Thailand rises as world’s second-largest producer of bioplastic products

Plastic market in Thailand is expected to grow by US$8.63 billion between 2022 and 2026, according to a report by Technavio. Increased demand for plastics in packaging, automotive, building and constructions as well as medical and electronics manufacturing will drive the growth of the plastics market in the coming few years.

Plastic market in Thailand is expected to grow between 2022 and 2026. (Source: Pexels)

Thailand serves as both an exporter and importer of plastics. According to a recent report by ReportLinker, its plastics imports are projected to reach US$11 billion by 2026, growing at an average of 2% annually. Exports of Thai plastics are also on the rise, expected to reach US$17 billion by 2026.

In terms of production process, injection molding remains the most popular choice, especially in various end-user sectors, such as packaging, automotive, building and construction, as well as electronics and electrical. The size of its injection molding plastics market is set to reach US$13.2 billion by 2032, according to another study by ReportLinker.

On the other hand, plastic extrusion equipment and machinery market in Thailand is projected to grow substantially by 8.6% yearly until 2026, according to 6WResearch.

Bio-based and sustainable plastics projects in Thailand

Thailand has gained importance as the world’s second-largest producer of bioplastic products, according to the Thai Bioplastics Industry Association (TBIA).

With an abundant supply of raw materials like sugarcane and cassava, Thailand is increasing its annual bioplastics production capacity of 95,000 tons to 170,000 tons, among which around 90% are exported.

A number of key projects are committing to Thailand’s circular economy goals.

Indorama Ventures invested US$1.5 billion to expand its plastics recycling operations in Thailand, as the company plan to boost its annual recycling capacity from 250,000 tons to 750,000 tons by 2025. It aims to incorporate 20% recycled materials in the 4 million tons of PET it supplies yearly to the beverage industry.

Thailand-based ENVICCO Limited is currently operating its recycled plastic plant in Map Ta Phut, Rayong, with an annual capacity of around 45,000 metric tons of recycled PET.

Circulate Capital made a strategic investment in Thai polyolefins recycler Union J.Plus (UJP), enabling UJP to strengthen its operations, including the acquisition of an 18,000-TPA capacity low-density polyethylene recycling facility. When fully operational, the plant is expected to have a total recycling capacity of more than 30,000 TPA, including 20,000 TPA of premium/food-grade polyolefins.

NatureWorks made significant progress on the construction of its fully integrated Ingeo PLA biopolymer manufacturing facility in Nakhon Sawan Province. With an annual capacity of 75,000 tons of Ingeo biopolymer, the plant will include three manufacturing facilities – lactic acid fermentation, lactide monomer production, and polymerization.

NatureWorks’ fully integrated Ingeo PLA biopolymer manufacturing facility in Nakhon Sawan Province. (Source: NatureWorks)

Birla Carbon also announced plans to build two new plants in Rayong Province, Thailand and in India. The plants, which are scheduled to be launched in 2025, will each have an annual capacity of 120,000 tons.

Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) is now using bottles made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) under its campaign “Fizzy Consciousness to Change the World.” Suntory Pepsico has partnered with the Property Management of Chulalongkorn University Thailand and ENVICCO Ltd. for this project.

Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) is now using bottles made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). (Source: PepsiCo)

Braskem and SCG Chemicals partnered to produce bio-ethylene through bio-ethanol dehydration and to commercialize Braskem’s “I’m green” bio-based polyethylene. The bio-based polyethylene is made from ethanol derived from agricultural sources, as opposed to traditional naphtha.

Kuraray, PTT Global Chemical (GC) and Sumitomo Corporation collaborated to establish a manufacturing plant. Kuraray owns the advanced technology for producing Super Engineering Plastic Polyamide 9T and Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Co-Polymer, GC provides raw materials and public utilities for the project, and Sumitomo contributes a global marketing network.

Coca-Cola Business Group in Thailand is set to introduce packaging made from 100% recycled plastic, excluding labels and bottle caps.

Coca-Cola Business Group in Thailand to launch packaging made from 100% recycled plastic, excluding labels and bottle caps. (Source: Coca-Cola)

At CHINAPLAS 2024, Thailand-based plastics and rubber manufacturers will have the opportunity to explore the latest technologies and material solutions that can enhance their production processes.