Plastic ban to be done in phasesThe government is planning to ban plastic scrap imports in 2025, a move that will be carried out in phases over the next three years, says Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. Members also listened to suggestions by stakeholders about the ban on the import of plastic scrap for raw materials in the industrial sector. He said the panel agreed that 14 plants located in free trade zones would be able to import plastic scrap until 2024 in two phases. He said the Department of Pollution Control will draft a 2023–2027 plastic waste management plan, focusing on four key areas, including removing plastic waste from landfills for recycling by 2027, he said. The ministry aims to reduce plastic waste yearly via a campaign to curb single-use plastic bags in department stores and convenience stores nationwide.
