HubSustainMat Inspires Thailand’s Eco-Design Through Talks and Carbon Footprint Game

Hub of Talents: Sustainable Materials for Circular Economy (HubSustainMat), in collaboration with PETROMAT and GIZ Thailand, hosted the session titled “Think Green, Play Greener: Eco-Design Inspirations & The Carbon Footprint Game” on December 17, 2025, at Le Méridien Bangkok. The session was part of the international forum “SEA of Solutions: Partnerships and Solutions for Plastic Pollution,” organized by the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia under the United Nations Environment Programme.

Led by Mr. Varoon Varanyanond, HubSustainMat member and Industrial Partnership Advisor of PETROMAT, the session featured an inspirational talk by three distinguished speakers and was moderated by Ms. Getthip Hannarong, Founder and CEO of YOLO.

Assoc. Prof. Tatiya Trongsatitkul from Suranaree University of Technology shared her award-winning innovation, “K-dle,” a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic foam fruit nets. The product received the Eco-design Sparking Innovation Award 2025 in the Startup category.  Ms. Poonnapa Limthanakhom from Khon Kaen Wittayayon School, winner of the Student category, presented her perspective on how young innovators can play an active role in reimagining eco-friendly packaging solutions. The session was further enriched by Mr. Nutthachart Chankan, Factory Manager of QUALY, who offered insights on transforming plastic-related challenges into viable circular economy solutions.

In addition to the talks, participants took part in PETROMAT’s “Carbon Footprint Game,” an interactive card game designed to enhance understanding of life cycle assessment (LCA) principles. Through gameplay, participants explored how everyday activities contribute to carbon emissions, making sustainability concepts both accessible and engaging.

With nearly 100 participants including policy agencies, academia, and industry, the session successfully encouraged them to rethink their roles in advancing eco-design. The event highlighted sustainable materials as a key strategy for reducing plastic waste and accelerating Thailand’s transition toward a circular economy.