Sustainability factors influencing para rubber resources for the implementation of circular economy in Songkhla province, southern Thailand

ABSTRACT Circular economy (CE) has grown in popularity among policymakers as a novel approach to sustainable development, and a trending tool driving sustainable development in many countries around the world. Fundamentally, interactions between socioeconomic, socioecological, and technological factors determine sustainable development. Para rubber is a vital feedstock for bio-based industries. However, utilizing para rubber resources inefficiently can be a barrier to the desirable shift towards a CE system and sustainable development. In this present study, the sustainability factors enhancing the implementation of the CE potential of Para rubber resources in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, was evaluated. The classical Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) were complementarily used to evaluate the main factors and sub-criteria for para rubber CE potential. The findings revealed the factors that will facilitate the implementation of para rubber CE and enhance sustainable development in the following order of priority: resource (0.420)> development (0.177)> environment (0.162)> economy (0.127)> population (0.114). Consequently, the para rubber resource has been identified as a bioeconomic gem in Thailand, with the potential to facilitate CE and enhance sustainable development in the study area. This study is useful to all stakeholders, including policymakers, in promoting para rubber resource efficiency, sustainable consumption and production trends at the national, provincial, and district levels, as well as improve the social, economic, ecological, and cultural resilience of rural areas. To drive Thailand’s CE transition, a comprehensive scientific assessment of Songkhla megatrends and prospects is recommended.