Have you ever wondered what happens to your empty PET water bottles?

Data shows that a staggering 86% end up in landfills, with only 14% being recycled. But now, your discarded plastic bottles will no longer be a burden or a source of pollution. Ichitan Group is proud to introduce "Ichitan ReCircle," an initiative designed to create a cleaner world. This Closed-Loop Circular recycling system for PET plastic bottles, a significant collaboration with key environmental partners: PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) through its GC YOUTURN project, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chiang Mai Office, and One Nimman Chiang Mai. Their shared goal is to give PET plastic bottles an endless new life, preventing them from ending up in landfills, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, ultimately fostering a cleaner Thailand. This initiative brings hope for a brighter, cleaner future.

Mr. Tan Passakornnatee, CEO of Ichitan Group PCL, commented on the project: "Ichitan ReCircle is more than just general recycling. It's about establishing a comprehensive PET plastic bottle management system, from collection and sorting to sterilization, shredding, and finally, molding into new products while maintaining consistent plastic quality. All processes utilize advanced technology, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and adherence to standards. This allows recycled bottles to be used for beverage packaging indefinitely, preventing them from ending up in landfills or becoming ocean waste. This differs significantly from an Open Loop system (normal waste separation for recycling), where recycled plastic often degrades in quality when repurposed into other products like clothing, plastic bins, or garbage bags, eventually ending up in landfills."

"Ichitan ReCircle" is being piloted in Chiang Mai, a major tourist destination attracting visitors from Europe, Japan, Scandinavia, and new-generation travelers who prioritize sustainable tourism to mitigate environmental impacts. This launch is a collaborative effort with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) via its GC YOUTURN project, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chiang Mai Office, and One Nimman Chiang Mai. Collection points for "Ichitan ReCircle" have been established, with the first located at Wua Lai Walking Street, to support Chiang Mai's Green Tourism policy and transform these bustling areas into proactive Closed-Loop Circular recycling hubs.

Ichitan plans to expand the "Ichitan ReCircle" project further, with a target to install collection points capable of processing up to 9,000 tons/years of plastic annually by 2027. This expansion will not only increase the recycling capacity but also reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Beyond "Ichitan ReCircle," Ichitan has developed One ChiChan, a 5,000-seat outdoor concert venue, into a Sustainable Concert Space. Concert-goers are encouraged to deposit their empty bottles into the "Ichitan ReCircle" system. Additionally, "Melt Man," a mascot representing nature, utilizes projection mapping techniques to share engaging stories, encouraging everyone to recognize the value of sustainable consumption and participate in this transformative change

Mr. Kitchai Chalermsuksant, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales - Industry Platforms, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, shared insights into the technology behind giving PET bottles a new life: "As a leader in the chemical business, GC has always focused on sustainable operations, applying circular economy principles to promote efficient resource utilization. GC has developed several projects in collaboration with society, forming alliances and taking concrete actions to address plastic waste in Thailand. GC thus developed the 'GC YOUTURN Platform' to be part of the campaign to encourage waste separation at the source. Used plastics will be recycled and upcycled to add value to various products, preventing them from accumulating and causing environmental problems."

"Currently, the GC YOUTURN platform has partnered with over 140 organizations, expanding plastic drop-off points to 400 locations. This encompasses the management of used plastics from source to

end-of-life through the participation of partners from all sectors, including government agencies, private organizations, universities, schools, hospitals, and communities, and continues to expand these collaborations. Today, GC is extremely pleased to bring the GC YOUTURN platform for managing used plastics as part of the Ichitan ReCircle project."

Ms. Patsalin Swetarat, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chiang Mai Office, discussed the vision and direction for promoting sustainable tourism: "Chiang Mai is highly prepared to be a model city for sustainable tourism. We possess abundant natural resources, a strong culture, and cooperation from all sectors. The selection of Chiang Mai as a pilot city for the "Ichitan ReCircle" project is a significant step, as it enables us to transform popular tourist destinations like Wua Lai Walking Street and One Nimman into environmental learning areas. Green Tourism should not just be a concept, but a genuine experience. New-generation tourists, especially Gen Z, prioritize choosing eco-friendly travel destinations. Therefore, we are working more proactively. Our goal is not just to increase tourist numbers but to create quality tourists who are conscious and travel responsibly with us."

Do you want to be part of the cycle that makes our world cleaner? Your role is crucial. Just look for "Ichitan ReCircle." Every PET plastic bottle you discard will no longer be a burden or cause pollution. Instead, it will help reduce global warming, make the sky cleaner, and preserve the ocean as a beautiful home for countless marine life. You have the power to make a difference.

The environment belongs to all of us, but the choice is yours. Choose to dispose of your bottles correctly, and let "Ichitan ReCircle" do the rest. Stay updated on information at FB: https://www.facebook.com/tanland.ichitan and TikTok: @tanlanddom.

Be part of making the world cleaner.

Schools interested in installing the "Ichitan ReCircle" Closed-Loop Circular system, please contact (084) 438-7695. Installation is free, and you can sell your waste at a higher price.

Ichitan invites everyone to be part of a cleaner and more sustainable Thailand, starting with one simple action: proper plastic bottle disposal.