NEO and GC Launch Community Recycling Bank in Pathum Thani

NEO Corporation, a leading Thai FMCG innovator, has partnered with PTT Global Chemical through its GC YOUturn plastic management platform to establish a significant collaboration with Bung Khao Hai Subdistrict Administrative Organization and the Bung Khao Hai Elderly Club in Lam Luka District, Pathum Thani Province. The initiative launches the Bung Khao Hai Community Recycling Bank, implementing a closed-loop circular supply chain model that transforms household recyclable waste into valuable materials, creating income and savings while elevating community welfare. The partnership aims to build a recycling ecosystem connecting all sectors, with NEO providing resources, knowledge, communication, and community coordination to link the bank to its NEO Circular Waste Hub. GC YOUturn contributes expertise and database systems for education, sorting, collection, and processing of used plastic bottles—both clear (PET) and opaque (HDPE) types—into ENVICCO's recycling process.

The project's core purpose is to connect the system with the community sustainably, elevating the Bung Khao Hai Community Recycling Bank into a community waste management center capable of delivering long-term benefits to members. Household waste is sorted and collected through the bank before being directed to appropriate processing. Used plastic is sent to ENVICCO to be converted into high-quality post-consumer resin pellets, which are returned as raw material for producing new packaging within NEO's portfolio, such as BeNice brand packaging. Other recyclable materials like steel and cans are forwarded to appropriate buyers or recyclers. This process reduces virgin plastic use and greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain, supporting low-carbon packaging development, Net Zero Pathway targets, and preparing for enhanced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles.

The Bung Khao Hai Community Recycling Bank is designed for community ownership and self-management sustainability. The Bung Khao Hai Subdistrict Administrative Organization provides venue support and coordination, while the Bung Khao Hai Elderly Club and the recycling bank committee serve as operational leaders, handling purchasing, weighing, sorting, and data recording through GC YOUturn. Revenue from recyclable material sales is converted into member savings and extended to member welfare benefits, promoting the participation and value of local elderly residents. Kasma Thawichit, NEO Corporation's Manager of Packaging Development and Organizational Development for Sustainability, stated: "NEO values creating shared value across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Establishing the Bung Khao Hai Community Recycling Bank is not merely a corporate social activity, but rather laying infrastructure enabling Circular Economy to function through collaboration between business, government, and community. This project will reduce waste in the area while transforming waste into savings and welfare for the community."