SCGC Transforms Experimental Materials into Giant Balls of Joy, Promoting Natural Behaviors and Advancing Animal Welfare

When many people hear the word “ball” today, they may think of global football competitions. But for SCGC, another kind of ball carries equally meaningful impact, not in stadiums, but in enhancing the quality of life of large animals across Thailand.

Through its i2P (Ideas to Products) Innovation Center, SCGC has transformed experimental prototypes and surplus materials from product development into animal enrichment toys, including large floating balls and feeding-enrichment balls. This reflects efficient resource utilization, turning surplus materials into meaningful innovations that benefit all living beings.

From Khao Kheow to Other Places

The project began in 2025 through a collaboration between SCGC and Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi. Developed together with animal behavior specialists under international animal welfare standards, the initiative introduced animal enrichment toys designed to stimulate natural behaviors.

These include large floating balls to encourage movement and exercise in large animals, as well as feeding-enrichment boxes and balls that promote foraging behavior, extend feeding time, and mimic natural instincts. The toys have been successfully implemented across a wide range of species, such as hippopotamuses, rhinos, lions, elephants, langurs, and anteaters.

The results have shown clear improvements in stimulating natural behaviors, enhancing sensory engagement and learning, promoting exercise and foraging activity, as well as reducing stress and boredom. The initiative has also helped prevent behavioral stereotypy, contributing to higher standards of animal welfare.

Expanding to Support “Thai Elephants”

Building on its success at Khao Kheow, SCGC has expanded the initiative to the Save Elephant Foundation in Chiang Mai, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for elephants, including elderly and disabled animals, in an environment close to their natural habitat.

The enrichment toys include large floating balls and feeding-enrichment balls designed with compartments for food, which encourage natural foraging behavior. This approach transforms routine feeding into an activity that requires time, thinking, and physical movement, core principles of animal care aligned with international welfare standards.

From Surplus Materials to Circular Value

At the heart of this innovation is the use of experimental prototypes and surplus materials derived from SCGC’s high-quality polyethylene resins. These materials are recycled into durable plastic enrichment toys that can withstand impact from large animals and safe for food contact. Importantly, they are fully recyclable, supporting a circular economy approach that converts surplus resources into valuable, practical applications.

From Idea to Tangible Impact

This project clearly demonstrates how SCGC’s i2P Innovation Center goes beyond experimentation to deliver real-world impact. By combining expertise in material formulation, engineering design, and product design, SCGC ensures that each solution is not only functional and durable but also fit for purpose in real-life applications. The initiative highlights how innovation can move beyond experimentation to deliver measurable benefits.

These “balls” may not be created for competition, but for creating value. They reflect the power of i2P, transforming ideas into products, surplus materials into meaningful resources, and innovation into tangible benefits for all lives.