SCG and Starboard Signs MOU for the Sustainable Future

SCG and Starboard Signs MOU for the Sustainable Future

On 3 October 2019, SCG, our premium member, signed a memorandum of understanding with leading global water sports equipment manufacturer Starboard, our premium member, to collaborate on solving global warming using a circular economy. Both companies believe the collaboration will lead to a sustainable future. SCG Chemicals, represented by Mr Suracha Udomsak, Vice President, Chemicals Business In Charge Chief Technology Officer – Innovation and Technology, Chemicals Business, SCG has joined hands with Starboard, represented by Mr Svein Rasmussen, Chief Innovator, to sign a memorandum of understanding for the “Collaboration for Sustainable Future” project to adopt the circular economy philosophy in solving global environmental issues especially global warming and climate change.

H.E. Ms Kjersti Rødsmoen, the Norwegian ambassador to Thailand, congratulated and supported the partnership between the two companies. The scope of the partnership covers three key initiatives: developing eco-friendly materials, promoting environmental activities, and creating awareness and inspiring behavioural changes. SCG Chemicals will apply its knowledge and expertise in material science for polymer and product design to develop new raw materials that are environmentally-friendly for Starboard’s products. In terms of environmental activities, both companies will focus on mangrove reforestation to absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. As for awareness and consumer behaviours, the partnership targets youngsters to promote knowledge about efficient resource usage. Both companies believe that the three key initiatives will pave way for sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

Ambassador Rødsmoen said that “The Norwegian government is committed to environmental issues and climate change, which is a global agenda and everybody’s responsibility. Initiatives that are widely believed to alleviate climate change include mangrove reforestation to absorb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and instilling environmental conscience among youngsters in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These future generations will be the main driving force to ensure the protection of our natural resources. The partnership between both companies is an applaudable effort by the business sector to expedite change by using their expertise to solve environmental problems together.

Mr Suracha Udomsak, Vice President – CTO Innovation and Technology, SCG Chemicals, said that “Environmental issues especially global warming and climate change require everyone’s cooperation to solve. Both SCG and Starboard realize the enormity of such issues and have a shared goal to restore environmental sustainability. This commitment has led to the partnership to apply a circular economy to solve the problem. The partnership involves both business collaboration to develop new materials and study environmental impact, as well as social and environmental efforts such as mangrove reforestation to reduce carbon dioxide and instil knowledge about environmental protection in children. We truly believe that our combined capabilities, knowledge base and expertise can bring about positive change that will help solve global environmental issues and preserve natural resources for generations to come.

Mr Svein Rasmussen, Chief Innovator, Starboard, said that “Forming partnerships for sustainable business growth is our goal. We have collaborated with our partners both domestically and internationally to protect the environment through many initiatives, including voluntary trash collection through the running of Trash Hero Bangkok, mangrove reforestation to absorb carbon dioxide with Worldview International Foundation, and exploring business initiatives with SCG Chemicals to research and develop environmentally-friendly polymer materials to use in Starboard’s products. Another important aspect of the partnership is educating youngsters in our ‘Ambassadors for the Planet’ program to mould children to become advocates for environmental protection. We believe that with our strengths combined, we will achieve our goal under the three directions we have set under the partnership and will be able to amplify the success on a global level.”

The “Collaboration for Sustainable Future” project between SCG and Starboard is a significant milestone in driving a circular economy and fighting global warming. Both organisations are committed to creating new innovations and solutions to create a better and more sustsainable environment and society.