December 12, 2023, Kamonthip Ballroom, The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok
The Department of Industrial Works, in a landmark collaboration, has teamed up with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries, and key stakeholders such as Insee Superblock Limited, Insee Ecocycle Limited, the Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management, Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd., Eastern Silicate Co., Ltd. (ESL), and the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) to enhance academic partnerships. The primary objective of this initiative is to promote responsible utilization of industrial wastes, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating environmental impacts, and augmenting economic value.
Dr. Jullapong Thaveesri, the Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, emphasized the importance of the End-of-Waste principle or the cessation of waste status in Thailand. This principle aligns with the Ministry of Industry’s policy and is at the heart of driving balanced and sustainable business practices among entrepreneurs. The primary objective is to develop a sustainable growth industrial economy that benefits communities. This collaborative effort promises advancements in transforming industrial waste into value-added products and propelling research toward commercialization. Consumer protection is also prioritized. Additionally, this initiative plays a crucial role in driving the concept of the Circular Economy within the Ministry of Industry. Two potential waste types have been selected in the pilot project: rice husk ashes and plaster mold (including waste gypsum plaster).
These two pilot projects have ignited a wave of support within the industry, attracting partnerships from leading companies committed to transforming waste into sustainable solutions. Ajinomoto (Thailand) Company Limited, Eastern Silicate Co., Ltd., and the National Metal and Materials Technology Center are actively conducting innovative tests on sustainable sodium silicate and bio-potassium silicate production from coal ash. In research and initiatives involving unused plaster molds and gypsum plaster, the Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management collaborates closely with Insee Superblock Limited, Insee Ecocycle Limited, and Insee Ecocycle Limited.
An MOU on academic collaboration aims to promote the utilization of industrial waste, reduce environmental impact, and enhance economic value. This initiative is part of the project titled “Application of industry-urban symbiosis and green chemistry for low emission and persistent organic pollutants free industrial development in Thailand,” which was carried out with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The primary agencies driving this project include the Department of Industrial Works, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries. The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide, through this concerted effort.
“With the success achieved under this MOU, the Department of Industrial Works aims to serve as a model for environmentally and socially conscious entrepreneurs. This milestone is expected to trigger the expansion of operations, the creation of new business opportunities, and collective efforts to drive sustainable development in line with Thailand’s BCG model. This, in turn, will help maintain economic, social, and environmental equilibrium in the long term”, concluded the Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works.
