Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Unites Private Sector and 20 Partner Organizations to Drive Circular Economy and Sustainable Plastic Management
Thailand's natural resources ministry and major retailers including Makro and Lotus signed an agreement with 20 partner organizations to advance circular economy practices and reduce plastic waste in the retail sector.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has partnered with over 20 private and public organizations to advance circular economy principles and sustainable plastic management. On May 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin presided over a ceremony where the Pollution Control Department signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the "United Force Driving Thailand Toward Sustainability: AXTRA Circular Impacts" project with CP Axtra Public Company Limited (operator of Makro and Lotus stores) and approximately 20 partner organizations from government, private sector, and educational institutions.
The signing was attended by Dr. Raviwarn Pooridech, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Dr. Theeraphol Thanomsakdiyut, Executive Chairman of Sustainability and Strategic Development at the Charoen Pokphand Group; Siriphon Dechsing, CEO of Sustainability and Corporate Communications at CP Axtra; and Surin Vorakitthamnrung, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, along with executives and waste management experts from various sectors.
The initiative aims to drive sustainable plastic management under the "Circular Retail" concept, promoting Thailand's retail sector toward a circular economy model. Key objectives include reducing unnecessary plastic use, establishing systematic collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic packaging, developing sustainable innovations, and fostering sector-wide participation through the 5R framework: Re-educate, Reduce, Recycle, Replace, and Reinvent.
Minister Suchati emphasized that the world faces challenges in climate change, social inequality, and resource limitations, requiring all sectors to jointly drive balanced and sustainable economic, social, and environmental growth. He highlighted that sustainable business must consider three benefits: national security, improved quality of life for citizens, and organizational growth. The circular economy is essential for converting waste back into resources, reducing new resource consumption, and minimizing disposal waste.
Dr. Raviwarn stressed that this collaboration represents an important step for Thailand's retail sector, serving as a model for comprehensive waste management and strengthening the country's waste management system while supporting long-term sustainable development goals. Meanwhile, Siriphon Dechsing noted that CP Axtra has continuously implemented plastic management measures, with Makro and Lotus phasing out single-use plastic bags and ceasing sales of foam packaging while promoting sustainable alternatives.
