Plastic Awareness
Converting plastic to oil, telling human stories, and empowering communities against plastic pollution
Join us on a journey that merges documentary storytelling, hands-on innovation, and local engagement to combat the world’s plastic crisis—together.
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Watch the Trailer
Learn How We Work
Watch the Mechrey Community CleanUp in Cambodia
Metric tons of plastic waste produced in Cambodia in 2024 (estimate)
%
of plastic waste is recycled in Cambodia (estimate)
Our Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
To raise global awareness of plastic pollution through documentary storytelling, hands-on innovation, and community-driven initiatives that inspire real change.
Vision Statement
We envision a future where communities worldwide reduce plastic waste, adopt responsible consumer habits, and help safeguard our planet for generations to come.
Our Story
The Early Days
When Pueng That returned to Cambodia in 2017, he was struck by the growing plastic pollution problem, especially in rural areas. Motivated by his background in environmental engineering—and supported by friends—he founded PLAWARE in 2019 to explore practical ways of dealing with plastic waste.
Transition to Advocacy
Initially focused on converting plastic into oil—an effort now largely carried forward by our partner Stavolt AG—PLAWARE evolved into a platform for awareness and action. By connecting community stories, technical solutions, and local partnerships, we aim to drive meaningful environmental change from the ground up.
Where We Are Today
Our documentary, Apsara’s Whisper, merges tradition and innovation to address plastic pollution in Southeast Asia. Building on these insights, we’re now planning the Angkor Alchemy Lab in Siem Reap—a future hub for plastic-to-oil demonstrations, school workshops, and community cleanups aimed at fostering sustainable waste management.
Photo Credits: Chris Hall
Volunteer
The Journey so far
Foundation of the PLAWARE Association in Aarau, Switzerland
Public presentation of PLAWARE at KUK Aarau
Completion of preliminary study on oil from plastic waste
Stavolt AG, OST, Innosuisse
Launch of feasibility study: plastic waste as a substitute for petroleum-based products (ongoing)
Stavolt AG, OST, Hightechzentrum Aargau
Apsara’s Whisper: Merging Tradition and Innovation to Tackle Plastic Pollution
Through Apsara’s Whisper, we document our journey and share our approach to combating plastic pollution. By revealing the thoughts behind our actions, this ongoing documentary series invites viewers to reflect on their own connection to nature and inspires meaningful steps toward a cleaner, healthier planet.
Upcoming Screenings
11.02.2025 Biberburg, Hirschthal
30.04.2025 Theater Tuchlaube, Aarau
The 4R Principle: Beyond Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
PLAWARE’s approach to plastic waste is built on four pillars: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover (Oil Recovery). By adding this fourth ‘R,’ we create a path for plastics that can’t be easily recycled.
REDUCE
Minimizing single-use plastics wherever possible.
REUSE
Extending product lifespans through repurposing and reusing items.
Recycle
Ensuring recyclable materials enter the circular economy.
Recover
Converting leftover PE plastics to oil with Stavolt AG’s technology.
Why 4Rs?
This expanded approach diverts plastic from landfills or incineration, turning it instead into valuable products—like candle oil or lamps—while creating local economic opportunities.
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Angkor Alchemy Lab: A Vision for Real-World Impact
Located in Siem Reap and currently in the planning phase, the Angkor Alchemy Lab will convert otherwise unmanageable plastics into valuable resources—such as candle oil and lamps—while empowering local communities. Far more than a simple technology showcase, the Lab embraces three core focus areas.
Core Focus Areas
#01
Innovation in Action
Visitors can witness the oil recovery process firsthand, discovering how plastics can be transformed into functional goods.
#02
Education for Change
Partnering with local educators and groups, the Lab will offer workshops on the 4R principle, waste sorting, and practical ways to reduce plastic use.
#03
Community Engagement
Regular cleanups will gather plastic for recycling or oil conversion, giving volunteers a tangible sense of how collective efforts yield lasting benefits.
Get Involved
By making plastic transformation both visible and educational, the Angkor Alchemy Lab will inspire community members, students, and visitors to see plastic not merely as waste, but as a resource that—when handled responsibly—can create economic opportunities and reduce environmental harm.
Partners
- Stavolt AG (Switzerland)
- OST (Switzerland)
- THAT ENVIRONMENT (Cambodia)
Contact
CHF 50
CHF 100
CHF 150
Other
Get In Touch
PLAWARE
c/o THAT LLC
Tellistrasse 116
5000 Aarau
Switzerland
Phone
+41 62 822 02 26
Mail
info@plaware.org
www.plaware.org
PLAWARE
PostFinance AG
IBAN CH72 0900 0000 1540 2699 3
BIC POFICHBEXXX
