government has adopted the BCG policy (Bio Economy, Circular Economy, Green Economy), in which EPR is a significant part of the Circular Economy that needs to be implemented together. The government has also acknowledged EPR at the policy level, and it is currently in the data gathering and encouraging phase for increased private sector involvement.