Government agencies and the private sector have signed an agreement to stop using plastic film covering water bottle caps in an effort to reduce plastic garbage on land and sea.
Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment Wichan Simachaya, presided on Tuesday over the signing of the agreement between the Pollution Control Department, the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, the FDA, the Office of The Consumer Protection Board, the Thai Beverage Industry Association, the Thai Retailers Association, the Thai Plastic Industries Association and the Plastics Institute of Thailand.
According to the ministry, Thailand produces around 2.6 billion plastic water bottles a year. Lightweight plastic covering water bottle caps poses a threat to the environment on land and at sea since it does not decompose.
Five major drinking water manufacturers have agreed to stop using the plastic to cover water bottle caps from 1st April this year. After that, the ministry will urge other companies to follow suit.
It may seem an insignificant reduction but it is a step in the right direction. Any measures to improve the state of our oceans is to be welcomed and let’s hope that further more effective ones are not far away.
(Source:-National News Bureau of Thailand)