Marine Waste Transformed Into Hospital Bed Sheets

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment partnered with the King Prajadhipok's Institute to advance the Coral Conservation Foundation's initiative, launching Upcycling for Life, which transforms ocean waste into patient turnover sheets. On July 2 at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment headquarters, Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin chaired a ceremony presenting raw materials for producing patient turnover sheets under the Upcycling for Life project to the Thai Marine Coral and Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, operating under a strategic cooperation framework for sustainable marine resource and environmental management. Vice Admiral Suwin Jaengyodsuk, Deputy Chair of the Foundation's Board, accepted the materials alongside senior officials including Dr. Raviwan Phuridech, Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources Ministry; Dr. Pinsak Suratsawadee, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isara Srivattanawuthi, Secretary-General of the King Prajadhipok's Institute, along with administrators, SEPEM Class 15 students from the Lion Group, and partner agencies.

Dr. Raviwan Phuridech, Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources Ministry, stated that this project exemplifies converting marine waste into societal value following circular economy principles, transforming PET plastic bottles and discarded ocean materials through knowledge, technology, and innovation into beneficial products for patients and medical personnel. "The patient turnover sheets produced from 100 percent upcycled recycled materials have body-supporting properties, reduce friction, minimize pressure ulcer risks, provide excellent ventilation, offer durability and strength, and reduce caregiver burden when moving patients. This innovation demonstrates that environmental conservation can create tangible improvements to people's quality of life. The sheets will be distributed through provincial public health offices to bedridden patients." The raw materials result from collaboration across sectors, including waste segregation by Natural Resources Ministry staff following Green Office guidelines, beach and rivermouth debris collection from critical ecosystems, and discarded fishing nets from coastal communities. These materials were sent to a waste bank at a school under Tha Kham Subdistrict Municipality in Chachoengsao Province for students to learn about waste segregation and resource value before private companies transform them into patient turnover sheets for medical use.

Dr. Pinsak Suratsawadee, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, noted that plastic waste in the ocean poses a significant environmental challenge affecting ecosystems, tourism, and coastal communities. Field investigations revealed many bedridden patients lacking quality medical equipment due to high costs. "Upcycling for Life serves as a model for creating new value from resources deemed worthless, reducing environmental problems while improving patient and caregiver quality of life, reflecting the collaborative power of government, private sector, academia, and civil society in conserving marine resources and advancing national sustainable development," the director-general said.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isara Srivattanawuthi, Secretary-General of the King Prajadhipok's Institute, praised SEPEM Class 15 Lion Group students and all program staff for continuing the Institute's spirit of extending impact beyond campus.