The Federation of Thai Industries has launched a recycling programme aimed at cutting municipal waste by 10% by 2010.

The action plan is aimed at combating the perception that packaging manufacturers cause major environmental damage, said Sompong Tancharoenphol, chairman of the Thailand Institute of Packaging Management for a Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE).

"At the same time, the industry could also help reduce the country's spending on waste management," he said.

In 2007, Thailand had 14.4 million tonnes of municipal waste, requiring a management budget of 12 billion baht.

The institute, which has members such as packaging producers and industrial users, plans to provide knowledge and financial support through many channels to promote waste management and cut municipal waste by 10% by 2010.

The institute plans to promote collaboration between its members and communities, local administrations, schools, buyers of recycled items and property developers in campaigns to promote household waste separation, said Mr Sompong.

Since an initial campaign in 2006, 470 tonnes of recyclable garbage have been separated, generating 2.5 million baht in income for households.

"While households gain income from selling recyclable items, municipalities also reduce their spending on waste management. Packaging manufacturers also have their production costs reduced by up to 40% by using cheaper recycled raw materials," said Mr Sompong.

His statement was made at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the institute and 15 selected local administrative bodies to promote a garbage separation programme.

"We hope to reduce this negative image for the industry and to act as a role model for regulators, showing that waste management can be done by many means," he said. "The government was once considering imposing an extra tax on packaging manufacturers as it sees us as an environmental damager. We don't think that's a wise solution."