Dr. Natworapol Rachsiriwatcharabul, President of Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), announced the university’s focus on becoming a professional, innovation-driven institution that supports national development. Emphasizing practical learning, RMUTP promotes research and academic services in science and technology to enhance community and economic growth.
Three highlighted research projects include:
- Improved Tea Leaf Washing Process – Enhancing the quality and value of Klu leaf tea by reducing toxins, led by the Faculty of Science and Technology.
- Sugarcane Leaf Fiber Processing for Textiles – Eco-friendly innovation to reduce crop burning, from the Faculty of Textile Industry and Fashion Design.
- Recycled Bottle Cap Products – A student initiative from the Faculty of Business Administration to support the Klong Toei community enterprise.
These projects aim to create sustainable careers and income for local communities.
RMUTP supported the registration of 136 intellectual property works last year, including design patents, petty patents, copyrights, and invention patents, aiming to commercialize research for real-world industry use. One standout project led by Asst. Prof. Dr.Sirirat Panich focused on improving the safety and quality of Klu leaf herbal tea by developing a toxin-reducing wash and solar-powered drying system. In partnership with the Faculty of Engineering, an automated temperature and humidity control system was installed in a parabola dome, with monitoring via mobile app. This innovation helped eliminate mold, met national community product standards, and increased sales by over 10%, providing sustainable income for the local enterprise in Samut Sakhon.
Dr.Saran Chankaew led a project in Sa Kaeo Province to reduce sugarcane burning by transforming sugarcane leaves into textile fibers. The initiative preserves local natural dyeing traditions, introduces new techniques, and helps create eco-friendly products boosting income and sustainability for the weaving community.
Ms.Jirapha Phitsalayabut, a logistics student and member of Greenpeace, helped develop new products from recycled plastic bottle caps for the Koh Klang community enterprise in Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Originally used to make plant pots, the caps are now creatively repurposed into affordable, spiritual-themed jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets blessed at famous temples as well as eco-friendly furniture like chairs and tiles. The team is also exploring ways to recycle the remaining plastic bottles into 3D printer filament, currently under testing, with plans to train the community if successful.
