Bangkok Post – THG considers eco-friendly medical packaging plan

Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc (THG) is exploring the development of eco-friendly medical packaging, such as plastic medical bags, as part of its goal to transform the hospital into a green hospital and reduce carbon emissions.

THG has partnered with a petrochemical company to look for ways to use recycled plastics, potentially producing new packaging for medicines.

“We intend to use sustainable plastic packaging, in line with carbon neutrality and net zero campaigns,” said Nalin Vanasin, chief sustainability officer at THG.

Thailand announced at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference that it will be more aggressive in tackling climate change, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon emissions and carbon absorption by 2050, and a net zero target by 2065

Ms Nalin said the company had not yet decided whether to use recycled plastics or bio-based materials to produce its medical packaging. The use of biological materials increases the value of agricultural products, increasing farmers’ incomes.

The joint study will provide a clearer picture of potential raw materials, development budget, production capacity and which THG hospitals will be selected to use green products, she added.

THG is also interested in using garbage bags made from recycled materials and is talking to the supplier about it, Ms. Nalin said.

In the energy sector, THG plans to install rooftop solar panels in its hospitals, with the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy to 20%, she said. The company also wants to use light-emitting diodes in the hospital lighting system to save energy.

In the transport sector, THG is switching from oil-powered cars to electric vehicles, promoting their use among staff and visitors by increasing the number of charging stations in its hospitals.

“Our net zero target can be achieved by 2030.” Ms Nalin said, adding that Thonburi Thawiwatthana Hospital is leading the effort to reduce greenhouse gases by launching the campaign in 2022.