Analysis of green product procurement and ecolabels towards sustainable consumption and production in Thailand

• DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2021.03.024
• Publication Date: 2021-03-23T20:00:30Z
• Authors: Rattanawan Mungkung; Kannika Sorakon; Saruda Sitthikitp...; Shabbir H. Gheewala
• Keywords: Consumption; Strengths and weaknesses

Abstract Thailand has developed a national roadmap on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and implemented green product procurement (GPP), but the effects of GPP on achieving SCP have not yet been evaluated. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with policies and practices of 15 key institutions were analyzed to identify gaps and practical issues. The analysis of external opportunities and threats with the internal strengths and weaknesses was performed with the stakeholder consultation of at least 160 participants from governmental and private sectors. GPP has induced an increased number of ecolabelled products and services from more than 1,200 manufacturers; however, it has mainly been focused on office supplies. To move forward, the fiscal budget for purchasing ecolabelled products/services should be continually increased and more building materials and circular products should be added to the list. Manufacturers should be motivated to produce eco products by tax incentives. GPP should be expanded to local administrative organizations and the private sector. The monitoring system must be improved through a digital platform to facilitate online reporting. Life Cycle Assessment should be used for assessing the impacts of GPP, not limited to greenhouse gas reduction. Communication with consumers should be enhanced to understand the value of using ecolabelled products, leading to more participation.