SUT Researchers Achieve International Acclaim at Geneva Inventions 2026

 

 

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) extends its congratulations to Associate Professor Dr. Tatiya Trongsatitkul from the School of Polymer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, and her research team. The team has garnered international acclaim for their invention, "K-dle: eco-friendly cushion," an innovative shock-absorbing packaging made entirely from 100% natural rubber.  

 

 

 

The innovation successfully captured a Silver Medal at "The 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva," held from March 11 to 15, 2026, at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition to the Silver Medal, the "K-dle" invention was honored with two Special Awards:  

• A Special Award from INNOPA, Indonesia.  

• The NRCT Honorable Mention Award from the National Research Council of Thailand.  

 

Innovation Concept and Sustainability

According to the lead researcher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tatiya Trongsatitkul, the "K-dle" innovation was developed under the Circular Economy concept to meet eco-friendly packaging demands and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to mitigate the environmental issues caused by traditional, hard-to-degrade petrochemical-based bubble wrap. Because K-dle is manufactured from 100% Thai agricultural rubber, it is highly biodegradable, effectively reduces waste and environmental impact, and provides tangible added value to the produce of local Thai rubber farmers.

 

 

A primary feature of the "K-dle: eco-friendly cushion" is its exceptional ability to protect highly sensitive goods. Specifically, it is designed to elevate the status of Thai fruits to the "Premium Fruit" category. This makes it ideal for modern trade markets and for exporting to international markets with strict environmental regulations. The packaging ensures that the agricultural produce remains in pristine condition from farm to consumer while simultaneously building an eco-friendly brand image for the products.  

 

 

SUT's participation in this prestigious competition was supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), which led the Thai research delegation to represent the country and compete against more than a thousand global inventions. This success not only reflects SUT's academic excellence but also reinforces the institution's role as a "University of Innovation" dedicated to utilizing research to meet industrial needs and generate positive social and environmental impacts on an international scale.  

 

Public Relations Division | March 16, 2026