Thailand generates nearly 3 million tons of plastic waste each year, much of it from single-use packaging. To tackle this growing challenge and advance toward a circular economy, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has identified six key economic instruments that can accelerate the transition to sustainable plastic packaging in Thailand.
This policy brief explores how measures such as taxes on virgin plastics, incentives for recycling, green public procurement, single-use plastic levies, advanced recycling fees, and deposit-refund systems can reduce plastic pollution and stimulate investment in circular solutions. Drawing from international best practices and Thailand’s ongoing regulatory efforts, including the draft Sustainable Packaging Management Act, the brief offers actionable insights for policymakers and businesses striving to close the loop on plastic waste.