Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is joining forces with government bodies to transform its Jakkarat Layer Complex in Nakhon Ratchsima into a low-carbon production facility. By incorporating the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, this initiative aims to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions in layer farms, steering The Thai food conglomerate towards its Net Zero target by 2050.
This collaboration, sparked by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) and Kasetsart University’s Center for Environmentally Friendly Business Strategies, seeks to inspire the Thai industrial sector to adopt the BCG model. This model is pivotal in Thailand’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and meet its 2050 Carbon Neutrality and 2065 Net-Zero GHG Emission goals.
The BCG model, a government strategy to encourage national development and post-pandemic recovery, focuses on leveraging Thailand’s biodiversity and cultural heritage into a competitive advantage. Critically, the strategy aims to apply science, technology and innovation to enhance four sectors: agriculture and food, wellness and medicine, energy, materials and biochemicals, and tourism and creative economic.
According to CP Foods, the Jakkarat chicken egg complex will serve as a prototype for a 100% renewable energy operation. This will be carried out by looking into the installation of solar power systems, with the aim of transitioning into a RE100 layer farm by 2024. According to the company, such initiatives have enabled an annual reduction of more than 532,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions.
Out of 30 companies considered, six were chosen for their commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. They are set to receive support in creating low-carbon production plans, adopting BCG economic model concepts for resource management, and recycling resources for current and new products, among others.
CP Foods: Utilizing the BCG model to improve operations
Another main aim of the project is to raise awareness of greenhouse gas emission reduction within the Thai industrial sector. In this regard, specialists have been employed to help enhance business operations according to the BCG model.
“CP Foods’ Jakkarat Layer Complex stands out for its significant dedication to embracing the BCG model, particularly in its supply chain,” said associate professor and director of VGreen at Kasetsart University. “The company is focused on responsible resource optimization and converting waste into value. This commitment sets a role model for the Thai food industry, making a noteworthy contribution to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.”
CP Foods currently utilizes 80-90% renewable energy in its layer complexes, implementing quality control systems nationwide for the production of fresh, contaminant-free eggs. The company expects to improve efficient resource management and minimize production-related losses, primarily by converting waste into energy.
“Participating in this project will equip the company with the expertise needed to sustain its efforts in greenhouse gas reduction,” said Mr. Somkid Wannalukkhee, the head of CP Foods’ layer business. “Furthermore, we aim to share our acquired knowledge with other interested industries, ensuring the competitiveness of Thailand’s food industry and enhancing food security.”
The complexes take advantage of digital technology and automation to reduce energy usage. It also converts waste from the biogas system into energy for operational use, using residues as soil fertilizers.
CP Foods has previously announced strides in creating sustainable packaging alternatives, as well as introducing 100% recycled egg packaging in Thailand.
