A team of students from the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation (BAScii) program at the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) has once again demonstrated the power of creative thinking and sustainability. Team BRIX, comprising Mr. Paphungkorn Lopetcharat, Mr. Pawit Tiyawatchalapong, and Ms. Pranpariya Thampratankul, recently clinched the Bronze Star Award at the SCG Packaging Speak Out 2024 competition. Their innovative project, a modular PET bottle system named “BRIX,” earned them a cash prize of 20,000 THB and recognition as one of the most promising sustainable packaging solutions.
The BRIX Innovation: Beyond a Simple Bottle
BRIX is more than just a container; it’s a sustainable ecosystem. The project addresses major environmental issues associated with single-use plastics. Each BRIX bottle is designed with a unique locking mechanism that allows users to connect bottles in various configurations - be it side-to-side or top-to-bottom. This feature transforms the bottles into functional items like furniture, miniature models, and even art installations, encouraging upcycling and reducing waste. The initiative also incorporates CSR incentives, as each purchase contributes directly to community sustainability projects.
Moreover, the bottles are crafted using recycled PET materials, printed with soy ink, and labeled with recycled paper, ensuring minimal environmental impact. By promoting interactive engagement and educational partnerships, BRIX supports a circular economy model where every bottle contributes to offsetting carbon emissions.
CSII Fabrication Lab: Prototyping Experience
The prototype for BRIX was meticulously developed in the CSII FabLab (Fabrication Lab), a fully-equipped prototyping facility designed to bring innovative ideas to life. With guidance from Dr. Warinya Chemnasisri, CSII Faculty Member specializing in Health and Wellbeing, the team successfully translated their concept into a tangible product. The lab provided cutting-edge tools and a collaborative environment, enabling students to explore 3D printing and manufacturing techniques, which is crucial (and cost-effective) for the bottle's unique design.
SCG Packaging Speak Out 2024: A Platform for Changemakers
The SCG Packaging Speak Out competition is a premier event that brings together young innovators from across Thailand to propose sustainable packaging solutions. It is organized by SCGP, a leading multinational consumer packaging solutions provider through innovative and sustainable offerings. This year’s competition saw participation from over 50 teams representing leading universities. The contest challenges participants to address pressing issues in packaging design, focusing on environmental impact, user convenience, and scalability.
Team BRIX stood out not only for their innovative product but also for their clear vision of how sustainable solutions can integrate seamlessly into everyday life while contributing to larger societal goals.
BAScii: Where Innovation Meets Sustainability
The success of Team BRIX underscores the value of CSII’s BAScii program, which emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to solving complex problems. For BAScii students, projects like BRIX are not just academic exercises—they’re a chance to lead change in sustainability and innovation. This achievement serves as a testament to the program’s mission: nurturing the next generation of forward-thinking leaders.
With their Bronze Star Award, Team BRIX has proven that innovative thinking, when paired with a commitment to sustainability, can lead to impactful solutions.
Congratulations to Paphungkorn, Pranpariya, Pawit and Dr. Warinya on this achievement!
