The collaboration will promote systematic plastic waste management and circular economy innovations to advance environmental sustainability and the goal of net-zero carbon emissions.
Khon Kaen University has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship and its Carbon Neutrality goal by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the “AXTRA Circular Impacts: Driving Thailand Towards Sustainability” programme. In partnership with CP AXTRA Public Company Limited and a network of 22 organisations, the initiative aims to promote the systematic sorting and recycling of clear PET plastic bottles and drive circular economy innovations to achieve lasting environmental benefit.
The MOU signing ceremony, reinforcing KKU’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, took place on 8 May 2024, at the Saksit Tridech meeting room, on the 2nd floor of the Pollution Control Department building, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The programme sets a target to recycle 10.5 million PET bottles by 2026.
Associate Professor Choopong Thongkamsamut, Ph.D., Vice President for Physical Ecosystem and Environment, represented the President of Khon Kaen University at the signing. Dr. Porntida Thepprasit, Director of the Environment Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, attended as a witness. The event was honoured by the presence of Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who served as a distinguished witness, alongside personnel from the Environment Centre and the 22 partner organisations, demonstrating the solidarity between the business sector, academic institutions, government, and civil society. The event also featured an award ceremony for model organisations in circular economy waste management and a panel discussion on the topic “Driving Thailand Towards Sustainability: AXTRA Circular Impacts,” led by experts from the public and private sectors.
Associate Professor Thongkamsamut stated, “Khon Kaen University’s participation as one of the 22 partners in the ‘AXTRA Circular Impacts’ programme with CP AXTRA affirms our commitment to plastic waste management based on circular economy principles. The project aims to encourage the public, communities, and youth to participate in systematically sorting and collecting clear PET plastic bottles for recycling. We will also collaborate on developing model projects and innovations to add value to plastic waste, thereby reducing environmental impact and driving society towards sustainability.” The collaboration is set for a one-year period from the date of the signing.
This initiative aligns with Khon Kaen University’s strategic goals for efficient resource and environmental management, waste reduction, and the promotion of a circular economy. It fosters cooperation between the university, government, business, and civil society to cultivate public environmental engagement. Furthermore, it supports national greenhouse gas reduction targets through the systematic sorting and recycling of plastic waste, mitigating long-term environmental effects.
Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, remarked that the world faces interconnected challenges of climate change, social inequality, and resource limitations. He stressed the need for all sectors to work together to balance economic, social, and environmental growth. “Modern business practices must consider the ‘three benefits’: national stability, a high quality of life for the people, and sustainable organisational growth,” he said. The Minister highlighted the circular economy as a critical mechanism for transforming waste into resources, reducing reliance on virgin materials, and minimising waste disposal. He emphasised that sustainability cannot be achieved by any single organisation alone but requires the “power of collaboration” from government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and all citizens to transition Thailand towards a low-carbon society and resource efficiency.
This partnership underscores Khon Kaen University’s role as a leading higher education institution dedicated to sustainable development. By integrating knowledge, research, and multisectoral collaboration, KKU contributes to advancing Thailand’s transition to a circular economy and achieving its Sustainable Development Goals.
News: Benjamaporn Mamook Information/Photos: CP AXTRA Public Company Limited
