The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), has jointly undertaken a project to develop an upcycled walkway. This initiative aims to benefit the community by creating environmentally friendly public spaces. Additionally, it contributes to the sustainable reduction of used plastic, diverting over 4,500 kilograms from landfills. This project serves as a sustainable model for developing green spaces within urban areas.

August 9, 2023), the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment held a ceremony to officially hand over the Upcycled Walkway Development Project. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, serving as the chairperson. The project symbolizes a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to utilize circular resources, create community benefits, and concurrently preserve natural and environmental integrity. The event was attended by Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, the CEO and President of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), and Mr. Pinsak Suraswadi, the Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, along with ministry executives and the media. The ceremony took place in the Press Room 101, 1^st floor, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, revealed that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and GC have collaborated on developing an upcycled walkway and pier made from used plastic. This initiative covers an area around the water reservoir of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, spanning 320 meters. The walkway and pier aim to significantly reduce plastic waste, diverting over 4,500 kilograms from landfills. Moreover, it contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4,700 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is comparable to planting more than 495 trees. This project is a sustainable development initiative that incorporates community input, design considerations, and material selection. It emphasizes environmental systems and balanced usage while preserving the diverse natural landscape. The development transforms the area into a public space that benefits the community and sets an example for green space development within urban areas. The project maintains the ecological balance and enhances the quality of life for the residents.

“The Upcycled Walkway Development Project by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is a collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote the benefits of resource circulation. Through active participation in proper waste separation, recycling, and value creation, the 'Plastic Urban Return’ product becomes a recycled product that contributes to the closed-loop resource cycle, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. This initiative leads to sustainable environmental development for everyone,” said Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa.

Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO and President of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), stated that GC operates its business in accordance with the principles of the Circular Economy. In this collaboration, the company has undertaken initiatives to create "Upcycled Roads" and "Upcycled Walkways" to benefit the public and communities. This serves as an example of adding value to used plastic through the upcycling process in the area surrounding the water reservoir of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Over the past three years, GC has initiated and developed "GC YOUTURN," an end-to-end plastic management platform covering collection, separation, and recycling processes, resulting in valuable products.

This collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment serves as a model for creating community involvement in the area, both the public and private sectors to maximize benefits for users of all groups. This includes maintaining the natural integrity of the area. GC has developed and delivered "Upcycled Roads" made from recycled tire rubber mixed with post-consumer plastic, specifically LDPE and LLDPE films that are difficult to recycle. Through research and development, these roads are made durable and flexible, similar to regular asphalt roads. The "Upcycled Walkways and Docks" are produced from multilayer films of post-consumer plastic, mainly LDPE, which is difficult to recycle. The process involves melting and molding the plastic into walkways with strength comparable to brick made from sand and cement. This initiative is a step towards becoming a green model in urban areas, addressing environmental issues, and promoting environmental conservation, ultimately benefiting our shared world.

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