To promote environmental protection and waste reduction, UOB Thailand has collaborated with artist Wishulada Panthanuvong to create the "Turning Trash Into Treasured Art" exhibition, as part of the "Waste To Wonder" project.
A total of 4,903 pieces of old clothing were upcycled into the Clothespocalypse art installation, which is on display until June 9 at the Tower Building at UOB Plaza Bangkok. The installation is meant to highlight the negative environmental effects of the world's insatiable appetite for clothing, which results in 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions when disposed of in landfills or burned.
"We are committed to managing our direct environmental impact and supporting our community. Our collaboration with Wishulada on this upcycling initiative helps prevent old branch uniforms from ending up in the landfill by giving them new life while creating employment opportunities for local communities," said Piyaporn Ratanaprasartporn, an executive director and country head of channels and digitalisation for UOB Thailand.
"This initiative reaffirms UOB's focus on the future and our mission to achieve positive environmental outcomes while promoting economic growth."
This partner aims to manage the environmental effect for the benefit of stakeholders and future generations by preventing 1,965kg of greenhouse gas emissions, which is the equivalent of planting 137,646 trees.
"My artwork is created exclusively from waste materials to maximise the benefits of the circular economy framework. I believe that combining creativity with efficient operational planning from production to consumption can significantly reduce discarded waste.
"I am excited to participate in this project, which aims to raise awareness about the environment and sustainability both within and beyond the bank. I hope this partnership will inspire individuals to repurpose the waste around them for maximum benefit," said Wishulada.
The bank has also joined hands with the Samut Sakhon community to produce a series of eight upcycled lifestyle products including rucksacks, tote bags, notebook clutch bags, water bottle pockets and shopping bags. All products are available at the exhibition and uob.co.th to raise the funds for the Angel Miracle Project of the Children's Hospital Foundation.
