Assessing the economic and environmental effects of plastic bag management in Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket provinces

Abstract

Poorly managed plastic waste ends largely in the environment. For example, visible plastic waste causes pollution in the ocean, and Thailand is ranked sixth in the world for plastic waste generation in the ocean. This study was conducted to monitor and assess plastic waste management following the launch of the ‘Thailand Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management (2018–2030)’. The CIPPI model and an impact assessment were used for this purpose. Seventy-three individuals from Thailand's central and local governments were selected to study the plastic bag roadmap. Further, 2378 Thai people and foreign tourists were surveyed about their plastic bag-using behaviours, and thirteen stakeholders were selected for interviews. This study found that the input and output factors were moderate, equalling (x‾ = 2.67, SD = 1.24) and (x‾ = 3.07, SD = 1.20), respectively. Similarly, the process factors were low (x‾ = 2.17, SD 1.29). With respect to outcomes and effects, plastic bag use exhibited a decreasing trend, from 39,983 to 49,816 million bags (−67.03%–83.52%) with a total economic value of 5340–10,408 million baht/year. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions also decreased, at 63,173–78,809-million-kilogram CO2 eq/year. In conclusion, plastic waste management requires cooperation on the part of all sectors. However, it is important for the government to take responsibility for monitoring, assessing, and improving plans to promote consumption and production sustainability following Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.