Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Thailand office has intensified its commitment to sustainability with the launch of the “URGreen Upcycling Uniform Campaign.” This innovative initiative emphasizes the recycling of PET plastic bottles into uniforms, underscoring the company’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and addressing global warming.
The URGreen Upcycling Uniform Campaign is designed to cut CO2 emissions by 1.714 kg per shirt. Each uniform is crafted from 14 recycled 600ml PET water bottles, collected between January and April 2024. In total, URC Thailand gathered 21,000 plastic bottles, which were transformed into polo shirts.
By June, 1,500 shirts had been produced and distributed to employees, resulting in a total reduction of 2,571 kg CO2e—an environmental impact equivalent to planting 215 trees.
URC Thailand employees played an active role in the campaign by participating in the uniform design process. The final design, created by Vichida Pengnum, URC Thailand’s Senior Employee Relations Supervisor, was selected for the company’s polo shirt. To celebrate this achievement and the diversity of ideas, the company hosted a fashion show, where employees proudly modeled the new uniforms.
Looking to the future, URC Thailand is eager to continue this initiative to further reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions. The company plans to produce an additional 4,800 shirts, which will require the recycling of 67,000 plastic bottles.
Sustainable fashion is a key focus for URC across its operations, both locally and internationally. Last year, URC Flour launched its own upcycling initiative, collaborating with local brands AraPilak and Aecovas Apparel to create eco-friendly clothing from recycled cotton sacks.
In the Philippines, URC is known for producing iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy, and Cream-O cookies, which have been staples in Filipino households for decades. As one of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also boasts a strong and growing presence in the ASEAN region, with leading brands like Lexus, Tivoli, and Fun-O.
