Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), Thailand's biggest mobile operator by subscriber base, has joined hands with partners to launch an electronic waste blockchain system that allows users to track and trace e-waste through the recycling process and calculate carbon reduction scores.
Blockchain-based E-Waste+ platform, the first such tool in Asean, was created in collaboration with Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) and six green network partners, comprising Denso International Asia (Thailand), Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Ngern Tid Lor, Government Savings Bank and Kasikornbank.
The move is part of AIS's strategy to strengthen green partnerships and become a hub of e-waste management.
Saichon Submakudom, head of public relations at AIS, said the company has engaged in digital tech to deal with electronic waste since 2019.
Through E-Waste+, resulting emissions reductions can be viewed on the platform, which is assisting with international standard calculations of greenhouse gas emissions generated from recycling e-waste.
Blockchain technology will support the track and trace process regarding the status of any piece of e-waste in the entire process.
Carbon scores can be calculated based on how much carbon emissions have been reduced.
"The six organisations have been working on electronic waste management standards to broaden the message of environmental conservation and address the issue of electronic waste disposal for members," Ms Saichon said.
Arakin Rakchittapoke, head of Novel Engine Execution Department at AIS, said blockchain technology enables all Thais to be confident that e-waste will make its way through the recycling process that is up to standard and transparent and fully traceable at every step.
It has also become possible to calculate carbon scores as an indicator of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which can be shared on social media and be identified in the metaverse, he said.
AIS has a plan to develop carbon scores arising from the participation of each sector for the correct management of e-waste, he said. The scores can be used to provide utility tokens that can be used in the businesses of its partners.
Kiatchai Maitriwong, executive director of the TGO, said the TGO is the core agency tasked with supporting the state and private sector in efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
This includes being a hub of data for greenhouse gas emissions, he said.
Companies or organisations interested in using the E-Waste+ platform and joining the Green Partnership can contact aissustainability@ais.co.th or find additional information at https://ewastethailand.com/
