Ajinomoto collaborates to drive EPR in Thailand, continuously advancing the responsibility of producers in sustainable packaging management at the Sustainability Expo2024.

Recently, Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd., led by Mr. Smith Phetdi, Sustainability Promotion Department Manager, representative of Ajinomoto, collaborated with the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE), The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and the Pollution Control Department of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, joining forces with 149 public and private sector organizations in Thailand to organize the sustainability promotion event “PackBack in Action Year 3: The Drive for EPR in Thailand.” This initiative aims to advance the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), covering the entire product life cycle to facilitate the return of packaging into the recycling loop, at the Sustainability Expo (SX2024) held at the Plenary Hall, 1st floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).

The event was organized to raise awareness among all sectors about the importance of maximizing resource use, driving the tangible return of packaging for reuse in Thailand, and facilitating the return of packaging into the recycling loop. It aims to develop the EPR system for packaging in line with the direction of promoting a circular economy, as well as prepare for the EPR legislation that is set to be enforced in 2027. Additionally, it focuses on developing incentive measures and a database system to support the extended of producer responsibility throughout the entire product life cycle, in accordance with the Thailand’s environmental development strategy, ultimately leading to sustainable packaging management.

Additionally, at the TIPMSE's exhibition booth in the Sustainability Expo SX2024, there will be displays of various types of packaging from different industrial groups in Thailand, including examples of Ajinomoto products that support the circular economy ecosystem for sustainable waste management. This initiative aims to promote the well-being of Thai society, allowing attendees to experience and explore the offerings firsthand.

The mechanism of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a system that expands the responsibility of producers throughout the entire product life cycle, from the manufacturing process to post-consumption stages. It represents a management approach for plastics based on circular economy principles. The project has begun establishing a system and infrastructure model to reintegrate plastic waste into recycling or reuse in accordance with Thailand's policies and roadmap. This aims to encourage all sectors to participate in environmental care and foster a sustainable consumption society.