Thai Union Partners with Thailand's Authorities to Attain No Wastewater Emission and Create a Sectoral Educational Facility

Thai Union has achieved a significant milestone by completely eliminating wastewater discharge at its fish processing facility in Thailand, thanks to the adoption of cutting-edge water recycling technologies. This achievement underscores the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and positions it as a pioneer in the seafood industry. To further its sustainability goals, Thai Union is set to launch a Zero Wastewater Discharge Learning Center. This initiative aims to support policy advocacy for sustainable industrial growth and positions Thai Union as a frontrunner in responsible business practices within the sector. On March 28, 2024, in Samut Sakorn, Thai Union Group PCL, a global leader in the seafood industry, announced its collaboration with the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research Innovation (MHESI). This partnership has led to the Zero Wastewater Discharge Project at its Thai fish processing plant setting a new international standard for environmental responsibility in seafood production by achieving complete wastewater treatment. Ms. Suchada Thaensap, Secretary to the Minister of MHESI, highlighted that the project is in line with MHESI's strategic goals under Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi's leadership. The initiative supports the Go Green Strategy, aiming for sustainability, carbon neutrality, and adherence to the government's sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongchai Suwonsichon, Director of PMUC, emphasized the project's role as a prime example of innovation in clean production, which aligns with Thailand's circular economy and low-carbon economy objectives. The forthcoming Zero Wastewater Discharge Learning Center is expected to enhance the capabilities of entrepreneurs in the industry, in harmony with PMUC's mission to foster technological innovation and collaboration. In 2024, PMUC has dedicated at least 300 million baht towards sustainability research and innovation, with a focus on circular economy principles and the development of renewable energy sources. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, boost GDP, and decrease resource consumption by 2030, paving the way for Thailand's carbon neutrality by 2050. The Zero Wastewater Discharge Project, a pioneering initiative by Thai Union, received initial funding of THB 3.4 million from PMUC, with Thai Union contributing THB 8.4 million. This project is a key part of Thai Union’s SeaChange® 2030 strategy, aiming for zero water discharge, zero food waste, and zero waste to landfill by 2030. Suthidej Amornkasemwong, Managing Director (Fish Plant) at Thai Union Group, expressed gratitude towards PMUC for their support and highlighted the project's alignment with circular economy principles. The project utilizes Ultrafiltration (UF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) technologies for water recycling and recovery in industrial processes. Located in Samut Sakorn, the Zero Wastewater Discharge Project spans approximately 155,000 square meters and has significantly reduced daily water consumption, leading to substantial cost savings annually. Adam Brennan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Thai Union Group, emphasized the project's contribution to global sustainability efforts, demonstrating the feasibility of combining industrial growth with environmental conservation. The collaboration between PMUC and Thai Union has also led to successful projects in nutritional supplements, beverages, and functional ingredients derived from tuna fish oil, with more innovations in the pipeline for food and pet food supplements.