P&G recognizes the importance of increasing educational opportunities, improving personal health & hygiene and building confidence especially for children with special needs e.g. children with physical and mobility impairments, children with hearing, vision and intellectual impairments, and children with autism. P&G aims to deliver 88 recycled playgrounds worth 15 million baht, manufactured from recyclable shampoo bottles of Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Rejoice, Herbal Essence for those children.
Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Honorary Advisor of the Resource Management for Sustainability (3R Foundation) delivered the opening remarks. He said, "Social and environmental issues in Thailand still need all sectors' joint mobilization. This P&G project has made a significant contribution to the communities urging Thais to pay attention to sorting household solid waste, to realize the value of recycled materials, and to create value added to help support education for children with special needs in an admirable manner."
Mr. Raul Falcon, Managing Director of P&G Thailand, Myanmar and Laos said, "At P&G, we are committed to touch and improve lives, now and for generations to come through our quality brands, operations and corporate social and environmental responsibility programs. These playgrounds, that are made from recycled plastic shampoo bottles, is one of the many initiatives we have in our campaign to reduce environmental footprint. We thank you for your partnership on this project to deliver 88 recycled playgrounds for children with special needs to mark the auspicious year of the 88th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the King."
Ms. Kannika Jarusuraisin, External Relations Director of P&G Thailand, Myanmar and Laos and General Secretary of P&G Thailand Foundation for Society said, "We value, respect and include each individual and provide equal opportunities regardless of their race, gender, religion, or disabilities called 'diversity and inclusion,' which helps to strengthen P&G. Likewise, this project wants to increase the opportunities for development among children with disabilities, which are reported to be the world's and Thailand's top group of children who are abandoned and lack of access to basic rights. We want to fulfil their potential, build self-confidence, improve their interpersonal relationship and learning through play at our safe and green playgrounds which enable them to have a great preparation for life.
As an extension of the project "Green Gift of Learning," which delivered six playgrounds to Suphanburi Panyanukul School, Suphan Buri province; Chang Thaeng Krachat School, Phetchaburi province; Special Education Center, Educational Region 10, Ubon Ratchathani province; Chachoengsao Panyanukul School, Chachoengsao province; the Bangkok Children's Discovery Museum, Chatuchak; and the Bangkok Children's Discovery Museum 2, Thung Khru. It is expected that at least 20,000 children will receive benefits in terms of health promotion, muscular development, emotional development, and cultivation of natural resource consciousness and environmental conservation.
The recycled playgrounds are manufactured from plastic shampoo bottles of P&G brands, such as Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Rejoice, and Herbal Essence. The recyclable plastic is called high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is easy to maintain, safe, chemical-insensitive, tensile, and force-resistant. The playgrounds are designed to enhance the development of children with or without disabilities. Coming with two models – outdoor and indoor models, the playgrounds can be used in line with the different ages of children. They are equipped with suitable shapes and vibrant colors. All components are controlled to meet international standards by manufacturers and experts to ensure the safety of the children.
Thus, the playgrounds from recycled plastic are formulated under technical supervision. The 50 percent of the plastic material is recycled plastic material and the other 50 percent is new plastic material, which are mixed with other additives to enhance their durability on the playground. A colorful playground uses approximately 100 kilograms of recycled plastic, equivalent to approximately 10,000 bottles of 70-ml shampoo bottles. All components are controlled by experts to meet international standards in terms of safety and durability.
Mr. Karoon Sakulpradit, Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) said, "A playgrounds is a place that children will seek out, enjoy and learn. It stimulates their learning process, social, physical & emotional development, and intellectual development. Moreover, the recycled playgrounds from shampoo bottles are designed for children with or without disabilities. They are able to learn and play with each other safely on these playgrounds. This will result in children learning the value of recycled plastic bottles, which can be reused and help to conserve the environment. Thanks to P&G and all organizations concerned for supporting the activity, and we hope that P&G will continue implementing the policy towards creation of a good society."
Mr. Montien Buntan, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Persons with Disabilities Affairs, the National Legislative Assembly, is a visually-impaired person who has been highly successful in his educational endeavors, work and family life. He gave an interesting remark about social attitudes and non-discrimination against people with disabilities: "I want society to look at people with disabilities in a positive way on the basis of opportunities and equality in development, not pity." He further talked about the playground design, pointing out that "The design should conform to universal standards, which takes into account universal utility, whereby children with or without disabilities can enjoy and play together safely. This will be a starting point to help encourage children with or without disabilities to have the opportunity to learn, adjust themselves, and gain acceptance by society."
Mr. Supant Mongkolsuthree, the Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) addressed the topic of cooperation, "The Federation of Thai Industries has supported the process of managing packaging waste to increase recycling. Currently, the rate of recycling for the new manufacturing process reaches 85 percent, which has continually reduced packaging waste going to landfills. The P&G recycled playground project is an innovation about adding value to recycled materials through cooperation and the exchange of knowledge among the FTI members. This is an example of the private sector's strong cooperation in good projects for society."
It was an honor to have Mr. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Governor; Mr. Weera Akaraputtiporn, Vice Chairman of 3R Foundation; and Mr. Chaowalit Treejak, Vice-Chairman of Plastic Industry Club, FTI, participated in the opening of the project and delivered the recycled playground at the Children's Discovery Museum. In addition, the actresses "Ms. Yaya Urassaya Sperbund," Pantene Ambassador, and "Ms. Kimberly Ann Voltemas," Head & Shoulders Brand Ambassador, joined the event involving the delivery of the recycled playgrounds and congratulated the children.