YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

Khon Kaen, a significant city located in the northeastern region of Thailand, frequently experiences flooding despite its elevated terrain. The primary contributors to this issue are waste management challenges and the impacts of global warming.

Keng, the proprietor of Kennely's, was determined to put an end to the city's flooding problems. Recognizing the urgent need for action, he began by assessing his neighborhood, Thung Setthi. During his observations, he discovered a substantial amount of discarded vinyl banners obstructing the drainage system. This realization prompted him to take initiative by collecting these materials and recycling them, aiming to mitigate the flooding issues in his community.

Innovative Transformations and Business Challenges

The recycled banners have been transformed into various products, including bags, hats, and even jackets. This initiative has proven beneficial for Keng's business, attracting significant interest from both local and national clients who seek unique gifts that demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability.

However, there are challenges associated with this innovation. The production process inevitably results in some leftover scraps from cutting the materials. Additionally, the jackets have experienced lower sales due to customer concerns regarding the potential for the vinyl material to cause cuts or harm

Revolutionizing Vinyl Recycling and Expanding Market Reach

This is where our contribution comes into play. We introduced an innovative technique designed to eliminate the majority of vinyl scraps while enhancing the material's texture, making it soft and smooth to the touch. As a result, the risk of cuts for those wearing or handling the products has been significantly reduced.

Moreover, this new fabric is not only stronger but also versatile enough to be utilized in higher-value items, such as furniture. This development positions Kennely to attract a broader customer base and increase revenue.

After producing the new material, we conducted market testing, during which participants were pleasantly surprised to learn that the products were made from recycled vinyl scraps. Following this positive feedback, the product was officially launched and has since received a surge of orders from both domestic and international customers.