On June 30, 2023, Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkaew, Chairman of the Private Sector Subcommittee for Driving Sustainable Development, and subcommittee members, together with Mr. Suriyan Thankitjanukij, Policy and Planning Advisor, Ms. Sasithorn Plattadech, Policy and Planning Advisor, Mr. Athipong Hiranruangchok, Director of the Strategy and Competitiveness Development Coordination Division, staff from the Strategy and Competitiveness Development Coordination Division and the Strategy and International Cooperation Coordination Division, along with interns at the National Economic and Social Development Council, conducted a field study in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province to examine sustainability concepts applied in product development, focusing on eco-design and circular economy at Plasmold Co., Ltd. (Qualy Design Company). The company operates through the following key projects:

1. The Net Free Seas project, which purchases damaged nets from fishermen to develop them into raw materials for producing various home decoration items, aims to reduce pollution caused by nets discarded into the sea while also providing additional income for participating fishermen.
2. The “Won” project purchases plastic waste from communities to use as raw materials for producing new types of products, helping to extend the life cycle of these plastics for cost-effective utilization.
3. The PET bottle recycling project, which involves high-quality plastic that can be reused multiple times, helps reduce the use of raw materials extracted from crude oil and natural gas, as well as reducing the burden of waste disposal.
4. The plastic bottle cap collection project from Precious Plastic Bangkok, which transforms raw materials from plastic bottle caps into new products following circular economy principles.

As a result of this field study, the subcommittee members, executives, and staff of NESDC gained knowledge and understanding about developing products and packaging that use plastic waste or scraps as raw materials for production, replacing the use of raw materials from natural resources. Each product and package not only creates economic added value but also incorporates creative thinking to raise awareness among users about the value of natural resources and the environment by creating stories about nature and the environment that connect with product designs. This communicates to people of all ages the importance of material sources to the economy, society, and environment, inspiring business groups, social organizations, and the general public to adjust their attitudes toward production and consumption to collectively drive development toward sustainable development goals.

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