THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

IVL, Kasetsart cooperate on recyclables

IVL, Kasetsart cooperate on recyclables

Indorama Ventures (IVL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kasetsart University to create awareness of recyclable waste collection among university staff, students and the public as well as to initiate proper waste management.

The collaboration includes developing learning materials regarding waste separation and plastic waste recycling, creating a mechanism entrapping waste in a watercourse to avoid it leaking into the sea, as well as creating awareness of waste separation. 
The project comes under the environmentally friendly office of Kasetsart University (KU Green Office) and will include research, data collection, integrated knowledge, as well as an academic proposal to sustainably solve the waste problem.
Richard Jones, senior vice president and head of sustainability at IVL, said that as the world’s leading PET producer and one of the largest PET recyclers in Thailand, IVL recognises the importance of waste separation and the recycling of post-consumer plastic packaging. 
As people are more aware of the current situation and problems of waste management at the national, regional and global levels, all sectors are playing their roles to develop better waste management, especially that of PET bottles, which are 100-per-cent recyclable and can be turned into recycled polyester and PET resin (rPET). 
PET recycling is one of the most responsible ways to deal with waste problem and solve the industry challenge of moving towards a circular economy."
“IVL will combine our knowledge and expertise in recycling with Kasetsart University's academic knowledge to develop a mechanism that can entrap and collect waste in drains, ditches, rivers, or other water sources. We also provide waste bins and training regarding waste separation and recycling to related departments of the university and other organisations. This partnership aims to bring about the proper waste management for better plastic recycling that will sustainably create higher economic value for discarded materials,” Jones said.
Dr. Jongrak Watcharinrat, acting Chancellor of Kasetsart University, added "As a source of knowledge resulting from efforts in research and development in science, technology, and social science, Kasetsart University, led by the Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Fisheries, and the KU Green Office, will provide academic support and consultation to develop learning materials regarding waste separation and plastic recycling, support activities to raise public awareness, and promote systematic waste management that will result in the reduction of waste in universities, communities and society. 
The university will also encourage students and staff to conduct research and other academic programmes as well as provide opportunities for collaboration, training, and meetings related to waste separation and management.”
“Proper waste separation will enable better recycling of as many as 1.65 billion PET bottles every year. This will help reduce crude oil consumption in Thailand by 531,269 barrels and CO2 emissions by 118 million kilograms, as well as reduce PET plastic waste in landfills,” Jones added.

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