Six leading partners, including PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), a global leader in the chemical industry dedicated to sustainable innovation, have joined to create MEGA MAT: Reimagining Waste into Wonder. This collaboration includes the Embassy of the Netherlands (NL), the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the ASEAN Urban Design and Creative Hub (Urban Ally), and MVRDV, a renowned Dutch design firm specializing in architecture and urban issues.
Together, they have transformed used plastic waste into MEGA MAT, an artistic masterpiece that requires skilled artisans to weave and shade the colors according to the design precisely. Inspired by the roof of Wat Suthat Thepwararam, the piece is not only a stunning visual statement but also a functional installation, turning into an interactive public space during Bangkok Design Week 2025: Design Up+Rising. This initiative further reinforces GC’s leadership in sustainability and innovation.
Mr. Narongsak Jivakanun, Chief Executive Officer of GC, stated, “MEGA MAT is a work of art that embodies the concept of End-to-End Waste Management, reflecting GC’s commitment to managing plastic waste from source to end-of-life. By systematically repurposing used plastic, we sustainably create new value. The mat is entirely upcycled from recycled polypropylene (rPP) resin derived from discarded woven sacks and plastic waste in Thailand. Expertly crafted into durable Thai mats, this process not only reduces plastic waste but also adds value to discarded materials while promoting the circular economy in Thailand’s industrial sector.”
“We believe that art is a powerful medium for raising environmental awareness. MEGA MAT is more than just a large-scale artwork that symbolizes change. This collaboration aims to inspire people to recognize the importance of resource efficiency and to see the potential of recycling and upcycling in creating something new and beneficial for society.”
MEGA MAT: Reimagining Waste into Wonder
MEGA MAT is a large-scale upcycled mat artwork measuring 34.2 meters long and 25.2 meters wide. It comprises 532 upcycled mats, each weighing 1 kilogram, meticulously stitched together to form a total weight of 532 kilograms. Inspired by the roof of Wat Suthat Thepwararam, this installation transforms into a vibrant public space for urban communities. These mats are crafted from recycled polypropylene (rPP) resin, sourced from discarded woven sack fibers and post-consumer plastic waste in Thailand.
These materials are transformed into high-quality plastic pellets, extruded into threads, and woven into durable, intricately patterned Thai mats with vibrant colors through an upcycling process. The creation of MEGA MAT requires exceptional craftsmanship, as artisans carefully shade and align each mat to match the intricate design. Given that the structure is inspired by a temple roof, its assembly and installation demand precision engineering to account for weight distribution and structural stability while ensuring it remains functional as a public space.
After its showcase at Bangkok Design Week 2025: Design Up+Rising, MEGA MAT will continue to serve a meaningful purpose. It will be donated to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for use in public spaces, shared with GC’s business partners for further utilization, and incorporated into the*UPTOYOU Spring/Summer 2025 collection, where it will be repurposed into products such as handbags and souvenirs.
GC and its partners invite everyone to experience the wonders of MEGA MAT—where creativity and sustainability seamlessly come together. This installation encourages visitors to explore new ideas and contribute to building a more sustainable world.
