SCG Unveils SCG-DMCR Litter Trap Generation 2 Helping Solve Marine Pollution In 7 Coastal Provinces on World Oceans Day

Bangkok and Rayong – 8 June 2020 Chemicals Business, SCG, presented “SCG-DMCR Litter Trap Generation 2” to 7 coastal provinces to mark World Oceans Day on June 8, 2020. The litter trap is improved from the first generation using an upgrade HDPE-Bone made of unique polyethylene compounds of HDPE to enhance interception capability with long lifespan and recyclability in line with the circular economy. The project is a collaboration between SCG and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to harness innovation to prevent waste leaking into the ocean. At the event, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, officiated the innovation handout ceremony. Pro Mo - Moriya and Pro May – Ariya Jutanugarn, ambassadors of SCG’s The Sea Saver, also took part in promoting waste management at source to prevent the waste from entering the ocean.

Mr. Charoenchai Prathuangsuksri, Managing Director of Rayong Engineering & Plant Service Company Limited (REPCO) of Chemicals Business, SCG, said, “Chemicals Business, SCG, has continuously worked with network partners to scale up marine and coastal resource restoration efforts such as beach cleanup, releasing marine species, and mangrove reforestation. Throughout the past year, SCG collaborated with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to develop the litter trap innovation to reduce marine pollution and promote sustainable and healthy marine ecosystems. Twenty-four litter traps have been installed at the river mouths and canals in 13 provinces to prevent waste entering the ocean. The outcomes are satisfactory as the litter traps can productively intercept over 40 tons of waste. This year, Chemicals Business, SCG, is stepping up the litter trap innovation lending its expertise, advancement in polymer material technology, and know-how in engineering design to develop the SCG-DMCR Litter Trap Generation 2 using HDPE-Bone, an upgrade polyethylene compound of HDPE, as a substitute of the material used in the first generation. The new litter trap comes with increased buoyancy and waste interception performance, UV resistance, long lifespan, and recyclability in line with the circular economy. To celebrate World Oceans Day 2020, SCG delivered SCG-DMCR Litter Trap Generation 2 to 7 coastal provinces which are Rayong, Samut Prakan, Phetchaburi, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Phang Nga, and Krabi to prevent waste from entering the ocean.”

At the World Oceans Day event this year in Rayong, Chemicals Business, SCG, presented SCG-DMCR Litter Trap Generation 2 to Rayong province. The handout ceremony was simultaneously held in solidarity with 6 other coastal provinces. The efforts aim to protect and maintain the natural beauty and keep Thai oceans free from wastes. The event also featured activity of releasing marine species to improve marine biodiversity and ecosystem.

Mr. Pichet Tangpanyarat, Managing Director of Rayong Olefins Company Limited, said, “The World Oceans Day this year is very special because it is an event that is simultaneously organized in 8 provinces through a digital platform. It signifies the collaboration of different parties to work in promoting and safeguarding Thailand’s marine resources. Regarding the collaboration with Rayong province, Chemicals Business, SCG, has worked with the Marine and Coastal Resources Administration Office 1 to expand efforts to protect marine and coastal resources and increase marine biodiversity such as SCG Fish Home Project, beach cleanup, releasing marine species, and mangrove reforestation. This also includes introducing the first batch of litter traps installed near the bridge of Kodpor public park, which has productively intercepted about 2,500 kilograms of waste.

Over the past 20 years, Chemicals Business, SCG, has served a similar role as “The Sea Saver” as it has worked in collaboration with the government, businesses, and civil societies to continuously protect and restore marine resources in various efforts ranging from implementing solid waste management at source to reduce marine waste pollution, promoting resource efficiency based on the circular economy, launching beach cleanup and marine ecosystem restoration initiatives such as releasing marine species, establishing crab bank, launching artificial reef projects as well as an effort to transform community’s plastic waste into “Recycled Fish Home” and a collaboration with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to develop “SCG-DMCR Litter Trap” installed at the river mounts to intercept waste items from escaping into the ocean.