Economic Stakeholders

Contextualization

Our mission is to reduce microplastic pollution in waterways across the world by developing easy‑to‑use, plant‑based filters. Our current proof‑of‑concept uses Nicotiana benthamiana, a controllable, fast‑growing model plant, to demonstrate biological internal decomposition of microplastics. For large‑scale deployment, we are exploring native, fast‑spreading aquatic species such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which is already abundant in Thailand and can thrive with little maintenance. This approach keeps our solution low‑power, low‑cost and scalable while retaining a strong Environmental, Social and Governance narrative and recurring revenue through modular pod replacement.

Clean water is becoming an economic necessity for multiple sectors in Thailand. Regulations on microplastics are getting stricter, consumers demand transparency and export‑driven industries risk penalties or lost market access if contamination persists. Our filtration system aims to turn these pain points into measurable financial benefits:

  • Municipal water utilities: avoid costly fines and reduce chemical/energy use for microplastic removal.
  • Aquamarine farms (shrimp, fish, shellfish, etc.): improve survival rates, maintain export approvals and capture “clean seafood” premiums.
  • Vertical farms (a young, emerging Thai sector): protect high‑value crops and market themselves as sustainable, closed‑loop growers.
  • Organic farms: safeguard certification and consumer trust by keeping synthetic pollutants out of irrigation and wash water.
  • Beverage producers: avoid recalls, preserve brand reputation and stay compliant with emerging water safety standards.
  • Tourism operators (hotels, eco‑resorts): ensure clean pools and water features, enhancing guest satisfaction and eco‑tourism market positioning.

By analysing the up‑front investment, cash‑flow effects, risk reduction and upside for each group, we show that adopting our system is financially rational as well as environmentally responsible—a key point when seeking 1.4 million THB in funding to finish research and design, pilot sales and scale manufacturing.

Economic stakeholders chart

References

  1. Bangkok Water Treatment Plant. Bangkhen water treatment plant. www.mwa.co.th/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Bangkhen-Water-Treatment-Plant.pdf
  2. Phakpanuak, C. (n.d.). Bangkok Water Quality Control Plant. dds.bangkok.go.th/News_dds/magazine/plan52/08.pdf
  3. Water Treatment Thailand. www.goshukohsan.com/water-treatment
  4. สำนักงานจัดการคุณภาพน้ำ กรุงเทพมหานคร. wqmodatacenter.bangkok.go.th/map.htm
  5. Wang, Y., Chen, X., & Li, S. (2024). Microplastics and chemical contamination in aquaculture ecosystems: Antibiotic adsorption and health risk assessment. Environmental Sciences Europe, 36(1), 78. ScienceDirect
  6. Varmers. varmers.varmers.com
  7. Thailand: Vertically farmed strawberries sold at 50 % of imported ones. (17 Oct 2023). www.hortidaily.com/article/9568514/thailand-vertically-farmed-strawberries-sold-at-50-of-imported-ones
  8. Phaksopa, J., Sompongchaiyakul, P., & Pradit, S. (2024). Occurrence and abundance of microplastics in surface water of Songkhla Lagoon, Thailand. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 196, 412.
  9. New NZ study shows microplastics contaminate organic waste. University of Canterbury. www.canterbury.ac.nz/news-and-events/news/2025/new-nz-study-shows-microplastics-contaminate-organic-waste
  10. Soursou, V., Campo, J., & Picó, Y. (2024). Spatio‑temporal variation and ecological risk assessment of microplastics along the touristic beaches of a Mediterranean coast transect (Valencia Province, East Spain). Journal of Environmental Management, 354, 120315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120315