Climate change is an undeniable crisis. With over 200 countries committing to limit global warming in the Paris Agreement COP 28, scientists globally have pinpointed 1.5°C as a critical 'tipping point,' beyond which our planet may face irreversible damage. If we reach this 'Point of No Return,' Thailand is projected to be among the nine countries most severely affected.

It is a survival challenge that everyone must face and requires the cooperation of all sectors, especially businesses, which must be responsible for using fewer natural resources more efficiently. As waste is one of the main causes of the environmental crisis, six leading sustainable innovation organizations - Ichitan Group, SCG Packaging, New Arriva (QUALY), Feltech Manufacturing, RTD Textile Industry, and Tiffany Decor - have joined forces and reopened the 'Tanland Learning Center: Land of Balance,' which embodies the concept of 'Responsible Production, Sustainable Consumption.' They are developing innovations to transform waste into high-value products, inspiring consumers to address environmental issues and take sustainable responsibility.

Mr. Tan Passakornnatee, CEO of Ichitan Group PCL, said, "The devastating floods of 2011 in Thailand brought me to a profound understanding of the impact of global warming. Since the inception of the Ichitan Green Factory, I have greatly emphasized manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impact. We have invested in state-of-the-art machinery, including Cold Aseptic Filling Technology, which preserves nutrients better than traditional methods and has significantly reduced plastic usage from 26 grams to just 17.5 grams per bottle, demonstrating more efficient resource use. Additionally, we have adopted eco-friendly innovations such as 100% recyclable packaging for bottles, caps, labels, and cartons, preparing for a circular economy. The first product lines to feature 100% recyclable packaging are Ichitan Green Tea 500 ml. and Shizuoka Green Tea 440 ml. Starting in July of this year, we will use 30% rPET (recycled plastic) to replace new plastic in our Ichitan Green Tea 500 ml. products, reducing new plastic consumption by 175 tons annually and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment reflects our dedication to responsible manufacturing and providing sustainable alternatives to consumers, aligning with Ichitan's goal of becoming a carbon-neutral organization by 2050."

In conjunction with reopening the Tanland Learning Center, we are showcasing the new life journey of waste, from landfills to high-value products. Ichitan believes there is no waste if we work together to consume responsibly. We have partnered with leading organizations in sustainable innovation, including SCG Packaging, New Arriva (QUALY), Flatech Manufacturing, RTD Textile Industry, and Tiffany Decor, to bring advanced innovations driven by environmental responsibility. We will upcycle waste into valuable products and showcase them at the Tanland Learning Center.

Ms. Kanchana Arakwatana, Fiber Packaging Marketing Director at SCPG, one of Ichitan's key environmental partners, said, "SCGP, a leading provider of comprehensive packaging solutions in ASEAN, is committed to research and development of innovative packaging solutions that adhere to the principles of a circular economy. Our production processes are efficient, environmentally friendly, convenient, and safe. They also extend product shelf life and are recyclable or biodegradable, all while being cost-effective. We employ innovation throughout our production process, from upstream, sourcing raw materials, fibers, and additives, to midstream, manufacturing paper and plastic materials, and downstream, developing product packaging. This approach aims to spark a new way of life for customers, consumers, society, and the environment to advance and grow sustainably within the ESG framework. The simple approach is, 'Use wisely, separate properly, and dispose responsibly. Start with yourself today."

Mr. Teerachai Suppameteekulwat, Design Director and Founder of the Qualy brand from New Arriva, who shares a similar vision for sustainability and has previously collaborated with Ichitan, has already used defective bottles from the production process as raw materials for Qualy products. He commented on this collaboration: "Qualy is a brand of everyday household products designed for a sustainable world. We use creativity to develop things for the better, considering the social and environmental impact, from resource efficiency to reducing pollution throughout the product's lifecycle under the Circular Design concept, ensuring sustainable happiness for everyone. Quality products have been exported to over 50 countries and have received numerous design awards in Thailand and abroad. Being part of the Tanland Learning Center is an excellent opportunity to share Qualy's creative approach to environmental protection with the youth and the many visitors who come here, demonstrating that there are many ways to collaborate towards the goal of sustainability."

Mr. Chalermchai Puapipat, Managing Director of Feltech Manufacturing, a leader in developing acoustic panels and carpet tiles under the Acoupanel brand, utilizes recycled bottles through an advanced, environmentally certified process. This process adheres to the ISO 14025 Environmental Labels and Declarations standard, which considers Life Cycle Analysis by Global Green Tag of Australia. The resulting products possess sound-absorbing properties, making them ideal as decorative materials for office buildings. Regarding the collaboration with Ichitan, he stated, "It is an honor and pleasure for Feltech products to be a part of the Tanland Learning Center, inspiring the new generation to be environmentally conscious. This aligns with Feltech's commitment to developing products using recycled materials as primary components, ranging from 40% to 80%. We also add value to our products by designing them aesthetically pleasing, efficient, and safe for users and the environment."

Dr. Wanthip Chawaleemaporn, Deputy Managing Director of RTD Textile Industry, is driven by enhancing people's quality of life through innovative and environmentally friendly products to ensure the planet's sustainability. The company offers a diverse range of sustainable products, including Zeclo, a self-dissolving fabric, and Upcycling fabric. She stated, "Global warming is a challenge that requires global action through innovation and responsibility. Every decision to choose sustainable products is an investment in a brighter future for our world. As a Thai textile manufacturer focused on innovation and sustainability, RTD Textile Industry is proud to partner with the Tanland Learning Center to raise awareness and promote a behavioral shift in Thai society towards effectively combating global warming. This collaboration aims to inspire Thais to select products that are aesthetically pleasing and mindful of our planet's sustainability, ensuring a brighter future for our children and future generations."

Ending with Mr. Vikran Tungsiripat, Managing Director of Tiffany Decor, the sole importer and installer of raw materials for manufacturing synthetic stone, type ACRYLIC SOLID SURFACE in Thailand under the brand SOLITAIRE Solid Surface, commented on this collaboration, "We recognize the importance of maximizing resource utilization. The starting point leads to projects that recycle unused materials to create efficient and versatile benefits. For instance, using coffee grounds, tea grounds, or leftover synthetic stone scraps from the manufacturing process to apply to SOLITAIRE Solid Surface synthetic stone creates Thailand's first Re-Series (Recycle-Series) synthetic stone. This recycled synthetic stone material is endlessly recyclable, helping to address global environmental issues associated with difficult decomposition."

The collaboration of these 6 organizations aims to demonstrate commitment by showcasing cutting-edge innovations to establish responsibility for our planet by transforming waste into high-value products. It conveys that "we all contribute to global warming by consuming the world's resources. Fighting climate change, therefore, is a collective responsibility that requires us to work together to address the issue in ways that each of us can manage for the survival of future generations."

Information: Tanland Learning Center

Transform your perspective on sustainable living at the Tanland Learning Center, guided by the concept of "Responsible Production, Sustainable Consumption," Visitors will gain new insights into participating in an environmentally friendly future through immersive technology exhibits and interactive AR experiences. Additionally, they will discover one of Thailand's most advanced beverage production technologies, inspiring the new generation to make sustainable consumption choices. Those interested in visiting the Tanland Learning Center, Rojana Industrial Park, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, can reserve their visit through Line Official: TanLand By ICHITAN or add a friend @tanland. Stay updated on the center's news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ichitan/ and TikTok: @tanlanddom. Visitors who reserve their visit will receive an "Ichitan 100% Recyclable Packaging and rPET Limited Edition" souvenir and Spark AR technology to join in sharing the hashtag #Tanland #ichitanrPET, demonstrating their commitment to "A Promise" to collaborate in reducing waste and lowering the Earth's temperature.