The Office of Academic Service drives a green innovation project under a zero-waste concept to elevate eco-friendly textiles to international platforms and support Net Zero goals.
Khon Kaen University, through the Office of Academic Service, recently held a collaborative meeting with the Mitr Phol Group and a joint research network comprising experts from two higher education institutions. The meeting aimed to present the development progress of a prototype sugarcane leaf fibre extraction machine. This green innovation is designed to upgrade the eco-friendly textile industry, align with the circular economy policy, and tangibly drive Thailand towards its Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions target.
The collaborative meeting was led by Associate Professor Suppasit Konhai, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Strategic Driving and Digital at the Office of Academic Service and a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering at Khon Kaen University. Representatives from the Mitr Phol Group were led by Mr Thanawit Yayi, Community Relations Manager, alongside a team of expert researchers including Assistant Professor Wirun Monatrakul, Ph.D., from Mahasarakham Rajabhat University, and Assistant Professor Piyawat Sritham, Ph.D., from Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus.
Regarding the design concept of the prototype machine, the research team unveiled an innovation that utilises a roller system integrated with a water-mist sprayer to maintain optimal humidity and prevent the fibres from becoming brittle or breaking. A key feature of this technology is its ability to preserve fibre lengths up to 40–50 centimetres. This high-standard length allows the industry to efficiently blend the sugarcane fibre with cotton to produce premium eco-yarn. Initial testing indicated that three tonnes of prepared sugarcane leaves can yield up to 300 kilograms of premium-quality fibre.
Furthermore, the project focuses on eco-friendly processes under a zero-waste concept. By-products and waste materials generated during the fibre extraction process are repurposed to develop alternative eco-products, such as biodegradable plant pots and artistic handmade paper. This approach achieves value creation and generates supplementary income for sugarcane farming communities.
Associate Professor Chuchat Kamollerd, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Academic Service, stated:
“The Office of Academic Service at Khon Kaen University remains steadfast in its philosophy of Social Devotion. Our role extends beyond promoting academic knowledge; we act as a platform facilitator connecting academic expertise, innovation, and the industrial sector to drive transformation at the national policy level. In the next phase, KKU plans to initiate cross-disciplinary collaborations with the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts to design eco-friendly fashion and lifestyle products, while producing international media to communicate the value of this innovation to a global audience.”
The research team is scheduled to present the complete conceptual structural design to senior executives. The ultimate goal is to process sugarcane leaf fibres into high-value products, including fashion bags and sustainable garments, for exhibition at upcoming international conferences to demonstrate Thailand’s potential in driving a circular economy through science and technology.
