Ricoh (Thailand) Ltd. continues its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability through the 16th annual 'Ricoh R-cademy' project. Launched in 2009, this year's initiative brings together four key partners: the Prawet District Office (Bangkok Metropolitan Administration), the Khun Foundation, the Petroleum and Petrochemical College at Chulalongkorn University, and the Green Road Project.
Together, the partners aim to ignite environmental awareness among youth across 16 schools in Bangkok's Prawet district. Students are introduced to waste separation techniques and upcycling processes as part of a broader campaign to reduce waste in line with the Circular Economy model and support the transition to a Zero Carbon Society-two key pillars of Ricoh's long-term sustainability strategy.
The 2025 Ricoh R-cademy launch ceremony took place at the Prawet District Office in Bangkok, presided over by Ms Charinee Senanarong, Chief Commercial Officer of Ricoh (Thailand) Ltd. The event was attended by Mr Dicha Kongsri, Director of the Prawet District Office; Ms Prangtip Anantavipat, Chairperson of the Khun Foundation; Professor Dr Pramote Rangsansitwit, Dean of the Petroleum and Petrochemical College; and Assistant Professor Dr Wetchasak Lakas of the Green Road Project.
'This programme reflects Ricoh's deep-rooted environmental responsibility. We aim to nurture a sense of stewardship among young people by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change through sustainability projects in their own schools. We believe youth are a powerful force for change,' said Ms Charinee.
Mr Dicha Kongsri added that the project aligns with Bangkok's waste management policy. 'This initiative not only educates students on proper waste disposal but also supports the BMA's source-separated waste collection campaign. Under our 'No Mixed Waste at Home' initiative, launching this October, households registered on the BKK WASTE PAY app that separate waste will pay just 20 baht per month for collection, compared to 60 baht for non-separating households.'
Each of the 16 participating schools received 10,000 baht in funding to implement their environmental projects. Students also gained expert training from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College and engaged in hands-on activities, including a session with 'DooDoo the Giant Whale,' a mascot from the Khun Foundation promoting ocean conservation and waste awareness.
A highlight of this year's programme was the Upcycling Workshop, where students learned to transform waste into useful products. In collaboration with the Green Road Project, Ricoh Thailand demonstrated how used Ricoh ink cartridges could be recycled into pavement blocks and benches. Additionally, plastic bottle caps collected nationwide through the 'Ricoh Recycle for Merit' campaign were repurposed into 20 sets of desks and chairs-each set requiring 8,000 caps-which were donated to local schools and communities.
Other creative activities included making plastic bead keychains and crafting decorative items such as plant pots and amulets from leftover foam mixed with acetone to create a mouldable adhesive that replaces traditional cement.
Ms Charinee also invited businesses to join Ricoh's recycling effort. 'We encourage organisations using Ricoh ink cartridges to request a collection box from us. The cartridges will be upcycled into practical items for donation to schools and communities. Participating companies will also receive a Ricoh-recycled chair as a symbol of our shared commitment to sustainability.'
Ricoh R-cademy's core mission is to 'plant seeds of environmental consciousness' and grow them into 'trees of change.' Far from a one-off CSR event, the initiative represents a long-term investment in youth and the planet. Over 16 years, Ricoh has consistently worked to deepen students' understanding of environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, and resource overconsumption.
The project is grounded in two strategic goals: advancing a Zero Carbon Society and maximising resource efficiency through Circular Economy principles-contributing to Ricoh's vision of Driving Sustainability for Our Future.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).