1. Primary SDG: SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
2. Related SDGs (if any): SDG 8 / SDG 9 / SDG 13 / SDG 17
3. Category:
☐ Policy and Operations
☐ Teaching and Learning
🗹 Outreach and Engagement
☐ Research and Innovation
☐ Others (please specify): __________
4. Title: Research and Development of Innovations for Marine Waste Management in Hua Khao Community, Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province, Thailand
5. Activity/Implementation Date: April–December 2025
6. Responsible Unit: The Faculty of Business Administration, the Faculty of Liberal Arts, and the Faculty of Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), in collaboration with PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP).
7. News Content:
The Faculty of Business Administration, the Faculty of Architecture, and the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), in collaboration with PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), implemented the Research and Development of Innovations for Marine Waste Management in Hua Khao Community, Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province project. The project aimed to investigate community practices in marine and coastal waste management; propose appropriate management approaches; develop innovations for marine and coastal waste management; create prototypes of community products or innovations using plastic waste collected from marine and coastal environments; and identify marketing strategies to commercialise these products and generate income for the community. The project sought to establish a sustainable, community-participatory model for marine waste management among coastal fishing communities in Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province.
The project activities included surveying community practices in marine and coastal waste management; proposing waste management approaches in collaboration with relevant agencies; developing innovations for marine and coastal waste management; developing prototypes of community products or innovations using plastic waste collected from marine and coastal environments; and promoting product sales to generate income for the local community.
The findings revealed that Hua Khao Community is a coastal area affected by marine litter and the accumulation of plastic waste. The main types of waste identified were plastic water bottles, plastic caps, plastic bags, and packaging materials. These wastes affect the marine environment, local livelihoods, and the area's tourism image. The development of innovations for marine and coastal waste management focused on two categories: innovations derived from plastic waste and innovations using discarded fishing equipment. To reduce plastic waste and create added value, discarded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags were processed using heat to produce new, durable, and aesthetically appealing materials. Four types of marketable products were developed: tote bags, waist bags, document bags, and cosmetic bags. In addition, Waste Management Tools were developed by applying locally available materials and reusable waste materials to create equipment for collecting and managing marine litter. These innovations included marine waste drying racks and bamboo floating booms designed to trap floating waste. The development process emphasised community participation in learning, innovation development, maintenance, and the creation of social and economic value for the community.
9. Related Links / Supporting Evidence:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19iLKoFXLm/
10. Information Provider:
Boonrad Boonradsamee, Faculty of Business Administration