"Varawut” reveals meeting on plastic pellet management urgently addressing shortages to prevent impact on living costs

Today (8 April) Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, discussed the results of a meeting on plastic pellet management chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, earlier that morning. He stated that the situation in the Middle East has made plastic pellets increasingly scarce in Thailand. Discussions included the establishment of a joint working group comprising representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Interior. This group will invite industry stakeholders and relevant private sector representatives to discuss how to address the scarcity of plastic pellets, a key raw material for many plastic products, including medical supplies and everyday plastic bags. The discussion will cover the current cost, existing stock levels, and selling prices, which have led to increased prices in the market.

Mr. Varawut stated that one of the key measures is that Thailand currently has approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste, and only 25% of that amount is recycled. Today is the time for everyone to focus on recycling. When recycling is done correctly, the shortage of plastic pellets and other raw materials will no longer be a problem. The industrial sector will have access to raw materials at lower costs, eliminating the need to sell goods at higher prices. This will strengthen and sustain the industrial sector. However, this requires the collective effort of everyone, as recycling is crucial for reducing the cost of new raw materials, a priority for the industrial sector. The rising costs stemming from the situation in the Middle East have impacted everything. Today is the time for change. From now on, the joint working group established by various agencies will begin discussions with different industries to find ways to prevent the cost of living and commodity prices from increasing.