Thailand Commemorates International Day of Zero Waste with Focus on Fashion and Wastewater
07 April 2025
Nonthaburi, 4 April 2025 - Thailand successfully marked the International Day of Zero Waste, an initiative spearheaded by Türkiye, with a high-impact event that highlighted the environmental impact of fashion and textiles on wastewater. Under the theme "Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles", the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions for managing wastewater pollution caused by the fashion industry.
Organized by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), the Wastewater Management Authority (WMA), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Thailand, NATS Lab at Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), the Solid Waste Management Association of Thailand and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the event welcomed representatives from the UN, diplomatic corps, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates at the Lumpo Wastewater Treatment Plant in Nonthaburi.
A Call for Action on Wastewater and Fashion
Discussions centered on the growing challenge of textile-related wastewater pollution. Studies estimate that domestic laundry releases 5.69 million tons of microplastic fibers annually, with Asia accounting for over 65% of this pollution. Experts at the event emphasized the urgent need for sustainable solutions to minimize the industry's environmental footprint.
The event also celebrated two pioneering Thai initiatives driving change in sustainable textile and wastewater management:
- United Wardrobe Project (UWP) - A circular economy initiative that has collected over 9,100 clothing items, reducing CO, emissions by 98,000 kilograms and conserving 33 million liters of water.
- Lumpo Wastewater Treatment Plant - A model facility that has successfully purified wastewater, enabling aquatic life to thrive in an aquarium receiving treated water.
High-Level Engagement and Key Discussions
The event featured opening remarks by Chira Wongburana, Director-General of the Wastewater Management Authority (WMA), Thailand, and Lt. Sorawud Preededilok, Minister of TICA, H.E. Ambassador Serap Ersoy, from the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Thailand, UNEP, UN-Habitat, and industry experts participated in a panel discussion on resource efficiency in the textile and wastewater sectors.
An award ceremony recognized outstanding contributions to zero-waste innovation, followed by a guided tour of the Lumpo Wastewater Treatment Plant, showcasing Thailand's progress in sustainable wastewater management.
The event underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in tackling wastewater pollution and promoting sustainable consumption practices. As Thailand advances toward a zero-waste future, discussions from this event will help shape policies and initiatives to address the environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry.
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