Bangkok – 1 March 2024: HomePro and SCGC have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to protect the environment through the Circular Product initiative, introducing “Closed-Loop Circular Appliances” manufactured from used electrical appliances for the first time in Thailand. This project propels the recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) into a closed-loop system, marking the first retailer making waste electrical and electronic equipment for closed-loop circular appliances in collaboration with SCGC. By managing used electrical appliances to re-enter the recycling process comprehensively, this effort transforms them into Green Polymer or High-Quality PCR that can be repurposed into valuable new products. This effort not only promotes the tangible development of a circular economy but also combines expertise with partners by recycling plastics from the “Trade-In” project into circular products, fostering sustainable growth throughout the supply chain and aligning to Make Every Change for a Better Life.
Weerapun Ungsumalee, Managing Director of Home Products Center Public Company Limited, or HomePro, revealed the background of this MoU, saying, “In recent times, HomePro, as a leader in home improvement retail, and SCGC, a leader in integrated chemical solutions for sustainability and an expert in green polymer, have joined forces to find solutions to mitigate global warming and climate change, which are severely impacting our environment. By repurposing used plastics into sustainable innovations and circular products, launched in late 2023, we have received positive feedback from a large number of consumers. As a result, both companies have continuously expanded our collaboration by signing the memorandum of understanding on a project promoting the circular economy by transforming used electrical appliances into valuable new resources in a closed-loop system.
This signing not only reaffirms both companies’ commitment to sustainable business practices but also elevates the concept to actual implementation, marking a first in Thailand to develop a closed-loop circular electrical appliance product line, including refrigerators, washing machines, and fans. HomePro will source, and sort used plastics from the “Trade In” project for SCGC, which will then recycle them into high-quality green polymers for the production of electrical appliances, in collaboration with leading manufacturers, creating circular products. These products will be available for purchase both in-store and online starting from the end of February 2024.”
Tanawong Areeratchakul, Chief Executive Officer & President of SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited or SCGC, said, “This marks a new dimension for the electrical appliance industry and is the first time in Thailand that plastic from used electrical appliances can be recycled into new electrical appliances, maintaining the original properties through the innovation of green polymer under the SCGC GREEN POLYMERTM brand, which is certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). SCGC brings its expertise in green polymers and green solutions to collaborate with HomePro, a leader in home solutions and living experience, initiating a closed-loop recycling process throughout the supply chain to promote the development of tangible circular products. This addresses the needs of businesses and brand owners aiming for a business approach to sustainability, offering a new option for environmentally conscious consumers, helping create new value for used plastics, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to move Thailand towards achieving the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.”
“With the closed-loop system under this collaboration, we can utilize resources efficiently, transition to raw materials that do not generate waste, and help reduce environmental impacts. Furthermore, it enables the transformation of waste into new, valuable products. Importantly, HomePro and SCGC have combined their expertise and exchanged knowledge, as well as processes that can be further developed into circular products. This reflects our commitment to being leaders in the circular economy,” Weerapun concluded.
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
ดาวน์โหลดข่าว