Progress on biological industry development measures

" Deputy Government Spokesperson" reveals the progress of operations and the results of the review of Thailand's biological industry development measures for 2018-2027, half-plan period, Mrs. Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister. Revealing a report on the progress of operations under the measures. and the results of the half-plan review of measures for relevant agencies to use as a guideline for driving measures in the next phase, as presented by the Ministry of Industry (Ministry of Industry) to the Cabinet meeting last week (January 9, 2024). As follows , the Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister said that the report on the progress of operations under the measures to develop Thailand's biological industry for the year 2018-2027 in the year 2022 consists of 4 sub-measures, namely measures to eliminate barriers to investment and create supporting factors. Measures to accelerate domestic investment Measures to stimulate demand Measures to create a network in the form of a Center of Biological Excellence (CoBE) with the following details: Measures to remove barriers to investment and create supporting factors The results of operations are as follows: 1) Office of the Cane and Sugar Board The Sugarcane and Granulated Sugar Act (No. 2) B.E. 2022 was revised, which was published in the Royal Gazette on December 23, 2022, making it possible to use sugarcane juice to produce products other than granulated sugar. and allocating raw materials (sugar cane juice) adequately and more appropriately to the biological industry 2) Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning The city plan has been revised in accordance with Section 35 of the Town Planning Act, B.E. 2019, to support bio-industry operations in areas that are suitable or have potential, including the Nong Pho Subdistrict, Takhli District, Nakhon Sawan Province. and Lopburi Province 3) Relevant agencies have pushed the agricultural sector towards smart farming (Smart Farming), su ch as agricultural mapping systems (Agri-map), precision farming (Precision Farming), irrigation system linkage. Including the management of the agricultural sector to support the development of the biological industry. by the Land Development Department Land use was planned according to the suitability of the soil for growing economic crops. This makes it possible to plan crop production in accordance with the area through applications such as Agri-Map, LDD On Farm, which is the basis for Smart Farming, with total operating results of 77,472 rai, including the Department of Agriculture. Research and develop economic crop varieties including sugarcane, cassava, oil palm, and animal feed corn. and legumes As for the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission Conducting a pilot project for digital agriculture using 5G technology by laying high-speed internet networks in remote areas, using IoT Smart Farm devices to control watering on mountainside areas. and use iFarm software to control wate ring equipment and fans in the EVAP greenhouse along with a measurement and data storage system to support research. In addition, the National Science and Technology Development Agency Push the use of technology to support smart agriculture. There were a total of 160 people who received technology transfer. 4) Relevant agencies supported laboratory animal centers that were ready to request standards for good laboratory practices from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). GLP) and develop auditor standards By the Department of Medical Sciences Has inspected and registered 2 research/development agencies that comply with OECD GLP standards: Herbal Product Innovation Expert Center Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (Toxicity Study) and National Primate Research Center Chulalongkorn University. In addition, the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research Expanding the scope of products to be certified according to OECD GLP standards, including Industrial Chemicals Products, Household Products, Novel Food, and Chemical Substance, which was certified on May 26, 2022. Measures to accelerate domestic investment Including setting investment indicators according to the measure, which is investment in the biological industry in the country at least 190,000 million baht. Currently, there is investment progress in the biological industry in areas with potential (Bio Hubs), totaling 28,440 million baht. The expected investment value totals 153,340 million baht, with operating results as follows: 1) Office of the Board of Investment Promote investment in businesses related to bio-based industries such as biotechnology. Produce fuel from agricultural products Produce biochemicals or bioplastics including developing biotechnology For investment promotion approval statistics for 2022, there are projects in the agricultural and food processing industries. Biotechnology industry Including businesses that develop biotechnology, a total of 211 projects have been p romoted, with an investment value of 62,572 million baht. 2) Office of the Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Committee Promote the biological industry in the EEC area, including activities to promote investment in the biological industry in collaboration with foreign agencies such as Osaka City and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Fronthofer Association. Germany Including the announcement of the Eastern Economic Corridor Innovation Zone (EECi) by the National Science and Technology Development Agency. It is the agency that drives the Innovation Platform, which has built a plant growing greenhouse in Phase 1 (now open for service) and established a biorefinery prototype factory. (Building construction/pilot factory design) 3) Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Focus on increasing the value of investment in the EEC by developing infrastructure to support the biological industry, consisting of (1) Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Development Project, Phase 3, to support the expansion o f advanced petrochemical industries and biological industries. There is progress of 36.85 percent and (2) the Smart Park industrial estate project, which is a model of eco-development and innovation. There was progress of 44.16 percent. 4) Nakhonsawan BioComplex (NBC) project, investment value 41,000 million baht, located in Nong Pho Subdistrict, Takhli District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Operated by GGC Catis Bio-Industrial Company Limited (GKBI), Phase 1, worth 7,500 million baht, has built a sugarcane crushing plant with a production capacity of 24,000 tons per day, an ethanol plant, and capacity. Production of 600,000 liters per day and power plant from biomass fuel and high pressure steam. Installed production capacity of 85 megawatts of electricity and 475 tons of steam per hour. which is already commercially produced As for the second phase of the project, valued at 21,430 million baht, GKBI and Natureworks Asia Pacific Company Limited have signed a contract to purchase utility systems for NBC Phase 2, p roject value 1,430 million baht, which is expected to begin commercial operation in 2024, including the company. Natureworks LLC has invested in a second PLA bioplastic factory project using sugarcane sugar as the main raw material to produce Lactic Acid for PLA production at a production capacity of 75,000 tons per year, with an investment value of more than 20,000 million baht, which is expected to be commercially produced. within 2024 5) Bioeconomy Industrial Estate Project, investment value 29,705 million baht, located in Ban Phai District. Khon Kaen Province Operated by Mitr Phol Sugar Company Limited, it is in the process of considering expanding investment to expand the existing industry. From ethanol production to value-added products such as biojet fuels in the areas of Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Phu Khieo District, Chaiyaphum Province. and Kuchinarai District Kalasin Province High quality organic substances In the area of ??Phu Khiao District Chaiyaphum Province 6) Bio Hub Asia project, inves tment value 57,600 million baht, located in Khao Hin Son Subdistrict. Phanom Sarakham District Chachoengsao Province Operated by the company Biomatlink Co., Ltd. to develop a smart eco-industrial area to support 54 target industrial factories, such as bioenergy, biorefinery, biochemicals, as well as establishing an innovation research and development center. and the development of the BioMatLink system to manage cassava raw materials in a complete manner, which in 2022 has made progress in investing in Phase 1 worth 10,000 million baht in cooperation with companies in the group of companies. Siam Cement Public Company Limited to be the contractor for the project. 7) Ubon Ratchathani Industrial Estate Project Investment value 8,400 million baht, located in Na Krasaeng Subdistrict. and Thung Theing Subdistrict, Det Udom District, Ubon Ratchathani Province Operated by Ubon Ratchathani Development Company Limited to develop space and utility systems for the production of agro-processing industries. agricultural machinery biotechnology Herbs and medicine and other target industries Supports the production of medical food and organic biochemistry. By the National Town Planning Board There was a resolution on July 27, 2022 approving the request to change the rural and agricultural land use (green) to the industrial and warehouse land use (purple) and Ubon Ratchathani Province posted the announcement to listen to the public's comments. already It is currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and plans to construct in 2024. 8) Lopburi Bio Complex Project, investment value 32,000 million baht, located in Nong Mueang Subdistrict. and Don Dueng Subdistrict Ban Mi District Lopburi Province Operated by the company Farmer Sugar Industry Co., Ltd. to produce an industry that emphasizes advanced technology and innovation in agricultural product processing and renewable energy. We are currently studying to do an EIA and holding a second public hearing. 9) Bioplastic investment project (Polylactic Acid: PLA), investment value 3,500 million baht, located in the Asia Industrial Estate, Rayong Province, operated by Total Corbian PLA (Thailand) Company Limited, to produce lactide ( Lactide) with a production capacity of 100,000 tons per year and PLA bioplastic with a production capacity of 75,000 tons per year, which are already commercially produced. and will expand the production capacity of Lactic Acid by an additional 10,000 million baht, with construction expected to be completed by 2023. 10) Green Diesel and Phase Change Material (PCM) production project, investment value 4,600 million baht, located at WHA Eastern Industrial Estate (Map Ta Phut), Rayong Province, operated by EA Company. Bio Innovation Co., Ltd. to produce green diesel (Bio Hydrogenated Diesel: BHD) for use as a mixture of diesel fuel to increase efficiency and cleanliness of engines and PCM substances for use in temperature control in building construction materials or fabric fibers. Produces 130 tons per day, with commercial production already in progress. and expand investment by an additional 1,000 million baht to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and by-products. It is expected that commercial production will begin in the first quarter of 2024. Measures to stimulate demand The results of operations are as follows: 1) The Comptroller General's Department issues measures to promote environmentally friendly products and services. To designate parcels that are environmentally friendly According to the list of environmentally friendly products and services of the Pollution Control Department. It is a parcel that the government wants to promote or support. 2) The Revenue Department issues tax measures to promote biodegradable plastic products. By enacting a Royal Decree issued in accordance with the Revenue Code. Concerning tax exemptions (No. 749) B.E. 2022 to extend the period of tax measures that require companies or juristic partnerships to deduct expenses paid for the purchase of certified biodegradable plastic products. Products from th e Office of Industrial Economics get 1.25 times for the expenses paid. Since for the expenses that have been paid From January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024, it covers 11 types of biodegradable plastic products, including handle bags, garbage bags, plastic cups, single-use plastic plates and trays. Plastic spoons, forks, knives, plastic straws, plastic bags for growing plants Soil covering film, plastic bottles, glass lids, and glass lid film. Office of Industrial Economics as the certifier of biodegradable plastic products according to the types specified by the Director-General of the Revenue Department. A total of 102 certificates have been issued so far, including 8 companies, including announcements. Office of Industrial Economics About the criteria and methods for issuing biodegradable plastic product certifications Industrial Standards Institute Set biological product standards in fiscal year 2022 for 19 products, with cumulative performance totaling 346 standards. In fiscal year 2023, there will be a dditional biological product standards for 32 products. Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Promote the use of bioplastics by publicizing it to networks of coastal communities and marine tourism operators. Encourage the use of environmentally friendly products. Easily biodegradable naturally Including reducing and recycling. To reduce the amount of garbage and prevent the leakage of garbage from land into the marine and coastal ecosystems. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation) upgrades national parks to be Zero Waste National Parks and places importance on sustainable waste management. including providing shops in national parks Choose environmentally friendly packaging. and publicizing tourists to refrain from using Styrofoam/plastic containers for food storage in national parks. From 6 April 2022 Measures to create a network in the form of a Center of Biological Excellence (CoBE) by the Plastics Institute A cting as a central coordinating agency Connect and prepare as well as managing research, technology / biological innovation To develop the industry towards a bioeconomy which has operating results as follows Research and development (RandD) by creating a biological linkage network with research agencies and industry. The results of operations are as follows: National Science and Technology Development Agency Develop synthetic biology technology (SynBio) among SynBio network partners, a total of 17 agencies, to serve as the basis of the high-value biochemical production industry for Nutraceuticals. and cosmetics Develop biorefinery technology to increase the value of agricultural waste materials. Including construction of a biorefinery pilot plant. which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council Develop a research network of 6 universities to support the use of local microbes by entrepreneurs and community enterpr ises in 6 regions and 8 provinces, a network of 70 producers and users of microbial technology for the industrial sector, and 23 partners in the Synthetic Biology Network of Thailand by In the next phase, SynBio Academy will be established to develop the ecosystem. Create a technology platform as well as driving the establishment of the National Biofoundry National Research Council Create a research development network that responds to the needs of the biofuel and biochemical industries. Consisting of 165 universities/research agencies, 56 private sector agencies, and 3 policy agencies, resulting in a total of 60 project proposals and 5 projects receiving research funding in 2022. Office of the Cane and Sugar Board Researched and developed 4 biological products using raw materials from the sugar cane and sugar industries, with cumulative results totaling 32 products, covering bioplastic products, biochemicals, pharmaceuticals/cosmetics. Including products that use agricultural waste raw materials. Plastic Institute Link biological research networks with the National Research Council of Thailand Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research Center of Excellence in Life Sciences (Public Organization) Thai Bioplastic Industry Association and Prince of Songkla University by linking the biological industry database Including determining the data structure for importing and exporting biological products from the customs tariff. Developing a prototype (Prototype)/ Upgrading the establishment (Scale Up) by providing consulting and funding support. To upgrade biological enterprises and develop prototype biological products. which has operating results as follows National Research Council Support research funds to develop technology prototypes Management process/system and biological products, a total of 38 prototypes, by developing prototype systems and applying research results in the industrial sector, totaling 5 projects Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research Providing testing s ervices according to OECD-GLP standards, biological product group (Bio-control Products), which performs Inhalation Toxicity Test, the only place in Thailand. Including giving advice and participating in the development of microbial production processes. As well as jointly developing the production process for products derived from microorganisms for use in further production for market trials. Office of the Cane and Sugar Board Established the Biological Industry Promotion Center, Bang Phra Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. To be an analysis center Test and certify biomaterial products for physical and thermal aspects. Chemical and biological materials and raw materials, developing prototype biological products for commercial purposes. Matching businesses with SMEs and the government sector, including cultivating entrepreneurs and developing personnel to support the biological industry. as well as manage the reduction of greenhouse gases in the sugarcane and sugar industry systems. Departm ent of Industrial Promotion Develop the potential of 10 establishments related to the biological industry and develop 10 prototype biological industry products, Office of Industrial Economics. in collaboration with the Plastic Institute Raise the productivity of business establishments with the bioeconomy concept for 5 businesses and develop 5 prototype biological products. human resource development By creating courses and training to create personnel and biological experts. which has operational results including the Department of Industrial Promotion Develop the potential of personnel in the biological industry, totaling 200 people, Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council. Certify training courses to develop highly skilled personnel in science. Engineering Technology, 24 courses, and Chulalongkorn University has created 3 main courses, with a total of 692 people participating in the training. Development of the Bio Intelligence Unit by the Office of Indust rial Economics in collaboration with the Plastics Institute Carrying out the project to develop the biological industry insight center To link information in the form of Bio Innovation Linkage in 3 target product groups: bioplastics, biochemicals, and biopharmaceuticals. By improving the original database Develop a new database as well as gathering news in the biological industry Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office Revealed that from the Ministry of Industry having studied the problems and obstacles in the year 2022, there has been a review of measures for the development of Thailand's biological industry for the years 2018-2027, half-plan period, in all 5 areas, namely, infrastructure. Human resource development in terms of increasing productivity, technology, research, innovation, logistics systems and standardization Legal and regulatory aspects Including measures to promote Support from the government Stimulating domestic demand, creating markets, and public relations include: Infrastruc ture Upgrade and expand the role of the Plastics Institute to include support and promotion of the biological industry. It serves as a Center of Excellence in Biology (CoBE) that provides complete services (One Stop Service) and facilitates entrepreneurs in the biological industry in a complete manner. both in terms of linking information database systems investment consulting Requesting permission to operate a business Providing testing and certification services according to various standards and applying for related tax benefits/deductions. as well as coordinating to solve problems that are obstacles to business operations in the biological industry Create an enterprise network/cluster To connect development throughout the bioindustry production supply chain. To increase the competitiveness of biological industry operators. Develop laboratories and testing rooms to have potential according to international standards. and can be carried out comprehensively and in accordance with the needs of the industrial sector Including providing adequate materials, equipment and tools. As well as taking care and maintaining it to be used effectively. Human resource development Develop and increase personnel and researchers according to the needs of the industrial sector, such as the field of Bioprocess Engineering, which is a skill that the industrial sector urgently needs. Improving and adding to the biological curriculum in educational institutions. To be comprehensive and consistent with the needs of the industrial sector Support training of biological personnel With government assistance measures/tax measures To subsidize/deduct operating expenses Including organizing biological training for entrepreneurs by relevant government agencies. In terms of increasing productivity, technology, research, innovation, logistics systems and standardization Increase efficiency and productivity (Productivity) in the biological industry production process including labor, machinery, logistics systems Including the application of tec hnology and digital in production. research and development as well as innovation development To develop the potential of biological industry entrepreneurs Develop an agricultural raw material management system for the biological industry to be stable and consistent with the needs of the industrial sector. Both in quantity and quality Including increasing the efficiency of the logistics system and transporting raw materials to bio-industry production. Develop an irrigation system to draw water into storage ponds in agricultural areas to distribute water to farmers. By accelerating the push for the policy of combining farmers' cultivation plots. Including developing an irrigation system linking the Bio Hubs area to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and increase agricultural production. as well as developing large-scale agricultural systems Towards the foundation of driving the integrated bioeconomy Create a database system for life cycle assessment of biological products (Bio LCA) throughout the bioproduct p roduction supply chain in Thailand. From primary agricultural raw materials to downstream biological products. To benefit from product development and improvement of environmentally friendly production processes. Establish biological product standards that are complete and cover the entire supply chain. By adding paper products coated with bioplastics and fiber-based products. In addition, the establishment of sustainability standards for agricultural raw materials and biological products should be promoted. Legal and regulatory aspects including promotion/support measures from the government Consider adjusting city planning in areas with potential for investment in the bio-industry (Bio Hubs) according to the suitability of the area. Each type of area (Zoning) should be clearly divided. and discuss with relevant agencies in detail from the beginning of the project. Including taking into account environmental impacts, disasters, and communities surrounding the area. Consideration should be given to improvin g the type or type of factory according to ministerial regulations, type, type, and size of factory. To be more clear and complete In order to draft the overall city plan to cover the types or types of factories related to the development of the entire biological industry in Thailand. Improve laws that hinder the development of the biological industry. In particular, it is urgent to review measures to support the use of ethanol in the production of bio-based products. This will allow entrepreneurs to expand investment in the bioplastic industry and other industries that build on the use of ethanol as a component to produce high value-added biological products. Consider increasing the corporate income tax exemption rate according to measures to promote biodegradable plastic products. As for the expenses paid for the purchase of such products (originally 125 percent) to motivate and stimulate demand for the use of more bioplastic products. Including increasing the types of biodegradable plastic products to be c omprehensive and complete, such as paper products coated with bioplastics. Add additional measures to stimulate demand for the use of bio-based products in the country, such as high-value products derived from ethanol, such as SAF bio-ethylene. (Bio-ethylene) Promote the establishment of a complete bio-industry investment center (Bio Complex) in potential areas of the country. Including considering additional benefits for investing in the biological industry. and granting benefits to a series of large-scale projects in a comprehensive manner (Complex) to promote investment in the biological industry to cover continuous and connected investment activities in areas throughout the supply chain. Enact laws related to the development of the biological industry according to international standards, such as the law on biosafety. and biological diversity Including improving the process for requesting evaluation of health claims (Health Claim) in biological-based products. Support funding for increasing productivity research and development innovation development product design Testing and certification Including the development of entrepreneurs Upgrading and creating necessary skills (Upskill and Reskill) for personnel and workers in the biological industry. Through the use of budgets from funds of relevant government agencies such as the Science Promotion Fund. Research and innovation (NFI Promotion Fund) by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Fund to increase the competitiveness of the country for target industries by the Office of the Board of Investment, etc. In terms of stimulating domestic demand, creating markets and public relations Issue compulsory measures and determine the proportion of use of biodegradable plastics in production, such as PLA bioplastics, as well as set policies for green procurement (Green Procurement) and the use of environmentally friendly products (Green Product). including biological products in government activities Establish and use a logo for biodegrada ble plastic products. To stimulate demand for the use of bioplastic products and increase the efficiency of plastic waste management within the country. Including creating added value in the process of recycling plastic waste. Campaign and publicize to create knowledge and understanding among domestic consumers about the use of environmentally friendly biological products. Including understanding with communities, citizens, and NGOs in the Bio Hubs area about the benefits that will be gained from developing a bio-industry that is linked to the agricultural sector and creates income distribution in the area. This will allow the industrial sector to grow together with the community in a sustainable way. Source: Thai News Agency