Bangkok, 4 March 2025 – GIZ’s MA-RE-Design Project has officially launched the Eco-Design Sparking Innovation Award, an exciting new competition concerning packaging, calling on innovators to develop ground-breaking solutions in design for recycling and carbon footprint reduction. Under the theme ‘A Call for Innovation in Design for Recycling and Carbon Footprint Solutions’, the competition offers a chance to win an exclusive business trip to Taiwan for ‘Green Life and Sustainable Taiwan Expo 2025’, alongside other benefits.

The launch event was held at the Eden Zone, 3rd floor, centralwOrld. Representatives from the Embassy of Germany in Bangkok, project consortium partner organisations, design-related agencies, and environmentally conscious designers gathered to exchange perspectives on the importance of sustainable packaging and the urgent need for innovation in this field. The awards aim to drive Thailand’s efforts in addressing plastic pollution, promoting sustainable packaging to reduce single-use plastic waste, and enhancing waste management systems for greater efficiency.

Johannes Kerner, Counsellor for Economic Affairs, German Embassy Bangkok, said: “This event marks an important step in our shared commitment to promoting sustainable packaging solutions through eco-design. Germany is proud to support Thailand’s transition to a circular economy. We believe this competition will inspire new solutions that contribute to a cleaner, greener future.”

Taweechai Jiaranaikhajorn, Pollution Control Department (PCD) Representative, noted: “Packaging design has become a critical issue in global environmental discussions, and was recently highlighted during the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5) held in Busan, Republic of Korea, in November 2024. As part of the ongoing negotiations for a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution internationally, including the marine environment, sustainable packaging design has emerged as a crucial element that industries worldwide (including in Thailand) must prioritise. Thailand’s commitment to tackling plastic waste is reflected in the Phase 2 Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management (2023–2027), which underscores the importance of addressing plastic waste at its source. The strategy focuses on promoting the production of environmentally friendly products, minimising excessive and unnecessary materials, and eliminating hazardous additives that hinder recyclability. The plan also emphasises reuse and ensuring that all packaging is fully recyclable, fostering a circular economy to drive the country’s sustainable development.”

“Furthermore, this approach aligns with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle, which calls for producers to take a proactive role in packaging waste management. By integrating sustainable design principles and industry-wide collaboration, Thailand aims to create a more efficient and responsible waste management system, supporting global efforts to combat plastic pollution.”

Varoon Varunyanon, Project Consultant, Center of Excellence on Petrochemical and Materials Technology (PETROMAT), Chulalongkorn University, said: “The Design for Recycling (D4R) and Carbon Footprint of Products (CFP) principles are redefining the concept of eco-design in packaging. It’s not just about creating packaging that is theoretically recyclable – it must be truly collectible, sortable and recyclable, while also reducing carbon emissions. D4R ensures that materials can be effectively processed in recycling facilities, while CFP measures environmental impact across five life cycle stages: raw material extraction, production, distribution, usage, and end-of-life management. Together, these principles help companies develop eco-design packaging that is both practical and sustainable.”

Alvaro Zurita, MA-RE-DESIGN Project Director, GIZ, said: “The MA-RE-DESIGN Project is organising this competition because we prioritise eco-design – sustainable packaging design is key to reducing plastic waste at the source. This initiative also supports the government in implementing the Phase 2 Plastic Waste Management Action Plan (2023–2027) to reduce and eliminate plastic waste, promote environmentally friendly alternatives, and achieve a 100% recycling rate by 2030.”

Chanut Wudhiwigaigarn (or KongGreenGreen), Zero Waste Ambassador – the event’s MC, said: “I am excited to see the creative ideas and commitment to sustainability from the younger generation. Eco-friendly design is our future, and this competition serves as a crucial platform to showcase new innovations to the public. I encourage everyone interested to submit their work and be a part of this initiative!”

The Eco-Design Sparking Innovation Award is open for submissions until 15 April 2025, with the winners set to beannounced on 1 June 2025. For more details, follow us on Facebook & Instagram: ecodesigninnovationaward2025, or email:giz.innovationaward2025@gmail.com

Watch the explainer video on the Eco-Design Sparking Innovation Award: