SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

[17.3.12 / 12_Summary] Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) Annual SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) Progress Report for Data Year 2025.

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.

On 5 June 2025, the Southern Center for Technology Transfer in Waste Disposal and Wastewater Treatment under the Royal Initiative, together with the Resource and Environmental Management Program, Faculty of Science and Technology of Fisheries, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTSV), Trang Campus, and partner organizations, organized World Environment Day activities under the local theme “Empowering Youth to Address the Global Boiling Crisis.” The event took place at the Phan Tri Phian Chan Suep Si Meeting Room at RMUTSV, Trang Campus. Mr. Manit Tha Chin, Sikao District Chief, presided over the opening ceremony. Participants included Assistant Professor Sitthichok Chan Yong, Vice President for Trang Campus, university executives, lecturers, staff, university students, and primary and secondary school students from Sikao District.

On 18 August 2025, the Resource and Environmental Management Program at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTSV), Trang Campus, integrated teaching and learning in the Environmental Communication course with a knowledge transfer activity on waste management and wastewater treatment. The activity was organized in collaboration with the Southern Regional Center of the Laem Phak Bia Royal Initiative Project at Ban Chang Lang School, Mai Fat Subdistrict, Sikao District, Trang Province, for 55 school students. The activity aimed to foster environmental awareness and responsibility among young people and the wider public, while providing the participating school students with knowledge of appropriate waste management and wastewater treatment. It also gave university students an opportunity to apply environmental communication skills in a school setting.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanwit Naemsai from the Faculty of Engineering at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya won a prestigious Gold Medal at the 8th International Invention and Innovation Show INTARG 2025. This international exhibition took place from 3 to 5 June 2025 in Katowice, Poland, showcasing cutting-edge global innovations. He received this high honor for his outstanding research project titled Low-Carbon Rubber Flooring for Elderly. This global recognition highlights the university's capability to produce world-class innovations that address critical environmental and social needs. The research was specifically developed to minimize plastic reliance by substituting synthetic materials with high-quality natural rubber and recycled components.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwat Rattanapan and Asst. Prof. Jutatip Makmanee Treitler recently showcased a commercial-oriented research innovation aimed at sustainable waste utilization. The presentation focused on eco-friendly boxing ring floor mats made from natural rubber blended with natural fibers and recycled waste materials. This milestone event took place on 10 April 2025 at the Siva Royal Hotel in Phatthalung Province. The showcase was part of the Intellectual Property Management Project designed to enhance professional IP standards and technology transfer at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS). Specifically, the presentation was conducted under Activity 5: Young Smart Innovation & IP Camp, supported by the Reinventing University higher education excellence and high-level manpower development program.

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 Office of Innovation Management and Technology Transfer, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), in collaboration with Regional Industrial Promotion Center 11, Department of Industrial Promotion, implemented the Value Creation through the Circular Economy Model (Circular Design Product – Upcycled Product) activity under the SME Business Enhancement Project through the Application of the BCG Economy Model for the fiscal year 2025. The activity aimed to 1) promote the utilization of waste and residual materials generated from cocoa product processing by community enterprises through product design and value creation in accordance with circular economy principles. And 2) assess reductions in resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon footprint achieved by Ton Nga Chang Community Enterprise for Local Products and Processed Cocoa, located in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province.

In accordance with Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya’s hazardous waste disposal policy, the Plant Pathology Laboratory (CB311), Registration No. 2-0060-0001-2, has implemented laboratory safety practices since 2024. Located at the Faculty of Agriculture, Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus, Thung Yai District, Thailand, the laboratory is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornsil Seephueak and laboratory staff. The initiative focuses on laboratory safety, hazardous waste management, and biosafety compliance in research activities. It aims to ensure the safe handling and management of potentially hazardous biological and chemical materials. These practices seek to minimize risks to human health, animals, and the environment while promoting sustainable research operations.

Mr. Anuchit Wichianchom, an instructor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTS), has successfully spearheaded an innovative upcycling initiative to transform discarded plastic bottle lids into durable chair seats. This creative project addresses the growing environmental challenge of single-use plastic pollution through practical community-focused engineering. By turning waste materials into valuable assets, the endeavor reinforces the institution's commitment to long-term environmental sustainability. The initiative showcases how academic expertise can be directly applied to solve local ecological problems effectively. Ultimately, this undertaking highlights the university's proactive role in fostering a circular economy at the grassroots level.