PTT sees growing demand for Thai bioplastics

13 November 2008 12:41  [Source: ICIS news]

BANGKOK (ICIS news)--Thailand’s biodegradable plastics demand is estimated to grow at an average of 12% per year from now until 2010, driven by local governments developing integrated bioplastics production in the country, an official from PTT Chemical said on Thursday.

“Thailand’s bioplastics demand is estimated to hit 300,000 tonnes/year by 2010,” said Chinnawat Srirojpinyo, an engineer with PTT’s petrochemical and refining business unit.

Chinnawat was speaking at the ICIS World Polymers Conference, which closes on Thursday.

The government initiative was motivated by environmental concerns linked to the disposal of conventional plastics, said Chinnawat.

“Polylactic acid-based bioplastics is currently in the spotlight due to its good properties such as low melting point,” he said.

Thailand’s ample supply of cassava, a feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA), would support the industry’s development, he said.

Thailand currently produces 25,000 tonnes/year of PLA, with this expected to triple in the next three years, said Chinnawat.

PLA currently costs about $3-4/kg delivered in the local market, he said.

Bookmark Doris de Guzman's Green Chemicals blog
For more on PLA visit ICIS chemical intelligence
To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect 

By: Chow Bee Lin
+65 6780 4359

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly