Upcycling Milk Pouches Project

Since 2019, SCGC has been running the "Waste-free Community" project in Rayong Province, aiming to impart knowledge and promote waste management based on the circular economy principles, encompassing the Baworn model, which includes the holistic collaboration of temples, homes, schools, and waste banks. Within the "school" component, SCGC has provided school personnel and students waste management education. We also conducted assessments to understand the types of waste each school produces and the best ways to manage them for maximum benefit. It was found that a significant type of plastic waste is the milk pouches that students drink daily. These are made of LLDPE plastic, which can be recycled and has potential added value.

SCGC collaborates with schools to educate children about various materials, especially different categories of plastics. We aim to foster a mindset that values efficient use of resources and teaches waste sorting to maximize benefits. This led to the initiation of the "Upcycling Milk Pouches Project." After finishing the milk, the children help cut, wash, and dry the milk pouch. Then, they collect and send them to waste banks or sell them to recyclers. SCGC utilizes these collected milk pouches, made of LLDPE plastic, to create long-lasting items such as recycled plastic chairs, plant pots, and tables.

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Since the inception of the project, over 1,300 schools have participated (data as of December 2022) and have managed to recycle more than 5,000 kilograms of milk pouches (data as of April 2023). Furthermore, SCGC plans to expand the initiative to other schools nationwide, including those under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Basic Education Commission and schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, municipalities, and private sectors. We are also establishing partnerships with the private sector to manage the transportation system for milk pouches, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable management.
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The "Upcycling Milk Pouches Project" allows students to witness the tangible benefits of recycling used plastics. Previously, countless milk pouches, which contributed to foul odors, were discarded as waste and managed through landfill methods. Now, they can be repurposed into new, durable, and long-lasting items. This showcases that efficient waste-sorting processes can rejuvenate the value of resources. It also serves as a pilot model, encouraging other schools to start managing waste effectively. This instills the principle of resource usage efficiency, aligning with the circular economy concept among the youth. This contributes to building a sustainable future for Thailand