Khon Kaen University has announced the successful completion of the “Ugly Veggies Plus” research project, an innovative platform that reduces food waste while adding value to agricultural products that don’t meet standard aesthetic requirements. The project, funded by Thailand’s Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), focuses on developing business models based on traceability technology and low-carbon circular economy principles.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phaninee Naruetharadhol, Project Director, explained: “Ugly Veggies Plus addresses the problem of discarding fruits and vegetables that don’t look perfect by market standards, despite having nutritional value equal to normal products. We’ve created a system that helps farmers increase their income while providing consumers with safe food at appropriate prices.”
The key innovation of the project is the transformation of vegetable waste into three high-value products: premium plant soil, natural protein bars, and biodegradable plastic straws that decompose within 180 days.
Farmers participating in the project can set their own selling prices, which include reasonable platform maintenance fees and shipping costs, ensuring fair benefits for all parties involved.
The research results serve as a model for low-carbon circular economy development that can be applied in industries to reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, use resources efficiently, and build sustainable security for Thailand’s organic food industry.
Through this platform, Khon Kaen University demonstrates how academic research can create practical solutions that benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment simultaneously, while moving Thailand toward more sustainable food production systems. 
