Test production to begin by Q3

Thai plastic manufacturers expect to start producing bioplastic using locally developed raw materials by the third quarter of this year.

The development is the result of co-ordination between the Science and Technology Ministry and the Thai Bioplastics Industry Association (TBIA).

The TBIA will test the production of polylactic acid (PLA), the base raw material for which technology was developed by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC).

Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, the Science and Technology minister, said the MTEC strongly aimed to promote locally made PLA with technology discovered by Thais because Thailand was the world's largest exporter of cassava and starch products - the main raw materials for bioplastic production.

TBIA president Somsak Borrisuttanakul said the association would apply PLA for commercial production of many items such as film, packaging and plastic bags. MTEC will further negotiate production benefits and PLA patents once the technology is widely used in private companies.

PLA using cassava as a raw material has been already accredited by the United States and TBIA will apply to the International Organisation for Standardisation for the 17025 code in 2011.

The TBIA comprises four major bioplastic producers and exporters: Thai Plastic Bag Industries Co, Thantawan Industries Co, Advance Plastic Co, and Bags and Gloves Co. The companies have been importing PLA from Europe and the US and re-exporting finished products. However, the cost of Thai-made products is more expensive than that of other rivals in this region.

"The co-ordination with MTEC, which supports our R&D, will help reduce production costs and increase competitiveness," he said.

PLA is a basic bioplastic raw material and its price is US$1,800 per tonne excluding transport expenses and licence fees.

Mr Somsak said the bioplastic industry in Thailand would be a sunrise industry when the global economy makes a full recovery, assisted by concerns about climate change and waste management.

According to a study by the TBIA, global bioplastic capacity will more than triple to 1 million tonnes in 2011 from 300,000 tonnes in 2007. Major production capacity will come from Brazil, Europe and the United States.

Traditional plastic demand in the global market rose to 260 million tonnes in 2007, up from 245 million in 2006 and 200 million in 2002.

"Many developed countries will have programmes encouraging the use of bioplastic products through privileges and will put trade barriers in place against the use of traditional plastic. Prices of plastic made from fossil fuels will increase in line with oil prices from $1,300 per tonne," said Mr Somsak.