NANOTEC with collaboration from Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), Department of International Promotion (DITP – Chiang Mai office), and NSTDA Northern Network announced the winners of the Most Creative & Design Nano Textile Product Competition yesterday at TCDC Chiang Mai office. Deputy Governor Mr. Deputy Governor Chana Pangpibul was the guest of honor to make this announcement and presented the cash prize award. Over ten products were submitted from public and private sector.
The winners included:
1st Prize (Baht 10,000) – Waterproof Umbralla with artificial silk Lanna style by Umbralla Center (1978) Co., Ltd
2nd Prize (Baht 7,500) – Silk Jewelry by Flow Jewelry Co.,Ltd.
3rd Prize (Baht 5000) – Kind Heart Shoes b y Kanjana Handmade
The winning nano textile product will also be displayed at both NSTDA Northern Network Annual Meeting on February 28 and at NSTDA Annual Conference 2014 (NAC 2014) in Bangkok on March 31-April 2.
“The textile flagship program at NANOTEC focuses on research and innovation development” said Dr. Sirasak Teparkum, Deputy Executive Director, NANOTEC and one of the 4 judges. “Our decision to partner with TCDC and DIPT is a strategic move as TCDC is an expert in the area of product design and DIPT can help in promoting the textile industry”.
The competition was a follow up activity to previous training workshops which was held in late December 2013 by TCDC, NANOTEC, and NSTDA Northern Network. The nano textile product workshops was aimed at illustrating the benefits of nanotechnology as a tool for product enhancement and value-added. Participants to the workshop included several One Tambon One Product (OTOP) and SMEs private sector establishments. The nano textile characteristics enhancement included antibacterial, water repellent, anti UV, and fragrance encapsulation for products such as silk umbrallas, bags, silk jewelry, etc.
“From international trade point of view, we need to also look at necessity of incorporating nanotechnology in a product” said Khun Kwanapa Phivnil, Director of DITP Chiang Mai office) also a member of the judging committee. “Very often, consumers buy products because it looks good, basic, meets their needs. This is very true especially for traditional community products. Therefore, it is important that incorporating nanotechnology should not be use as a tool to increase product cost but instead increase product value”.
“For me product design is my specialty” said Khun T-Ra Chantasawasdee, Designer and owner of the clothing brand T-RA. “In order for me to give judgment on a product, it is necessary for me to understand the story behind the making of the product and the innovation that goes into making the product. If the innovation meets the consumer’s need, then often my judgment is positive”.
The organizing committee hope to implement similar activity in other part of the country to promote the use of innovation to increase product value.
Deputy Govenor with organizer, judging committee, and the 3 winners
The winning Nano Textile Products