The Sustainable Resource Management Foundation (3R Foundation), in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Interior, and partner organisations, hosted the Signing Ceremony of the Declaration of Intent on Advancing Producer Responsibility and Climate Change Adaptation towards Sustainable Packaging Management in support of Thailand’s Net Zero 2065 target.
The ceremony took place on 1 October 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center as part of the SUSTAINABILITY EXPO 2025. Its objective was to promote the production and management of environmentally friendly packaging under the Circular Economy framework. This includes recovering packaging for recycling and reuse, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering sustainable waste management in vulnerable areas, driven by collaborative efforts from government, private sector, civil society, and local communities.
The event also featured a seminar titled “From a Small Island to a Big Inspiration: The Koh Tao Model for Sustainable Packaging Circulation.” Panelists included Khun Apichart Meepian, Mayor of Koh Tao Municipality; Khun Thanaboon Sombun, Chief Executive Officer of Creative Move Co., Ltd.; and Khun Eknarin Ariyavongvivat, Marine Conservation Leads and MA-RE-DESIGN’s Project Manager, WWF Thailand.
Khun Eknarin highlighted the “Koh Tao Model” under the MA-RE-DESIGN project, driven by WWF in collaboration with the municipality and the business tourism sector. Koh Tao was selected as a pilot site for waste and circular packaging management due to its geographical limitations and high waste management costs, coupled with the strong commitment of local communities and stakeholders. For example, the introduction of reusable packaging at Koh Tao’s annual events was well-received by both participants and local businesses, successfully reducing waste by 9,006 items, equivalent to a reduction of 692 kgCO2e in carbon emissions.
This initiative is part of WWF’s Plastic Smart Cities approach, with WWF providing technical support, waste assessments, action plan development, and the facilitation of collaboration between government, the business tourism sector, and the community. Over the past two years, this collaboration has significantly enhanced local knowledge and understanding of waste management practices.
Looking ahead, WWF envisions Koh Tao as a source of inspiration in advancing Thailand’s Net Zero 2050 target, as well as contributing to WWF’s global goal of No Plastic in Nature by 2030. Koh Tao is set to evolve from being a model for a small community into a significant reference point for circular economy practices in other islands and tourist cities across Thailand and the wider region.
