Wongpanit
Wongpanit operates Thailand's largest buy-back recycling franchise network, with 2,500+ branches domestically and in five countries, purchasing and processing up to 1.5 million tons of recyclable materials annually from households, businesses, government, and corporate EPR partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersPhitsanulok, Thailand
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Wongpanit does
Wongpanit International Co., Ltd. is a privately held Thai waste management and recycling enterprise founded in 1973 in Phitsanulok by Dr. Somtai Wongcharoen, operating as the country's largest buy-back recycling network with over 2,500 franchise branches across Thailand and five international markets (Laos, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, USA). Its core operation is purchasing recyclable materials — including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, paper, plastics, glass, electronics (WEEE), beverage cartons, and lithium batteries — from individuals, schools, businesses, and government entities at published daily prices for over 100 material categories, then sorting, processing, and reselling the materials to downstream industrial manufacturers. The company also produces RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) from dry waste, handles solar panel and solar farm equipment recycling, and runs wholly-owned subsidiaries WDC2 (training laboratory) and Wongpanit West to Energy Co., Ltd. (waste-to-energy services).
The business model combines transaction-margin buy-back revenue with licensing income from franchise fees, professional services revenue from confidential document destruction, demolition, and industrial waste disposal with certification, training revenue (23,000 THB per trainee for the 7-day Business Waste Recycling Training, now in Batch 98), and publication sales. Go-to-market relies on a franchise and direct-distribution network rather than digital channels, augmented by high-visibility co-marketing alliances with CP ALL (7-Eleven), Suntory PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Tetra Pak for consumer collection campaigns, and an MOU with RecyGlo (November 2025) layering in digital EPR traceability and ESG reporting. Customer segments span individual households (long-tail cash-for-scrap), franchisees and trainees, schools participating in community campaigns, government and municipalities seeking RDF and waste management support, and corporate clients requiring EPR-compliance and certified destruction services. The company holds ISO 14001 certification, has won the Thailand Franchise Award 2023 and National Innovation Award 2025, and is led by second-generation family management with no disclosed institutional or private equity ownership.
Wongpanit firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wongpanit
- Legal name
- บริษัท วงษ์พาณิชย์ อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล จำกัด
- Website
- https://wongpanit.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Wongpanit operates Thailand's largest buy-back recycling franchise network, with 2,500+ branches domestically and in five countries, purchasing and processing up to 1.5 million tons of recyclable materials annually from households, businesses, government, and corporate EPR partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wongpanit industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Waste Management & Recycling Services
- NAICS
- Materials Recovery Facilities (56292), Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers (42393), Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers (423930), Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (333993)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods (5190), Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Reusable Packaging & Refill Systems (Returnable Transport Items, Deposit/DRS Ops) (EUAIANAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Recycling & Materials Recovery Logistics (E-waste, Batteries, Metals, Plastics) (TLAIAHAD), Consumer Electronics Recycling (TVs, AV, Small Electronics) (BPALAIAH), Post-Consumer Plastic Collection & Sorting (MRF/PRF, Bale Supply) (EUAIAKAA), Plastic Recycling Equipment & Technology Providers (Sorting, Washing, Extrusion) (EUAIAKAM), Recycled Fiber, Recovered Paper & Secondary Fiber Trading (IMAMAIAK)
Keywords
Where Wongpanit is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Phitsanulok
- HQ country
- Thailand
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Wongpanit business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Buy-back of recyclable materials: Wongpanit purchases recyclable waste from individuals and businesses at published daily prices, then sorts, processes, and resells materials to industrial end-markets. Revenue comes from the margin between purchase price and sale to downstream manufacturers.
- Business training programs: 7-day business waste sorting and recycling training courses (Batch 98 at 23,000 THB). Income from course fees.
- Franchise fees: Wongpanit sells franchise licenses to operate buy-back recycling centers under the Wongpanit brand, generating upfront and ongoing franchise revenue.
- Specialized disposal and destruction services: Services including confidential document destruction, building demolition, and industrial waste disposal with certification.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Business Training Course - 7-Day Program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Previous 5-Day Training Course |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Waste sorting for business book |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Touching Gold of the King of Trash book |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Household waste sorting guide book |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Used beverage carton buy-back (regular) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Daily recyclable material prices |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Wongpanit product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wongpanit operates Thailand's largest buy-back recycling network through 2,500+ franchise branches, purchasing 100+ types of recyclable materials (metals, paper, plastics, glass, electronics) from individuals and businesses at published daily prices, then sorting, processing, and reselling them to downstream industrial markets. The company also delivers business training programs, confidential document destruction, industrial waste collection, building demolition, solar panel recycling, and recycling machinery sales, anchored by the franchise model.
Product overview
Wongpanit operates as a comprehensive waste management and recycling enterprise with a multi-service portfolio. The core business centers on purchasing recyclable waste materials (metals, paper, plastics, glass, electronics) through an extensive franchise network of over 2,500 branches across Thailand and internationally. Supporting services include specialized offerings such as confidential document destruction, industrial waste collection, building demolition, and packaging recycling certification. The company provides educational training programs (7-day business waste separation training) and publishes educational materials. Recent additions include the RecyGlo digital platform partnership for ESG tracking and carbon accounting, and participation in METALEX exhibitions showcasing recycling machinery. The business operates under the philosophy that 'there is no waste in this world, only resources placed in the wrong place.'
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Waste Recycling Buy-Back Service Core service purchasing over 100 types of recyclable materials (metals, paper, plastics, glass, electronics, used cooking oil) from individuals and businesses at published daily prices, with materials then sorted, processed, and resold to downstream industrial manufacturers.
- Business Waste Separation Training (7-Day Course) 7-day intensive training program teaching waste separation and recycling business operations, conducted at the Phitsanulok headquarters with hands-on facility visits; priced at 23,000 THB per participant.
- International WEEE Directive Training Program International electronic waste management training program delivered under the EU Global Gateway framework with GIZ and ASEAN Centre of Energy, training ASEAN government officials (Brunei, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) on e-waste management at the Amari Bangkok.
- Confidential Document Destruction Service Secure shredding and destruction of confidential documents and sensitive materials with certification of destruction for corporate and government clients.
Quantifiable outcome
- Collects and processes 1.5 million tons of recyclable materials per year
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Wongpanit
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Wongpanit technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Wongpanit partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- RecyGlocoreWongpanit signed MOU with RecyGlo for circular economy impact at CentralWorld Bangkok on 28 November 2025. The partnership leverages RecyGlo's digital platform for EPR compliance, traceability, data analytics, ESG reporting, and carbon accounting. Wongpanit provides its massive physical collection network, together building a comprehensive digital-physical waste management chain compliant with EPR standards, GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, and ISO 14067.
- GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)coreGIZ supported the international WEEE Directive training program hosted by Wongpanit on 22-24 October 2025 at Amari Bangkok, training officials from ASEAN countries on e-waste management. This was under the Global Gateway framework of the EU to promote smart, clean, and safe connectivity.
- ALBA Group AsiaminorALBA Group Asia from Germany contributed German technology presentations on e-waste management and tracking software during the WEEE training program hosted by Wongpanit.
- ASEAN Centre of Energy (ACE)minorASEAN Centre of Energy (ACE) coordinated the WEEE Directive training program, sending representatives from government agencies across ASEAN to learn e-waste management from Wongpanit.
- ASIA GREENminorASIA GREEN participated in the international WEEE training program as part of the EU Global Gateway cooperation framework.
- Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand)coreSuntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) partnered with Wongpanit to promote PET plastic recycling through consumer campaigns. The partnership encourages separation and recycling of used PET bottles into the waste management system in a systematic manner to conserve natural resources and reduce plastic waste.
- CP ALL (CP ALL Public Company Limited)coreCP ALL signed MOU with Wongpanit to put Wongpanit's logo on 7-Eleven carry bags nationwide, guaranteeing that used packaging (especially milk cartons) can be sold to Wongpanit nationwide at 5 THB/kg. This joint venture created powerful environmental marketing showing that used packaging is not waste.
- Nestlé (Thailand)coreNestlé (Thailand) supported Wongpanit's 'Stop Throwing, Sell It' and 'Milk Carton for the Earth' community campaign, contributing to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) objectives by helping collect and recycle used beverage cartons.
- Tetra Pak (Thailand)coreTetra Pak (Thailand) partnered with Wongpanit in the 'Stop Throwing, Sell It' and 'Milk Carton for the Earth' community programs, supporting the collection and recycling of used beverage cartons.
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (Thailand)minorTISTR supported Wongpanit's community recycling programs by providing plastic and can sorting equipment to participating schools.
- Eco-Friendly ThailandminorEco-Friendly Thailand participated as a supporting partner in Wongpanit's community recycling and milk carton collection campaigns.
- Huan Tai (ฮ่านไทย)minorWongpanit signed MOU with Huan Tai for renewable energy cooperation, as part of its sustainability and green energy initiatives.
- China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association / CMRAminorWongpanit's Secretary-General of the Thai Recycling Entrepreneurs Association participated in the 2025 ASEAN RECYCLING METALS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE organized by CMRA, promoting international business networking and agreements in the global recycling industry.
- Shanghai Futures ExchangeminorShanghai Futures Exchange participated in the 2025 ASEAN RECYCLING METALS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE where Wongpanit and Thai recycling associations discussed metal recycling market opportunities.
- WDC2 Laboratory (Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya)minorWDC2 Laboratory in Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya served as a practical training venue for the international WEEE Directive training program, providing hands-on e-waste management workshops.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Wongpanit competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- SCG (Siam Cement Group): Thai conglomerate with growing circular economy operations including chemical recycling, packaging recycling, and waste-to-value initiatives. Comparable as a downstream buyer of recyclables and an emerging competitor in Thailand's circular economy services.
- Stericycle: US-listed global leader in confidential document destruction, medical waste, and compliance services. Comparable to Wongpanit's confidential document destruction and certified waste disposal services, though at vastly larger scale and enterprise-focused.
- Veolia (Thailand): Global waste management and environmental services major with Thai operations across municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and recycling. Operates at much larger scale with broader service portfolio, overlapping with Wongpanit's industrial waste and materials recovery activities.
- SUEZ (Thailand): Global water and waste management company with Thailand presence in municipal and hazardous waste collection. Overlaps with Wongpanit's industrial waste disposal, document destruction, and recycling services but as part of a much broader utility-focused portfolio.
Direct peers
- Indorama Ventures: Thai-listed global PET recycler (one of the world's largest). Comparable to Wongpanit's plastics collection and downstream sale of recycled feedstock, though operating at far greater scale and integrated into PET resin manufacturing.
- DOWA Holdings: Japanese integrated recycling and environmental solutions company with major operations in e-waste, non-ferrous metals, and urban mining. Highly comparable to Wongpanit's electronics recycling, scrap metal trading, and WEEE training activities, particularly in the Japanese franchise market.
- ALBA Group: Germany-based integrated recycling and waste management group operating internationally across metals, electronics, and municipal waste. Already a strategic partner of Wongpanit for the ASEAN WEEE training, ALBA is a directly comparable services peer in e-waste and circular economy operations.
- Enviro-Hub Holdings: Singapore-listed integrated recycling company operating in e-waste (WEEE), precious metals recovery, and recycled materials in Southeast Asia. Directly comparable to Wongpanit's e-waste handling, WEEE training, and ASEAN-wide recycling scope.
Emerging players
- Renewlogy: US-based advanced/chemical plastic recycling technology company with Asia-Pacific pilots. Adjacent/emerging peer focused on plastic-to-feedstock recycling tech — Wongpanit's mechanical plastic recycling provides a benchmark for how traditional recyclers face technology-driven competition.
Regional players
- Tanchong Industrial: Indonesian automotive and industrial group with significant scrap metal and recycling operations in ASEAN. Comparable to Wongpanit's metals trading and franchise model but concentrated in Indonesia rather than Thailand.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Wongpanit social profiles
Digital presenceWongpanit compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Wongpanit financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wongpanit leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Wongpanit subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Wongpanit funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wongpanit M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wongpanit
What does Wongpanit do?
Wongpanit operates Thailand's largest buy-back recycling network through 2,500+ franchise branches, purchasing 100+ types of recyclable materials (metals, paper, plastics, glass, electronics) from individuals and businesses at published daily prices, then sorting, processing, and reselling them to downstream industrial markets. The company also delivers business training programs, confidential document destruction, industrial waste collection, building demolition, solar panel recycling, and recycling machinery sales, anchored by the franchise model.
Is Wongpanit a public or private company?
Wongpanit is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Wongpanit founded?
Wongpanit was founded in 1973. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Wongpanit based?
Wongpanit is headquartered in Phitsanulok, Thailand, in the Asia region.
How does Wongpanit make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Buy-back of recyclable materials are the primary driver. The others are business training programs, franchise fees and specialized disposal and destruction services.
Who are Wongpanit's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are SCG (Siam Cement Group), Stericycle, Veolia (Thailand) and SUEZ (Thailand). Direct peers are Indorama Ventures, DOWA Holdings, ALBA Group and Enviro-Hub Holdings. Renewlogy is listed as an emerging player. Tanchong Industrial is listed as a regional player.
Does Wongpanit have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wongpanit.
What industry is Wongpanit in?
Wongpanit's product category is Waste Management & Recycling Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAIANAE, Reusable Packaging & Refill Systems (Returnable Transport Items, Deposit/DRS Ops), with a secondary code of TLAIAHAD, Recycling & Materials Recovery Logistics (E-waste, Batteries, Metals, Plastics). Its NAICS code is 56292 and its SIC code is 5190.