“When it dawned on me that our business was part of the global plastics problem, it hit me hard. Our creativity was being misused, contributing to a growing crisis. That’s when I started questioning everything—how can we use our potential to make a difference? That’s how we discovered the SDGs and the circular economy concept. Before I knew it, we’d pivoted to a Design for a Sustainable World mode, using recycled materials as our new muse. Now, the objective is to create and raise awareness and drive collective action towards sustainability.”

“Every step of the way, there have been challenges. Sourcing materials is a proper headache—finding the right stuff in the right condition is like trying to herd cats. Then there’s designing with whatever random bits we’ve managed to scrounge up—colours, textures, or condition of the materials. Manufacturing? Don’t even get me started—it’s like trying to juggle blindfolded. But we’ve learned to roll with the punches, thanks to collaboration across sectors with waste management and inventive researchers who have helped us turn trash into treasure. We’ve had to shift our entire organisational mindset to be flexible and ready for anything.” 

“Sustainability is about considering the environmental impact throughout a product’s life cycle, from the first doodle to the final product. You’ve got to consider the environment at every step—materials selection, production, shipping, the lot. But, of course, we still need to keep the business ticking along.

At Qualy, we’re big on recycling plastic waste to cut down on the junk that ends up in the sea or landfill. We’ve even teamed up with Environmental Justice Foundation Thailand’s Net Free Seas project to turn old fishing nets into raw materials. These are then used to create products like our iconic turtle-shaped items, which symbolise the marine life affected by plastics. It’s a bit like alchemy, really—turning rubbish into something people actually want.”

“Our partnerships are the bee’s knees when it comes to hitting our sustainability targets. Whether it's with waste management organisations, research institutions, or tech innovators, these collaborations let us push the boundaries and dream up new ways to be green.

We measure our success by how much plastic we’ve repurposed, the nifty designs we’ve churned out and the positive vibes we’re spreading. Looking ahead, we’re keen to rope in more partners and get the community even more involved. The more, the merrier!”

“Although Qualy’s designs have a universal aesthetic, they’re steeped in Thai creativity and problem-solving. We love using a bit of humour and clever thinking to tackle issues—no fancy tech required. It’s approachable, and yes, even a bit fun. If we can put a smile on someone’s face while they’re saving the planet, then we’re on the right track.”

“To anyone looking to start a sustainable business, I say: start now. Team up with experts to get a leg up because time’s ticking. Sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s about to become the norm, and you don’t want to be left in the dust. The real magic happens when you’ve got great partners.

Take our Phra Sati project, for example. We turned plastic waste into Buddha amulets with the help of the Mirror Foundation. It’s making a real difference in people’s lives—like giving jobs to the elderly and supporting the homeless. Now that’s what I call a win-win!”

“Running a sustainable business is how we stay in the game for long-term profitability. The demand for green products is on the rise and consumers are getting more conscientious with their choices. At Qualy, we’ve seen that when you create products that resonate with people’s values, the business follows.

We’ve also found that sustainability forces us to think differently and come up with even better ideas. Our strategy is to stay one step ahead of the game, not just in terms of regulations but in anticipating what the market will want next. So yes, sustainability isn’t just an obligation—it’s our golden opportunity.”