QRDI, Thai embassy discuss innovative ideas for valuable products from waste

The embassy of Thailand in collaboration with Qatar Research Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council presented several innovative ideas that can turn waste materials into value-added products, at a special event Wednesday at the latter's headquarters.

The seminar and mini-exhibition titled 'Labs, Farms, and Bottles: Turning Waste into Treasures' highlighted methods, knowledge and expertise in upcycling and waste-to-value addition by some Thai researchers.

The event also gave insights about Thailand’s research in transforming waste into valuable products, showcasing items crafted from upcycled materials, such as plastic bottles and medical waste, and sustainable textiles derived from agricultural by-products such as water hyacinths and banana trees.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr Hisham M Sabir, executive director, Scientific Research Programmes Office, QRDI Council, said it was a special gathering under a common goal of changing the future through research and innovation.

“Preserving the natural and built environment of Qatar is, of course, a top priority that cuts across all our timely activities. This is particularly so given Qatar's sensitivity to a number of environmental issues. Research aiming at improving the environment is at the top of our agenda,” he explained.

“As we progress towards our national goals, we strive to maintain a benign environmental impact of our research. As a result, innovative measures will improve all elements of our environment.”

Ambassador Sira Swangsilpa noted that Thailand’s research expertise in several fields can address some of the environmental challenges that Qatar is facing.

“We have the know-how and the expertise and the four decades of our cordial diplomatic relations with Qatar can help both countries in further collaborating for the betterment of both the countries. This seminar is an effort in this direction and we look forward to enhancing our relations further.”

The keynote speakers were associate professor Dr Singh Intrachooto, chief advisor, Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center and professor of building innovation at Kasetsart University, associate professor Dr Prakit Sukyai, deputy head of the Department of Biotechnology of Kasetsart University, and associate professor Dr Chanakarn Ruangnarong, vice dean, Faculty of Home Economics, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi.

The speakers highlighted Thailand's pioneering research in transforming waste into valuable products. Three of them presented several ideas and products and pointed out how these innovations can help fight environmental issue and provide sustainability in several areas.

They highlighted how home-grown approaches and innovation developed by Thai universities respond to societal and environmental needs. They showcased how the universities' research addresses challenges in Thailand, especially on the issue of construction, industrial and food and agricultural waste by transforming them into usable materials and products for various fields namely product design and cosmetics. These models of sustainability can be replicated in other parts of the world, they added.