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Bangkok – 11 September 2024: Principal Capital Public Company Limited (PRINC), an operator of private hospital management and healthcare businesses under Principal Healthcare, SCG Chemicals (SCGC), a leading integrated chemical business for sustainability, Baxter Healthcare, a global pharmaceutical and medical supply company focused on kidney health in Thailand, and Dynoflex, a manufacturer, distributor, and installer of vinyl flooring materials for both domestic and international markets, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the “Circular Economy Collaboration: Dialysis Solution Bags to Recycled PVC Tiles." This marks the first initiative in Thailand to properly recycle used dialysis solution bags into high-quality recycled PVC tiles. The pilot installation will take place at the Prince Suvarnabhumi Hospital's wards and will later expand to hospitals in three additional provinces. This collaboration reflects the principles of maximizing resource efficiency through a circular economy and aims to drive Thailand towards a low-carbon society in a tangible manner.
Dr. Krittavith Lertutsahakul, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Principal Capital Public Company Limited (PRINC), said, “PRINC is committed to being a model for sustainable hospital management, which is why we prioritize the management of 'medical waste.' Used dialysis solution bags are a significant part of this medical waste and are classified as plastic waste that does not come into contact with patients. With proper waste management, this waste will not become infectious. Currently, 8 million Thai people suffer from chronic kidney disease, and the number is increasing every year. More than 25,000 of these patients require peritoneal dialysis, with each patient using 1,460 dialysis solution bags per year, contributing to medical waste amounting to 145 tons per month or 1,740 tons per year. As PRINC operates private hospital management and healthcare businesses with a policy of promoting sustainable operations, our support for eco-friendly PVC tiles, developed in collaboration with SCGC, experts in green polymers, has successfully led to the production of high-quality recycled PVC tiles that are practical for use. This achievement truly aligns with PRINC’s circular economy policy."
Chatri Eamsobhana, Chief Commercial Officer of SCG Chemicals (SCGC), said, “Used dialysis solution bags, made from PVC plastic, are a form of medical waste that is increasing in volume every year. However, through a closed-loop management system, where these bags are properly collected and reintroduced into the system for advanced recycling, they can be transformed into new, valuable products, in line with the principles of the circular economy. SCGC has leveraged its expertise in recycling technology and green polymer solutions to convert used dialysis solution bags into high-quality recycled PVC plastic resins."
Using SCGC’s recycling technology, the efficiency and original properties of the material are maintained, ensuring safety in its applications. For the first time in Thailand, these recycled PVC resins have been used to produce recycled PVC tiles, replacing up to 80% of the virgin PVC, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a low-carbon society in a tangible way. This approach aligns with the 'Low Waste, Low Carbon' strategy for a sustainable planet.
Paul Uthaichalanond, General Manager of the Renal Segment for Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam at Baxter Healthcare (Thailand), a global pharmaceutical and medical supply company focused on kidney health for Thai people, commented on the collaboration: “At Baxter, we are committed to conducting business in a way that supports the sustainable lives of patients, society, and communities. We are well aware of the environmental challenges posed by the increasing volume of waste from dialysis solution bags each year. As a leader in this industry, Baxter is ready to collaborate with many sectors to reduce the amount of waste generated by dialysis solution bags. For this project, we focus on educating patients about the proper cleaning of dialysis solution bags before disposal, following guidelines from the Department of Health, so that these bags can be processed and transformed into new products. We are confident that collaboration from all sectors will play a crucial role in reducing the waste from dialysis solution bags and in creating a more sustainable society.”
Kanit Sarasin, Managing Director of Construction Accessories Company Limited (Dynoflex), said, “Dynoflex has always been committed to developing products and manufacturing processes that enhance environmental friendliness. This includes participating in initiatives such as the Carbon Reduction Label by the Thailand Environment Institute, the Green Label program, the Ministry of Industry’s Green Industry project, and the integration of alternative energy sources into our production processes. The PVC tile recycling project, utilizing dialysis solution bags, presents another opportunity for the company to apply its technology, knowledge, and experience in developing products that can repurpose medical waste. This project reduces the use of raw materials while maintaining the same level of quality in line with international standards, such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).”
The PVC tile recycling project, utilizing dialysis solution bags, is planned for installation in newly renovated areas of four hospitals within the PRINC network. These include Prince Suvarnabhumi Hospital, Ruam Phaet Phitsanulok Hospital, Prince Sisaket Hospital, and Prince Mukdahan Hospital, covering a total installation area of over 9,000 square meters.
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About Principal Capital Principal Capital Public Company Limited (PRINC) operates private hospital management and healthcare businesses under Principal Healthcare, which has a rapidly growing network of hospitals and clinics. By developing information technology systems and providing healthcare services that meet industry standards, PRINC focuses on expanding its business into secondary provinces. Founded in 2016, the company's mission is rooted in fostering individuals with a spirit of giving, aimed at caring for people, communities, and society. This approach to business emphasizes improving quality of life while promoting health and well-being. PRINC remains committed to expanding its network and developing healthcare and health tech ecosystems in Thailand and ASEAN, striving to provide equal access to high-quality healthcare services. For more information, please visit www.principalcapital.co.th
About Baxter Healthcare Baxter Healthcare is a global leader in critical care and kidney care products used in homes, hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare facilities. Every day, millions of patients, caregivers, and providers around the world rely on Baxter’s products. For over 90 years, Baxter has been committed to providing life-saving and life-sustaining products and innovations during critical moments for patients. With a presence in over 100 countries, Baxter’s portfolio includes health-related digital solutions and treatments that contribute to sustainable patient care, in line with the mission of healthcare providers. Baxter employees across the globe continue to build on the company’s longstanding legacy of medical innovation to advance healthcare solutions that evolve over time to meet the changing needs of patients. For more information, please visit www.baxter.com
About Dynoflex Construction Accessories (Dynoflex) has been engaged in the business of manufacturing, distributing, and installing vinyl flooring materials for both domestic and international markets for over 56 years. Dynoflex operates under the brand "Dynoflex" with licenses and technology from Rieber & Søn Company Limited, Norway. Dynoflex is committed to continuously developing environmentally friendly products and manufacturing processes. This includes participation in the Carbon Reduction Label project and the Green Label project by the Thailand Environment Institute, as well as the Green Industry initiative by the Ministry of Industry. Dynoflex products have earned the trust of customers in both the public and private sectors, with more than 200 domestic distributors and exports to international markets. For more information, please visit www.dynoflextiles.com
