CaCO3 is a natural resource comprises more than 4% of the earth’s crust and can be found in natural shell, bones and chalk throughout the world. Earth is naturally producing millions of tons of CaCO3 annually from atmospheric carbon dioxide; hence, CaC03 is naturally renewable resource as part of the carbonate cycle. As natural product, CaC03 acts as natural buffer-effect and works as pollution filter.

With pressures including threats to raw materials such as oil caused by over consumption, fast decreasing landfill space and dangers associated with incineration of oil-based plastics, biodegradable plastics are the next most apparent choice. Retailers want to reduce their dependence on petrochemical-based products and packaging. As volatility of energy pricing affects petrochemical based products; hence, there is an increased emphasis on the use of renewable resources for packaging. Instead of conventional petroleum, plastics can be made from renewable raw materials i.e. starch, cellulose and CaC03. CaCO3 is one of the most common fillers often added to biodegradable plastics. Many of these alternatives are ready for commercial use. Non-toxic and harmless to human beings and the environment, CaC03 is listed under materials that may be used as fillers in the manufacture or processing of biodegradable materials pursuant to both*DIN CERTCO standard (Germany) and ASTM D6852.

Quality Minerals PLC thrives to develop environmental friendly products to reduce the environmental footprint with the development of biodegradable plastic compound under the trade name Q-min BIO9 with the collaboration of National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), under the support of Industrial Technology Assistance Program (ITAP) and National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand (NSTDA) . The main ingredients of BIO9 compound are high purity and ultra-fine coated CaCO3 grade and PBAT. Supported by the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and Thai Bioplastics Industry Association (TBIA), Q-plas BIO9 has been selected to participate in a pilot project to produce garbage bag for the Organic Waste Management Project at Kradang-nga Municipal, Samutsongkram Province. Quality Minerals PLC is proud to be part of this ecotourism initiative whereby the trial project aims to educate community members on garbage separation and the most efficient way to use biodegradable bags. BI09 garbage bag is used in the project to collect household organic waste to produce high-quality compost that will serve as organic fertilizer.

QM emphasizes the importance of environmental and social responsibility whereby in 2022 the company’s mine received CSR-DPIM Continuous Award for the second consecutive year and Green Mining Award, both awarded by Department of Primary Industries and Mines, Ministry of Industry, a recognition that the Ministry of Industry offers to mining businesses to promote the uses of green mining standards for a better quality of mining operation under continual good governance and eco-friendliness. The awards reflect the company’s determination to operate with good corporate social and environmental responsibility.
Furthermore, QM’s factory received Green System Green Industry level 3 from the Ministry of Industry since 2018 which defines an organization that has systematic environmental management (monitoring, assessment and review for continuous improvement) including well-recognized environmental management award and certificate. Green Industry standards are developed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido).