Breakthroughs in plastic waste innovations on show at Indo-Pacific
Plastics Innovation Network Demo Day in Bangkok
22 October 2025
Thai innovators are paving the way for a more inclusive, circular economy as part of their involvement in the Australian Government’s Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN).
This Australian-led science and technology program delivered by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and supported by the Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP) works in partnership with Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand Environment Institute, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research and the National Innovation Agency.
The IPPIN Demonstration Day (Demo Day) showcased innovations tackling plastic waste, designed with an inclusive approach guided by a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion framework.
"Through the IPPIN program, eight teams have been supported to develop diverse green innovations such as a waste bank mobile app, reusable packaging systems, models promoting regenerative tourism, and many more," remarked Dr Angela Macdonald PSM, Australian Ambassador to Thailand.
Among the standout innovators making waves in the region are teams like Blue Ocean Plastic, which works with waste collectors to promote fair, transparent, and traceable recycling practices. Rematterso converts difficult-to-recycle materials, which typically end up in landfill, into products like flexible packaging.
Dr Wijarn Simachaya, President of Thailand Environment Institute, emphasised the need to support solutions such as these emerging from IPPIN.
“By supporting initiatives like IPPIN, TEI is also committed to enhancing sustainable waste management practices by applying circular economy principles through both policy-level engagement and practical implementation at the local level.
“We have the power to prepare entrepreneurs for market success - driving lasting, transformative change in Thailand’s plastics ecosystem, along with balancing the use of natural resources in business operation for sustainable future to build the plastic circularity ecosystem in Thailand,” Dr Wijarn Simachaya said.
Dr Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency agreed that the program has ongoing value.
“Through platforms like IPPIN, we are shaping new ways to utilise materials and a new mindset for sustainability” she said.
CSIRO Director for Southeast Asia Amelia Fyfield noted that while a global plastics pollution treaty has not yet been secured, innovation had an important role to play in developing solutions.
“Since 2023, IPPIN has supported 32 ventures through the Thailand Chapter to grow and scale diverse solutions. We must continue using science, technology and innovation to change complex plastic problems into circular solutions,” she said.
“By bringing together the Mekong’s top innovators, researchers and industry leaders, we can enhance economic stability alongside environmental regeneration.”
The event included an exhibition showcasing new technologies designed to combat plastic waste.
Since 2023, the IPPIN Program has supported 165 ventures across Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia chapters and 80 ventures across the Mekong subregion.
Meet the 2025 teams. Download the Cohort Booklet.
Click here for Thai version
