NIA PUSHING LOCAL FIRMS INTO R&D FOR BIOPLASTICS

       The National Innovation Agency wants local firms to conduct research adn development in bioplastics, negotiating with relevant agencies to preserve intellectual property and grant tax incentives to researchers.
       The move is in line with its 2008-12 national road map for the development of a bioplastics industry.
       "I'm confident we can have a bioplastics industry in the next two years, but want I worry about is the possibility of losing it to foreign firms," said director Supachai Lorlowhakarn.
       He said the NIA was afraid the Kingdom might fall prey to foreign companies wanting to use Thailand as a production base for raw materials.
       International companies, such as Purac, NatureWorks and some Japanese businesses, have expressed interest in building plants here, while few local firms are prepared to invest in upstream of bioplastic operations.
       He said the NIA would set up a pilot plant to make polyactic acid (PLA), with annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes.
       "This will cost Bt8 billion, of which 60 per cent will come from the government and the rest from the private sector-but only Thai firms," he said.
       In line with the road map's strategy of accelerating technology development and cooperation, the NIA has give Kasetsart University Bt 1 billion to use in producing Thai researchers.
       At least one modern technology fermenting sugar for monomer production-is expected to be gained by 2012, as well as at least one modern compounding technology: preparation of PLA.
       Sei-ichi Aiba, head of the Environmentally Degradeble Polymer Research Group at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, said his group was willing to support Thai universities and researchers in the creation of new upstream products, in order to develop a future bioplastics industry here.
       He said Japan has started to use bioplastics in the manufacture of such products as mobile phones and medical equipment.
       The market for bioplastic products is expected to grow continuously, due mainly to environmental concerns.
       Meanwhile, the NIA will collaborate with the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department on promoting the use of biodegradable disposal bags on southern islands.
       "This will be a pilot project to educate locals and tourists alike on the use of environmentally friendly products in managing their waste disposal property," said project manager Korapat somsaeng, adding that it would be launched next month.