Development of Bioplastics from Cassava toward the Sustainability of Cassava Value Chain in Thailand

Abstract

Population growth and urbanization in Thailand has generated negative environmental externalities and the underuse of agricultural materials. Plastics from cassava present an alternative that helps reduce the use of non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics and can reshape a sustainable cassava value chain. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the cassava value chain, consumer acceptance, and the opportunities and challenges for developing bioplastics from cassava in Thailand. We analyze the value added to different applications of cassava products and investigate the consumer acceptance of bioplastic from cassava using a two-step cluster analysis. From an economic perspective, bioplastics based on cassava add a value of 14.8–22 times that of cassava roots. We conducted a survey of 915 respondents and found that consumer acceptance of bioplastic products from cassava accounts for 48.6% of all respondents, but few are willing to pay extra for them. We also found that the development of cassava-based bioplastic not only positively contributes to economic aspects but also generates beneficial long-term impacts on social and environmental aspects. Considering cassava supply, bioplastic production, and potential consumer acceptance, the development of bioplastics from cassava in Thailand faces several barriers and is growing slowly, but is needed to drive the sustainable cassava value chain. This study provides guidelines for businesses and the government to adopt bioplastics from cassava.