Promoting ‘Resilience and Rapid Adaptability’ in the Business Sector to Address Future “Water Resource” Challenges

Friday 23 August 2024 – TCP Group has launched the TCP Sustainability Forum 2024, a pivotal conference centered on the theme “Water Resilience in a Changing Climate.” The event brought together leading academics, business leaders, and experts to strengthen the capabilities of Thai businesses in addressing water challenges posed by climate change. The forum emphasized the concept of “Resilience and Rapid Adaptability” and introduced TCP Group’s three key action plans: regenerative water management, 100% circular water use, and building a water positive impact through the application of sustainable innovative solutions. These initiatives are designed to drive change and energize efforts towards sustainability goals, paving the way for a better world, starting today. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Jullapong Thaveesri, Director General Department of Industrial Work.

“Water” is a critical issue that the business sector must “address and act on urgently”

The “water crisis,” driven by climate change, is causing significant damage to both people and economic growth worldwide. According to the 2023 Fast Forward report by the Global Compact Network Thailand, by 2030, the gap between the global supply of clean water and the demand for it is projected to reach 40%, with the situation only expected to worsen. Therefore, it is crucial for the Thai business sector to take immediate action to address current and future water challenges.

In response, TCP Group is organizing the TCP Sustainability Forum 2024 under the theme “Water Resilience in a Changing Climate,” to serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge on “Water and its Impacts Caused by Climate Change, and Business Resilience,” with the goal of reducing business risks associated with water scarcity and other emerging water challenges. The forum encourages organizations to accelerate improvements across their supply chains to strengthen water integrity and resilience, and to collaborate with various sectors to create positive impacts on vulnerable water sources.

Mr. Saravoot Yoovidhya, Chief Executive Officer of TCP Group, said, “Water resilience is an essential strategy to address the acute, severe, and unpredictable water shortages caused by what we now face as not just Climate Change, but a Climate Crisis. Water impacts every sector including health through consumption, energy through electricity production, agriculture through food production, and manufacturing through the production of goods. As an organization that relies on water as a key raw material, sustainable water management is a critical strategy for our company.”

“When discussing water resilience, the focus is on how we will survive when faced with a water crisis. It’s about preparing for the future because water is a crucial resource for the economy and employment. If a business, economy, or country has resilient water resources, it can better withstand changes. This is the essence of business resilience, which supports sustainable growth and equips us to tackle the challenges of today. In this rapidly changing world, we must adapt faster than ever,” said Mr. Saravoot.

TCP Group has been actively pursuing sustainability in line with its “Energizing a Better World for All” purpose, where the Caring – energizing our environment strategy has led to significant advancements, including:

1. Product Excellence: TCP Group is focused on developing new products that meet unmet consumer needs and promote health and wellness, with a goal to increase the proportion of health-oriented products to 80% by 2026, up from the current 72.25%.
2. Circular Economy: Committed to the circular economy, TCP Group aims to have 100% recyclable packaging by 2024, currently at 93%. The remaining 7% pertains to the snack group, which is on track to achieve this target by the end of the year. The company has also begun using rPET bottles with the Mansome brand and is advancing towards becoming a Zero Waste to Landfill organization at both the Prachinburi factory and the head office.
3. Low Carbon Economy: TCP Group is committed to transitioning to a low-carbon economy, with a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To date, the company has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10% and is utilizing over 80% renewable energy.
4. Water Sustainability: TCP is committed to sustainable water management, aiming to return more water to nature and communities than is used in the production process (Net Water Positive) by 2030. This goal has already been achieved, with 17 million cubic meters of water returned to nature, which is more than the amount of water being used throughout the process. Additionally, water use efficiency in the production process has improved by 24% compared to 2019. To ensure efficient and sustainable water management, both inside and outside the factory, TCP Group adheres to the international standards set by the Alliance Water Stewardship (AWS) as the operational framework.

Furthermore, TCP Group is advancing its plans in three areas to enhance its Net Water Positive goal, including: regenerative water management to improve water ecosystems to their original state or better, 100% circular water use to fully and optimally reuse water resources, and building a water positive impact through the application of sustainable innovative solutions. Additionally, the company is committed to promoting human development through education, which serves as a critical foundation for advancing and driving sustainability efforts within the organization, community, and nation.

The TCP Sustainability Forum 2024 marks the third consecutive year of this significant conference, dedicated to accelerating action and adaptability as quickly as possible. This event stands out as Thailand’s first and only sustainability forum that emphasizes collaboration among partners in the food and beverage industry to tackle climate change challenges. The forum’s objectives align with both the country’s sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring TCP Group’s commitment to becoming a sustainably growing organization and creating positive impacts on society and the environment, both in Thailand and globally, in line with its purpose of “Energizing a Better World for All.”