"TIPMSE” ขับเคลื่อนบรรจุภัณฑ์ยั่งยืน เปิดเวทีชวนคิดก่อนกฎรีไซเคิลโลกบังคับใช้"TIPMSE” Drives Sustainable Packaging, Opens Forum for Discussion Before Global Recycling Regulations Take Effect

On June 12, 2025, “TIPMSE” launched a forum titled “Design for EPR: Packaging Design... for Sustainable Return” inviting entrepreneurs to discuss the development of environmentally friendly packaging (Eco-design) principles in preparation for the upcoming regulations coming into effect in 2027. The emphasis will be on implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle to ensure participation in the management of used packaging, such as recycling. Therefore, producers must begin designing packaging in accordance with international guidelines and legal objectives, which will lead to long-term reductions in impacts on commerce and the environment at BITEC Bangna.

Mr. Thongchai Sirithorn, Vice President of the Thai Institute of Packaging and Recycling for the Environment (TIPMSE), under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), revealed that the FTI has collaborated with the Pollution Control Department to drive all sectors that perform missions according to the EPR draft legislation. This is a key approach to creating a sustainable packaging management system, especially promoting the role and responsibility of producers towards packaging, particularly in the design phase to make it easier to recycle or reuse, in line with the concept of “Eco-design.”

“The important thing is to design packaging that accommodates efficient collection and reuse, which will help reduce waste from landfilling and increase the opportunities for material circulation back into the economy,”

Although the development of recyclable packaging still faces challenges concerning technology, knowledge, and understanding of the actual process, TIPMSE views this as the starting point for positive change. Thus, it has initiated a process of collaboration with all sectors by referencing guidelines and criteria from both domestic and international sources, along with being open to listening to feedback from producers and stakeholders to collectively develop suitable approaches for the Thai context.

“The common goal is to ensure that packaging can actually be returned as raw materials in the recycling system, creating benefits in terms of the economy, environment, and society in the long term,” Mr. Thongchai added.

Mr. Taweechai Jiaranajakorn, Director of the Waste Reduction and Utilization Division at the Pollution Control Department, highlighted the viewpoint on the success of applying the EPR principle to develop it into enforceable law, noting that it is essential to support and promote producers to develop Eco-design, as TIPMSE has done through training, seminars, and today’s activities, or by collaborating with the private sector to develop guidelines to elevate standards. This preparation from the design phase is a crucial variable that allows used packaging to be efficiently recycled, reducing resource use and addressing waste issues in Thailand. Moreover, environmentally considerate design will become a vital factor for operators to export products with packaging that aligns with the environmental policies of trading partner countries. These circumstances require Thai operators to urgently seek solutions and adapt if they are to compete in the global market going forward.

Mr. Sunthorn Yongwibulsiri, Chairman of the Pulp and Paper Industry Group under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), in his capacity as head of the Eco-design task group of TIPMSE, discussed the approach to developing Eco-design currently being pursued under Goal 4 of the FTI’s EPR drive, which focuses on designing packaging to be environmentally friendly and easily recyclable. The task group emphasizes both developing design guidelines and incentivizing the private sector to adapt. If the objectives are successfully met, the guidelines developed will be elevated to a “standard reference” that can be used as a benchmark in the EPR system, especially in determining fees or EPR service charges that vary according to the recyclability of the packaging, even among the same category, as there may be different levels of ease in collection and reuse.

Environmental measures that are starting to be enforced may initially impact large manufacturers as they will require the market to adjust rapidly. Many companies are already adapting to the trend; however, medium and small enterprises remain hesitant due to uncertainty about the national policy direction and financial limitations. Therefore, this group is still awaiting clarity. Nonetheless, this group should closely monitor the situation and begin learning to prepare for the changes, including seeking opportunities to participate in forums for feedback or experience exchanges, which will help operators better identify adaptive paths, as change is inevitably forthcoming.

In its recent operations, TIPMSE has undertaken packaging management in multiple dimensions, including promoting the return of packaging, providing knowledge to various sectors, developing Eco-design guidelines, and participating in expressing opinions on the country’s draft legislation. All missions require collaboration from all sectors, especially producers, who are a crucial group that must move forward together.

Since 2024, TIPMSE has begun driving Eco-design approaches practically, initiating Phase 1 (2024-2025) with three types of packaging: PET bottles for beverages, HDPE packaging for household and body care products, and multi-layer flexible packaging (MLP). For each type, there are TIPMSE members with expertise overseeing specific areas. Feedback forums involving relevant stakeholders, including packaging producers, pack users, collectors, and recycling plants, have already been conducted twice and are preparing for a third session before elevating the guidelines to “verifiable standards.”

While work in Phase 1 is still ongoing, TIPMSE is advancing to Phase 2 (2025-2026) by expanding the types of packaging to include five additional types: glass packaging, paper packaging, aluminum cans, steel cans, and beverage cartons, aiming to develop Eco-design approaches that encompass all forms of packaging per the draft sustainable packaging management legislation. This ensures that packaging can genuinely be recyclable and systematically support future legislation, even if the EPR law has yet to be enforced. Nonetheless, all sectors are beginning to awaken and cooperate continuously, partly driven by global change and a key reason being the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, as natural resources are limited and the environment is facing increasing pressure. Whether small, medium, or large producers, they all play a role in advancing together with TIPMSE to help create a sustainable packaging management system and prepare for the future.

Want to be part of the EPR packaging movement with TIPMSE?
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Published by the Corporate Communication Department, Federation of Thai Industries (Tel: 0-2345-1051)
Prepared by the Economic and Academic Department, Federation of Thai Industries (Tel: 0-2345-1111)