From Plastic Waste to Learning Spaces: Ajinomoto x TerraCycle Launch “Green Classroom Day” to Power Circular Economy 

Recently, Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd. reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable plastic waste reduction by organizing the “Green Classroom Day – Learning for a Greener Future” activity in collaboration with TerraCycle Thai Foundation at Thepwittaya School. The activity was led by Mr. Smith Phetdi, Sustainability Promotion Department Manager, with the aim of promoting knowledge on plastic waste management and raising awareness of responsible resource use among young learners. As part of the activity, Ajinomoto delivered 50 sets of Upcycled Student Desks & Chairs made from post-consumer plastic packaging to the school, supporting sustainable learning environments and long-term educational benefits for students. 

The activity was conducted under the Waste to Worth for Well-Being initiative, through which Ajinomoto collects used plastic packaging from consumers in collaboration with partner networks and local communities. The collected materials are then processed through an upcycling process and transformed into durable student desks and chairs, helping to reduce plastic waste while creating new value from used resources. In addition, the event featured interactive workshops and learning games focused on sustainable waste segregation and plastic types. These activities were designed to be simple, engaging, and age-appropriate, fostering environmental awareness and encouraging students to learn from real-life examples of turning waste into useful products. 

The upcycled student desks and chairs are produced using Multi-Layer Plastic (MLP) packaging, commonly known as shiny sachets, which are designed to protect and extend product shelf life but are challenging to recycle through conventional methods. Ajinomoto collected MLP packaging through the Waste to Worth for Well-Being initiative and combined it with agricultural residues and recycled plastics. The materials were shredded, compressed, molded, and processed into strong and durable composite boards that can be practically used in educational settings. 

This initiative demonstrates the potential of systematic resource management and the upcycling of hard-to-recycle materials in line with Circular Economy principles, which emphasize waste reduction, resource efficiency, and maximizing the value of materials throughout their lifecycle from collection and reuse to minimizing environmental impact and creating shared value for society.  

Ajinomoto Thailand conducts its business with a strong emphasis on driving sustainability through collaboration across all sectors, while also promoting education and youth development. By fostering environmental knowledge, awareness, and practical actions as a foundation for quality learning and growth, the company continues to operate under the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV) creating shared value for business, society, and the environment, and contributing to a more sustainable future for Thai society.