Page 39 - FoodFocusThailand No.171 June 2020

SPECIAL FOCUS

Environment has enacted a set of plastic bags and films. Anyone can collect this type of plastic waste, but stickers and/or
regulations for department stores, papers attached to it must first be cut off or peeled off. If dirty, it needs to be washed and
supermarkets, and convenience stores dried first. Collected plastics can be sent by mail to “Won” or deposited at one of the 167
to refrain from offering plastic bags, drop points (as of April 2019). The list of drop points can be viewed on the project’s Facebook
starting from January 1 , 2020. fan page (Wontogether).
st
So far, “Won” has collaborated with several agencies and organizations to expand its
When Waste Needs Disposal network by, for example, establishing new drop points in organizations or other venues,
Can plastic waste be used to create more developing upcycled products, participating in activities with its network associates, and
value? Mr.Kamol commented that there diffusing knowledge on plastic waste separation and management in schools, companies,
is currently no specific entity or and government offices. The project also makes use of online platform by creating and
organization that offers to buy back displaying engaging content on waste separation, waste management, and recycling on its
plastic bag scraps for recycling purpose Facebook fan page.
in attempt to create added value for these What about you? Have you started separating waste and become one of 20,185 followers
materials. of Won page yet?
“Plastic bags are lightweight and
require a considerable amount of space
for storage. Most people do not know that
used plastic bag scraps and films can be
recycled. Moreover, the knowledge to
correctly identify the types of plastic bags
and films is not widespread. That is why
used plastic bag scraps and films are
seen to be mixed up with general waste,
most frequently in landfill sites.”

Circular Economy…Creating
Changes and New Life for
Plastic
The project “Won” was initiated in the mid
of 2018 by a group of people from TPBI
who aspired to find creative approaches
to deal with plastic waste problems.
Spearheaded by Mr.Kamol, the project
incorporates the concept of circular
economy to attain sustainable solutions.
How to reach sustainability? “Won”
focuses on the diffusion of knowledge
and advices on how to separate plastic
bags or films from general waste. The
ones with good quality can be used as
raw materials for the plastic industry in a
sustainable manner. This effort will also
create a good culture of conscious plastic
use for Thai people as the separation of
plastic bags and films from the beginning
is a vital key to reduce the amount of
garbage to be buried in landfills. Moreover,
another focus is also laid on the same
path as the conservation of and reliance
on oceans and marine resources for
sustainable development (SDGs-UN
No.14 Life below water) to prevent plastic
bags and films from adversely affecting
marine life and environment.
“Won” aims at establishing guidelines
for Thailand to become a social role
model for proper plastic use via
comprehensive plastic waste
management and zero leakage of plastic
refuse into the environment.
Recyclable plastic is soft PE plastic
(one that can be stretched) such as

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