On April 8, 2025, the Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Amporn Sae-iao, Associate Dean for Academic Services and Social Innovation and a lecturer in the Food Technology program, participated in a press conference to announce the success of the research project titled:
“Ugly Veggies Plus – Advancing Business Models Based on Traceability Technology and Low-Carbon Circular Economy for Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Export of Organic Food Products.”
The event, held to promote innovation in sustainable food systems, included an exhibition of research outcomes and technologies aimed at facilitating knowledge transfer to the business sector. In her opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Paninee Narutharadol, Director of the Center of Innovation and Society for Sustainability, Khon Kaen International College, emphasized the project’s mission to address the global issue of food waste. Through the application of circular economy principles, the project has successfully developed a variety of prototype products derived from agricultural by-products, such as ready-to-use planting soil, protein bars, and biodegradable plastic straws, all designed to reduce waste and add economic value to the organic food sector.
A key highlight of the event was the introduction of VEGGIES+ BAR, a health-focused protein bar made from “ugly vegetables”—produce that may not meet commercial aesthetic standards but retain full nutritional value. Developed under the leadership of Assistant Professor Dr. Amporn Sae-iao, VEGGIES+ BAR combines high-quality vegetable powder with plant-based and whey protein, using natural ingredients such as real chocolate and cranberries—completely free from added sugar.
Another featured innovation, Vegetable Puff Pellets, was designed to cater to modern consumers who are both health-conscious and environmentally aware. Both products exemplify the project’s commitment to upcycling agricultural waste into marketable, value-added goods.
The “Ugly Veggies Plus” initiative integrates advanced technologies such as Blockchain-based traceability for ingredient transparency and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Carbon Footprint analysis to monitor and minimize environmental impact in accordance with international sustainability standards.
Over the past three years, the project has generated over 1.33 million Baht in revenue from pilot products and expanded its collaborative network to more than 100 entrepreneurs, many of whom have successfully adopted the project’s innovative business models for commercialization.
The press conference also featured a suite of knowledge-transfer activities, including research exhibitions and one-on-one consultations with the research team, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs with tools and insights to develop sustainable businesses.
This initiative reflects the Faculty of Technology’s continued leadership in advancing the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy and underscores its strategic vision to generate societal impact through research and academic services—fostering innovation-driven economic development and long-term sustainability for Thailand.
