GC and Silpakorn University Sign MoU to Promote BioPBSTM Products that Help Us and the World
Silpakorn University and GC have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote eco-friendly BioPBSTM to be used in the production of BioPBSTM coated paper cup and biodegradable straws in response to the “Be Smart, Be Green” policy, which supports the principles of the circular economy and global sustainability.
Panjapol Laopoonpat, Acting Rector of Silpakorn University, said, “The university is pleased to team up with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, or GC, to promote the production and use of environmentally-friendly coated paper cup and drinking straws made from biodegradable BioPBS TM as part of the ‘Be Smart, Be Green’ policy, which underscores the importance of the efficient use of natural resources and an eco-friendly approach.” He also noted that the project would not be successful without the cooperation of people at the university who live by the “All We Can Do” motto. The research on the biodegradable straws was conducted by the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology at Silpakorn University.
Mr. Patiparn Sukorndhaman, Chief Operating Officer Downstream Petrochemical Business, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), said, “GC has long been concerned about plastic waste in Thailand, and has included waste management into our business operations, as the company is well-placed as a leader in chemical innovations to create an eco-friendly way of life and support the well-being of Thais. GC adheres to the principles of the circular economy and has continuously adapted our business operations with an eye to long-term improvements. The signing of the MoU with Silpakorn University to promote the production of eco-friendly BioPBS TM -based packaging as part of the ‘Be Smart, Be Green’ project will encourage the use of natural resources in a smarter and more environmentally-conscious manner. GC is proud to be providing BioPBS TM plastic resin to be used in both of coated paper cup and straw production for Silpakorn University. The cooperation between GC and Silpakorn University also includes exchanging information and ideas on biodegradable plastic, along with aiming to further collaborate on encouraging the importance of plastic segregation in order to create the environmental awareness on the principles of circular economy.”
GC and Chulalongkorn University previously teamed up to promote the “Zero-Waste Cup” project, in which paper cups were coated with BioPBS TM plastic that naturally decomposes within 180 days. That cooperation also aimed to build knowledge and understanding about waste management programs including segregation, collection, and recycling among students and staff at the university, as well as for people in the surrounding community. They were encouraged to choose recycled products in line with the principles of the circular economy, which helps reducing the problem of plastic waste through a more sustainable approach. GC believes it is important to encourage universities and educational institutions to support the use of biodegradable plastic products to reach out to students, who can encourage their counterparts form the new generation to use plastic in their daily lives in a more environmentally-conscious way that incorporates the sustainable management of natural resources.
With an aim to promote the use of eco-friendly BioPBS TM -based products and take products made from plastic in Thailand to another level in line with international standards, the cooperation between Silpakorn University and GC also supports the development of environmentally-friendly products that will have a positive impact in reducing plastic waste through a greener, more efficient, and systematic approach. In addition, it aims to promote knowledge and understanding about the management of plastic packaging, from downstream to upstream, to support sustainability and create a better quality of life.
