On 29 September 2024, the Collaborative Action for Single-Use Plastic Prevention in Southeast Asia (CAP SEA) project supported the start-up, EcoCrew, in launching a reuse pilot programme at a marathon in Bangkok’s Vachirabenjatas Park (aka Rot Fai Park), providing 10,000 reusable cups for participants.

Typically, marathons and large-scale events are marred by streets littered with single-use plastic cups. To counter this, CAP SEA and EcoCrew introduced a sustainable alternative: runners received water in reusable cups that could be returned at designated collection points throughout the venue. Every cup was then thoroughly cleaned to meet hygiene standards and prepared for reuse at future events, with each cup having a lifespan of up to 500 uses.

This initiative sought to introduce reusable packaging as an effective and scalable solution to reduce plastic pollution at large-scale public events, which represents one of the key aspects of the project. At a broader level, the CAP SEA project aims to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste through upstream strategies focused on prevention and reuse.

[Left Photo] Water Refill Station [Right Photo] EcoCrew Reusable Cups

Baseline data on single-use plastic (SUP) consumption at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) organised events, gathered by the project’s consultants, highlights a gap between policy and practice. Although the local authority promotes the use of eco-friendly packaging for food and beverages, its implementation remains uneven.

Analysis of past events indicates that SUP waste comprises 37-45% of total waste, with plastic cups being the most prevalent, followed by plastic food containers. These containers are often mixed with organic waste, making effective segregation and high-quality recycling challenging. Nearly all food and beverage vendors rely on plastic packaging, and items that could be reduced – such as plastic straws and bags – are not yet provided on an on-request basis. Insights from this pilot will inform the development of comprehensive guidelines for reuse systems, aiding the BMA in hosting more sustainable events, moving forward.

“The future of events should be both exciting and environmentally responsible. Through EcoCrew, we aim to demonstrate that reducing waste does not mean compromise – it means taking meaningful action,” said Nattapol Choeysungnoen, founder of EcoCrew.

[Left Photo] A reusable cup being returned at the station [Right Photo] Marathon participants drinking from reusable cups

Similarly, Korb Limsuwan, Project Manager of the Chula Zero Waste Initiative, Head of the Environmental Management Workgroup, and consultant to the CAP SEA project, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating: “This pilot is a valuable opportunity to observe the practical implementation of our vision and identify areas that need further development. An integrated approach is critical for stakeholders to fully understand the potential of the reuse system.”

Key recommendations for future initiatives following the event debriefing include close collaboration in event planning and execution to fully maximise the potential of the reuse system. Additionally, effective public relations, both prior to and during the event, are crucial to reassure participants of the hygiene and convenience of the reusable cups.

The CAP SEA project is a key component of the global ‘Export Initiative Environmental Protection’, an initiative being implemented in both Thailand and Malaysia. This meaningful project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV).

For more information about the Collaborative Action for Single-Use Plastic Prevention in Southeast Asia (CAP SEA) project, please visit https://www.thai-german-cooperation.info/en_US/the-collaborative-actions-for-single-use-plastic-prevention-in-southeast-asia-cap-sea-thailand-component/.