Alex Rendell Appointed UNEP Goodwill Ambassador
The MA-RE-DESIGN project wrapped up with 150+ stakeholders at a Bangkok ceremony, showcasing efforts to combat Thailand's plastic waste crisis through circular economy principles and sustainable design. Alexander Rendell was appointed UNEP
Over 150 representatives from government agencies, private sector, international organizations, academia, and civil society gathered at the Pullman King Power Bangkok hotel for the MA-RE-DESIGN project closing ceremony. The event focused on reduction, sustainable design, and plastic packaging recycling to prevent marine litter under the theme "Creating the Plastic Future: Scaling Circular Economy with Collaborative Action." This marked both a celebration of accomplishments and a platform for partners to continue the mission ahead.
Thailand generates over 25 million tons of municipal waste annually, with approximately 12 percent being plastic waste, according to the Pollution Control Department (2020). This contributes to plastic leakage into the ocean. Thailand faces two key challenges: managing existing waste streams while building systems to prevent leakage from the source. Globally, UNEP estimates 11 million tons of plastic flow into the ocean yearly, a figure that could nearly triple by 2030 without effective intervention.
The MA-RE-DESIGN project began in 2023 and is implemented by Germany's International Cooperation Organization (GIZ), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and UNEP's Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), working closely with Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Pollution Control Department serves as the primary implementing partner, with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources as the main partner.
The project operates on three levels—local, national, and regional—to create replicable and scalable examples for plastic management following circular economy principles. Funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUKN), the project applies circular economy principles throughout the plastic product lifecycle, from design through collection, sorting, and recycling. The closing ceremony was led by Alexander Simon Rendell, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador for Environmental Affairs, and Dr. Panjporn Wetchayan from GIZ Thailand, with distinguished guests reflecting the shared commitment of all sectors cultivated over the project's duration.
