APP Group champions Thailand’s plastic waste ban with sustainable packaging innovations

THAILAND – Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Group, a leading Indonesian-based conglomerate in the pulp, paper, and forestry sectors, is stepping up to support Thailand’s growing environmental agenda, especially its ban on plastic waste imports set to take effect in January 2025.

This policy marks a turning point for the country, which had previously been one of the world’s largest importers of foreign plastic waste, receiving more than 1.1 million tonnes between 2018 and 2021, largely from Western countries.

Thailand’s new direction reflects a broader strategy to build a circular economy through improved waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable industrial development.

The move to ban imported plastic stems from increasing concern over the mishandling of this waste.

Many facilities, especially unregulated ones, reported resorted to incineration rather than recycling—contributing to air pollution, environmental degradation, and adverse health impacts in surrounding communities.

In alignment with these reforms, APP Group is actively engaging with Thai stakeholders to offer scalable, eco-friendly solutions that can replace plastic in packaging.

The company is spearheading collaborations with government bodies, private enterprises, and local industry players to introduce compostable paper and packaging products that align with Thailand’s sustainability goals.

To underscore its long-term commitment to the region, APP Group has relocated its regional office to APAC Tower in Bangkok, a strategic move that places the company at the heart of Thailand’s industrial and environmental transformation.

This relocation not only solidifies Thailand’s position as a regional hub for pulp and paper innovation but also enhances APP’s capacity to scale green solutions across the Indo-China region.

Speaking on the initiative, Kin Keung Christopher Wong, APP Group’s Senior Vice-President, said, “We recognize Thailand’s progressive efforts towards environmental responsibility.

“The nation’s proactive steps resonate with our commitment to offering packaging solutions that drive sustainability. By providing eco-friendly alternatives, we seek to aid Thailand in its efforts to reduce plastic waste and build a greener tomorrow.”

APP Group’s initiatives also complement Thailand’s broader ambitions under its Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, a framework that promotes environmentally conscious production and innovation.

By backing this national vision, APP is positioning itself not only as a solutions provider but also as a proactive advocate for regional environmental progress.

As the 2025 ban draws closer, APP Group’s continued investment in sustainable materials and cross-sector partnerships will play a vital role in helping Thailand transition away from plastic dependency and toward a more sustainable packaging future.

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