On 29 October 2025, the ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA) officially launched its activities and partnership in Thailand at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, with the support of the EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the private sector, knowledge institutions as well as development partners. Under the title "Circular Economy: A Responsible Business and Innovation Opportunity for Thai Businesses", workshop witnessed the launch of ACEBA for Thailand through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ARAIBA, the regional host of ACEBA, and the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI).

Thailand’s Commitment to Circular Economy: The BCG Economy Model

The launch event emphasized Thailand's commitment to sustainable consumption and production through its Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy initiative, which integrates bio-economy, circular economy, and green economy principles. This plays a pivotal role in driving Thailand’s long-term sustainability goals, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, plastic waste management, and eco-friendly construction. Mr. Saroj Srisai, Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation to Thailand, emphasized the importance of aligning national policies with global sustainable development frameworks, and highlighted the critical role of businesses for advancing Thailand’s circular economy transformation.

Partnership with Thailand Environment Institute (TEI)

A key highlight of the event was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) to act as the ACEBA Country Lead for Thailand. This firmed up the commitment of TEI and ACEBA to collaborate for advancing circular economy business practices in the country. This partnership will play a crucial role in supporting Thai businesses through capacity-building efforts, knowledge curation and sharing, and policy advocacy. The partnership also marks a significant step in facilitating knowledge exchange and scaling up circular economy solutions in Thailand and fostering collaboration with ACEBA partners elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Business Cases and Best Practices: Circular Economy in Action

The event featured circular economy business cases from across ASEAN, providing real-world testimony that businesses can start to transition from linear to circular practices, to achieve cost savings, new business opportunities, and reduce climate and other emissions and plastic, food and other wastes. Executives of Fortune Parts Industry PCL, Sivatel Bangkok, SC Grand and Sai Yok Springs shared their experiences in adopting circular economy principles, illustrating the positive environmental and business outcomes of their sustainable business practices. These success stories provide compelling evidence for business in Thailand, showing that circularity supports both enhanced sustainability and improved business performance.

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: A Key Pillar

A central theme of the event was the emphasis on knowledge sharing and collaboration among businesses, governments, and stakeholders. ACEBA Thailand, in partnership with ARAIBA and TEI, aims to promote circular economy adoption by offering a platform for businesses to connect, share best practices, and align their efforts with leading circularity practices and sustainability goals. This collaborative approach is essential for overcoming barriers to circular economy adoption and scaling up solutions across Thailand and ASEAN.

Looking Ahead: The Path to a Circular Future

The ACEBA Thailand Launch and Workshop successfully highlighted the business case for circular economy adoption and its potential to drive sustainable growth in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. With Thailand’s unique BCG Economy Model at the forefront, businesses can position to embrace sustainability, reduce waste, and create business value contributing to both environmental impact reduction and economic growth. As ACEBA Thailand continues to support the transition to a circular economy through its partnerships and collaborative initiatives, Thailand is set to lead the way in resource efficiency and sustainability within the ASEAN region.