Innovation sparks hope for a future without plastic waste in Thailand
7 November 2024
Thailand’s brightest environmental entrepreneurs are paving the way for a revolutionary shift towards a world free of virgin plastic as part of their involvement in the Australian Government’s Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN).
This pioneering Australian science and technology program is a key initiative under Australia’s Mekong Plastics Innovation Alliance and is delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.
The program culminates in a Demonstration Day (Demo Day) where sustainable innovations are unveiled to transform how we produce, use, and recycle plastic materials.
“Australia recognises Thailand’s dynamic innovation ecosystem as a key partner in transforming plastic waste into socio-economic opportunities.
Through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and initiatives like IPPIN, we are harnessing the best innovative minds to tackle plastic pollution while fostering a resilient and inclusive future for Thailand and the broader Mekong subregion,” remarked Dr Angela Macdonald PSM, Australian Ambassador to Thailand.
The Demo Day features four Thai teams and another three from Cambodia and Laos, as they pitch their innovative solutions to industry experts, investors, and potential partners.
Thai Innovations include technologies with the power to repurpose garment waste into cement production and plastic bottle sorting machines that use advanced sensors to ensure proper waste disposal.
“By supporting initiatives like IPPIN, we have the power to prepare entrepreneurs for market success – driving lasting, transformative change in Thailand’s plastics ecosystem, along with balancing the use of natural resources in business operation for sustainable future to build plastic circularity ecosystem in Thailand,” noted Dr.Wijarn Simachaya, President of Thailand Environment Institute.
Associate Professor Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency, shared his hopes for the day.
“Today marks a significant moment in the second chapter of the IPPIN initiative, bringing renewed hope as we continue our journey to foster overseas collaboration for sustainable plastic waste management. By harnessing the power of technology and partnerships, we are paving the way toward ending plastic pollution in the Mekong region,” he said.
Amelia Fyfield, CSIRO Counsellor and Director Southeast Asia, highlighted the role of IPPIN in building connections and driving real-world change.
“IPPIN Demo Days are more than just a platform for pitches—they are a catalyst for conversations, collaboration, and meaningful connections. We are proud of IPPIN’s role in supporting innovative ideas and turning them into tangible solutions to tackle plastic pollution head-on,” she said.
For the first time, the event will also include an exhibition to showcase cutting-edge technologies designed to combat plastic waste.
This event forms part of a collective effort across the Mekong to combat plastic pollution through innovation, showcasing the ingenuity and determination of the region’s entrepreneurial leaders and their commitment to a sustainable future.
Discover case studies from the program by downloading the 2024 Accelerator+ Cohort Booklet. https://ippin.org/…/IPPIN-Cohort-Booklet-Thailand-2024.pdf
For further information or questions on IPPIN, please contact:
Saharath Phaetrangsee
Media Officer, Australian Embassy Thailand
Email: saharath.phaetrangsee@dfat.gov.au
Thaneeya Kitchareonpaiboon,
Partnerships, CSIRO
Email: thaneeya.kitcharoenpaiboon@csiro.au
Additional Note : Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) is a partner organization of the Indo-Pacific Plastic Innovation Network (IPPIN). Dr. Chutima Eamchotchawalit, Governor of TISTR, has been appointed as an Advisory Group Member for the IPPIN Thailand Hub. In 2024, TISTR’s research team, “Waste2Cash,” led by Mr. Thanit Vairojanawong, Senior Research Officer at the Expert Centre of Innovative Industrial Robotics and Automation (InnoRobot), participated in both the IPPIN Incubator Program, IPPIN Accelerator+, and IPPIN Demo Day 2024. The team has developed an innovative plastic bottle and can sorting machine, designed for use in local communities, schools, and the industrial sector.
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