The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), successfully organized a three-day international workshop on “Reverse Supply Chain and Water Utility Pathways for the Circular Economy” from 30 March to 1 April 2026 at AIT’s campus in Pathum Thani, Thailand.
The workshop brought together policymakers, researchers, industry experts, and development practitioners to explore innovative solutions and collaborative strategies for advancing circular economy (CE) practices across ASEAN and East Asia. The event focused on strengthening reverse supply chains and accelerating circular pathways in water utilities, two critical components for achieving sustainable and resource-efficient growth in the region.
Opening the Dialogue
The workshop opened with welcome remarks by Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering (FCEE) at AIT, who highlighted the growing urgency for ASEAN economies to transition toward circular models in the face of increasing resource constraints and environmental challenges. The workshop also aligned with the ASEAN Framework for Circular Economy, which promotes regional cooperation, innovation, and sustainable resource management.
Strengthening Reverse Supply Chain
The first day focused on reverse supply chains, examining both intra-national and cross-border challenges. Experts highlighted issues such as logistical complexity, high operational costs, and fragmented regulatory frameworks that hinder the efficient movement of end-of-life products across borders.
Presentations explored practical solutions including the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics to enhance supply chain transparency and efficiency. Discussions also emphasized the need for harmonized policies and improved trade facilitation mechanisms to support circular business models across ASEAN. Participants shared case studies from sectors including electronics, textiles, and manufacturing, demonstrating how firms can achieve cost optimization while contributing to sustainability goals.
Advancing Circular Pathways for Water Utilities
The second day shifted focus to the role of water utilities in the circular economy transition. Experts highlighted that water systems, traditionally viewed as service providers, can become key drivers of resource recovery by integrating water, energy, and material flows.
A key highlight was the presentation titled “Framework for Utility-Basin Integrated Circularity Assessment: A Case Study on the Water Supply and Wastewater Management Systems in Bangkok Metropolitan City, Thailand” by Dr. Mohana Sundaram and Dr. Anish Ghimire, Assistant Professors at AIT. Their work provided valuable insights into integrating circularity principles within urban water systems and offered a practical framework for policy and implementation in Thailand.
Presentations also showcased experiences from Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, and India, offering insights into innovative approaches for wastewater reuse, energy recovery, and sustainable water management.
From Dialogue to Action
Throughout the workshop, stakeholders engaged in interactive discussions, peer reviews, and knowledge exchange sessions aimed at generating actionable recommendations. The event provided a platform for aligning research, policy, and industry perspectives, fostering collaboration across sectors and countries.
The final day included field visits to the Bangkhen Water Treatment Plant and Bangsue Wastewater Treatment Facility in Bangkok, allowing participants to observe real-world applications of circular economy principles in the water sector.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of the workshop will contribute to ongoing research and policy development efforts led by ERIA and AIT, including the formulation of frameworks to support cross-border reverse supply chains and circular water utility systems. As ASEAN continues its transition toward a low-carbon and resource-efficient future, the workshop reaffirmed that a circular economy is not only an environmental necessity but also a significant economic opportunity, one that requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, and academia.
