SMS Elevated and Added Tapioca Product Value to Achieve BCG Model at the 11th Starch Value Chain Asia by CMT

January 31^st, 2023, SMS Group joined the seminar as keynote speakers, highlighting the important role of the Cassava industry to support Thailand’s BCG goals by Dr. Werawat Lertwanawatana (CEO of SMS Group) and the functional thermoplastic resin for bioplastic application by Dr. Siwarutt Boonyarattanakalin (Assistant Innovation director). At the event, there were many major agricultural organizations attended, including International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) led by Dr. Jonathan Newby (Research Economist) and many leading agricultural manufacturers.

Dr. Werawat pointed out the competitive advantages of being an agricultural country and opportunities to elevate and add value to Thailand’s economic crops – Tapioca. ‘When we implement innovation to products, the route becomes wider and further’ – Dr. Werawat stated. The competitiveness of the tapioca is its functionality in various industries including food, paper, adhesive, bioplastic, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Modified tapioca starch is consistently developed and formulated to be effectively used in many specific applications such as functional food and diet supplementary.

Moreover, tapioca starch is also modified to be a thermoplastic resin for bioplastic products, providing a natural degradation rate within 4 months. Dr. Siwarutt explained that natural raw material, TAPIOPLAST® will be the vital key to achieving sustainability in this BCG era. Since Thermoplastic resinม TAPIOPLAST® is bio-based material that has good compatibility with other polymers, this eases bioplastic production in terms of product variety, affordability, and sustainability.