ThaiNGO

Title                             : Expert/Researcher

Goal                            : Conduct technical research on the development of alternative packaging to replace single-use plastic in F&B, hotels, and other businesses in Plastic Smart Cities

Contracting Agency    : WWF Thailand

Department                : Plastic team, Conservation Unit

Work Location            : Songkla and Hat Yai cities OR Surat Thani and Koh Samui cities, Thailand

Type of Contract        : Consultancy Agreement

Contract Duration      : 9 Months

OBJECTIVE

An external expert will undertake technical research focusing on the development of alternative packaging to replace conventional plastics intended for short-term use such as food and drink containers in Songkla and Hat Yai cities OR Surat Thani and Koh Samui cities. The expert team will also work with local government agencies or other stakeholders to produce, procure, and establish a market for these alternative packaging.

The overall objectives of the assessment study include:

1. To research and develop alternative packaging from plants or other bio-based material by considering 1) availability of local raw materials, 2) functionality of the product, 3) economically viability of production i.e. price analysis, 4) Basic LCA and 5) product hygiene/ storage life
2. To identify a ready-to-scale solution for alternative packaging production using the existing local materials, equipment, resources, and capacity.
3. To procure or produce alternative packaging and collaborate with local government and non-government agencies to establish local markets (local F&B, hotel, and other businesses) to uptake 10 tons of alternative packaging
4. To develop a sustainable business model that is replicable, scalable, and sustainable by local governments/ community group other stakeholders
5. To develop a transition plan to local government or community group to ensure sustainability of the model

SCOPE OF WORK

The Expert will be responsible for:

C1. Conducting technical research reflecting the above-mentioned objectives;

C2. Develop a business model that is replicable, scalable, and sustainable

• Identify source of raw materials, along with the costs and logistic
• Conduct capacity assessment and identify resources needed to produce alternative packaging
• Identify potential market in collaboration with local government and non-government agencies
• Identify Willingness to Pay of the product to develop pricing strategies
• Develop a technological transfer plan to local government or community group

C3. Procure, produce, and bring product into the market. Ensure that local businesses uptake 10 tons of alternative packaging

C4. Foreseeing and preventing unintended consequences, for example

• Food safety i.e. using staple food crops such as cassava for non-food uses, the possibility of the product getting moldy
• Develop a clear storage instruction of the product (i.e. humidity, storage time)

C5. Identifying and testing functionality criteria of proposed option (s)/ model with case study in collaboration with governments and businesses

TENDER PROCESS TIMELINE

• Wednesday, 27^th March 2024: Application close date
• Friday, 29^th March 2024: Announcement of selected proposal
• Monday, 1^st April 2024: Contract signing

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT 1^st April 2024 – 31^st December 2024

6. DELIVERABLES

Remarks: Language of reports/plans/abstract/study is English.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The research team should comprise professional experts with the following qualifications:

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in the technical innovation research, applied science & technology projects;
• Master’s degree and/or PhD in the fields of material science, engineering agronomy, chemical engineer, industrial packaging design and related fields.
• Experience in testing and validating innovation ideas and solutions.
• Experience in business model development

Desired skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Integrity and timeliness
• Fluent English skill

Interested consultant should submit the above-mentioned documents by Wednesday, 27^th March, 2024 to Boonchanitw@wwf.or.th and jutamartn@wwf.or.th.  The subject line of the email must be marked with the title: “DEVELOPING ALTERNATIVE PACKAGING TO REPLACE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC FOR PSC-TVA PROJECT”.