On October 20, 2025, Burapha University International College (BUUIC) had the great honor of welcoming Dr. Thomas Lindhqvist from the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE), Lund University, Sweden, as a distinguished guest lecturer for a special session on “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Circular Economy.”
The lecture was introduced by Dr. Panate Manomaivibool, Assistant Dean for Academic Service and Sustainable Management, BUUIC. Dr. Lindhqvist, widely recognized as the “Father of EPR,” shared the origins of the concept, which he first introduced in a 1990 report to the Swedish Ministry of Environment.
Key insights from the session included the rationale behind EPR as a mechanism to promote eco-friendly product design, the challenges of downcycling in current recycling systems, and the need for future EPR models to emphasize product longevity, repair, and high-quality recycling.
This special lecture provided BUUIC students and faculty with valuable perspectives on environmental policy and sustainability. The College extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Thomas Lindhqvist for his inspiring session and to Dr. Panate Manomaivibool for organizing this meaningful event.
