RBE Pattaya Symposium

From APEC HRDWG Wiki

The Recycling-Based-Economy (RBE) Pattaya Symposium was a part of the APEC project Capacity Building for a Recycling-based Economy (RBE) in APEC. This project was proposed by the APEC Human Resource Development Working Group's Capacity Building Network. This project aimed to start the challenging task of establishing an APEC-wide system for sustainable development through identifing issues and challenges of implementing the 3 R's (Reuse, Reduce & Recycle), sharing best practices of recycling systems used in selected industries, and establishing a network of experts to continue to share information and build a workable RBE system in APEC.

Resources from the Sympsosium:

Title	Summary
Towards Appropriate International Recycling and Re-use (Japan)	In recent years, international trade of recyclable resources (recyclable waste and secondhand goods) has increased. The outflow of recyclable waste destined for recycling from Japan to China and the rest of Asia has been on an expansionary trend. Exports of recyclable waste from the EU and the US to the region have also been growing, and these are going part way to meeting the demand for resources in China and other developing Asian countries. This paper reviews the current situation of international recycling and re-use, and propose policy options for appropriate international recycling and re-use.
The ELV Recycling System in Japan	The ELV Recycling Law of Japan is aimed to achieve two objectives through proper treatment of end-of-life vehicles: One objective is to evolve Japan into a recycling-based society and the other is to contribute to the protection of the environment.
International Resource Recycling System of Fuji Xerox: Fuji Xerox Integrated Recycling System in Asia-Pacific region	English language PowerPoint Presentation regarding the Fuji Xerox Integrated Recycling System in the Asia-Pacific region.
Overview of Recycling Technology in Textile Industry in Japan and the World	There are several methods for textile recycling. The first is mechanical recycling, the second is chemical recycling, and the third is thermal recovery. The final is another method such as the usage in blast furnace instead of coke. The main recycling method of post-consumer textile waste is the mechanical recycling. A part of synthetic fiber manufacturers carries out the chemical recycling, but the amount is very small.
Summary Report, Guidelines for Thailand	Behind the growth of economy, there hides the problems of overuse and unnecessary waste of resources as well as pollution of overall living environment, such as the electrical and electronic industry products (for example: waste refrigerators, air conditioners, laundry machines, TV sets, etc.). Most countries employ the idea of “Extended Producer Responsibility" (EPR) to demand manufacturers of their part of recycling responsibility.
Current Status of Recycling in E&E Industry in Thailand	Thailand’s electrical and electronic industry employs more than 300,000 jobs in 2,300 factories, and 80% of them are small and medium-size factories. The JODC study few years ago found 80% of local SMEs Export value was mainly from electric products. The E&E export was $28 billion in 2003 and expected to be $33 billion in 2004. Among top 5 electronic exports, computer parts, hard disk drive, and integrated circuit ranked first. For top 5 electrical exports, air-conditioning equipment ranked first, TV, and switching device ranked closely in the top 2 and 3.
Current Status and Future Prospects for a Recycling-Based Economy in APEC, Case Study of Thailand	The purpose of this paper is to review the current status of recycling activities in Thailand and propose the future prospects for recycling-based economies in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The current solid waste recycling system and the legal framework and government policies are studied. Industry practices, including Ewaste recycling, and issues and problems of recycling in Thailand are also analyzed. Finally, the future prospect of recycling system in Thailand is introduced together with the future direction of recycling-based economy in APEC.
Summary of APEC Capacity Building on a Recycling-based Economy, Guidelines for Thailand	The presentation begins with the Thailand automotive industry in overview. Most of the automobile, motorcycle, and auto part manufacturers locate in the Bangkok area and its perimeter, and the eastern part of Thailand. Those who locate in the eastern part receive more advantages in tax privilege and export infrastructure. At the time of this report, there were 16 car companies and 6 motorcycle companies. There were 709 first tier companies, 69 companies of which were Thai majority companies. There were about 1,100 second tier and lower tier companies which are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Current Status of Recycling in Textile Industry in Thailand	Thai Government and industries have concerns about environmental protection and recycling. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plays a vital role. The Pollution Control Department and Department of Environmental Quality Promotion issue regulations and promote environmental issues. The Department of Industrial Works takes action on the laws and regulations for industrial waste management and waste treatment. For the private sector, Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) promotes research and pursues environmental protection at both the industry and household level. TEI has taken action on networking of recycling in the industry, and established a Material Exchange Center for the industry. The Federation of Thai Industries promotes the recycling industry by establishing Environmental Management Club for waste management. In the future, this can be an additional opportunity for textile industry to use this channel in managing waste.