Thailand Advances Sugar Industry Toward Green Bio Economy
Thailand is accelerating the transformation of its sugarcane and sugar industry into a Green Bio Industry, following a strong 2025/2026 crushing season that produced 105.86 million tonnes of sugarcane. The share of fresh cane reached 96.2%, while burnt cane declined to just 3.8%, highlighting significant progress in environmentally friendly production. The government is now promoting the conversion of sugarcane and its by-products into biofuels, bioplastics and other high-value bio-based products, supporting its goal of becoming ASEAN’s Bio Hub by 2027.
According to Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, the government has tasked the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) with driving the industry’s transition under the Bio Economy and BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) framework to increase the value of sugarcane and agricultural by-products. The initiative supports Thailand’s ambition to become ASEAN’s bioeconomy hub by 2027.
Thailand currently has 9.87 million rai of sugarcane plantations and 58 sugar mills. During the 2025/2026 season, the country produced 12.20 million tonnes of sugar with an average cane yield of 10.72 tonnes per rai.
The industry generated THB 203.2 billion in economic value during the 2024/2025 season, with exports contributing the largest share. Bio-based industries are also emerging as a new source of growth, highlighting the sector’s shift beyond conventional sugar production.
To support long-term sustainability, OCSB plans to expand the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from sugarcane ethanol, PLA bioplastics from bagasse, biomass energy, and greenhouse gas monitoring systems. The agency is also promoting the use of cane leaves and tops as biomass feedstock to create additional income for farmers while reducing open-field burning.
OCSB Secretary-General Bainoi Suwanchatree said the agency remains committed to transforming Thailand’s sugar industry into a high-value bio-based sector that delivers sustainable income for farmers while reducing environmental impacts. The long-term vision is to position Thailand’s sugar industry as a leading producer of clean energy, bio-based materials and other green industries.
