CP Group Releases 2023 Sustainability Report: Focusing on Developing the New Generation and Driving Collaboration Across All Sectors to Embrace the 5.0 World

21 August 2024

Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) has officially released its 2023 Sustainability Report under the theme "For a Better Tomorrow." This report highlights CP Group's commitment to sustainable business practices, aiming for its 2030 sustainability strategy. The strategy outlines 15 key goals based on the 3 Hs framework: Heart, Health, and Home, covering economic, social, and environmental aspects to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report also features case studies under the theme "Inclusive Supply Chain Actions for Sustainable Tomorrow," showcasing the Group's sustainability goals and practices to stakeholders, including partners and business allies.

In this latest sustainability report, the leadership's commitment to sustainability is emphasized. Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont discusses the importance of preparing for risks and developing human resources. He states, "The current global situation and rapid changes have impacted business operations in various dimensions. The Group places great importance on preparing for emerging risks, which is why we have established corporate values for our employees to uphold as they perform their duties. Our employees are the key to integrating these core values and driving the organization to keep pace with the future in a stable and sustainable manner." Dhanin also adds that AI cannot replace humans and that CP Group prioritizes investing in human resource development, including preparing for potential future labor shortages through skill training and various educational programs to enhance the knowledge and ethics of employees at all levels.

Chairman Suphachai Chearavanont further emphasizes, "Sustainability is the foundation that enables an organization to grow and move forward strongly. The Group has set a direction and growth strategy toward an advanced industrial era by continuously developing and utilizing modern digital innovations and technologies in its business practices, guided by six core corporate values that focus on benefiting the nation and people in every country where the Group operates." Suphachai also underscores the importance of food security, biodiversity protection, and fostering the development of the next generation to carry on sustainability from one generation to the next.

For his part, Chief Executive Officer Suphachai Chearavanont notes, "2023 has been a year full of challenges and opportunities, particularly in digitalization, decarbonization, and balancing a polarized world (deglobalization), which are global priorities. Adapting to these changes requires collaboration across multiple sectors, not just from a single organization." Suphachai also stresses the importance of cultivating visionary leaders in sustainability, empowering the younger generation to drive the organization's SDGs, and leveraging technology to build a society of sustainable intelligence.

In its 2023 Sustainability Report, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) reported total revenue of 3,320,897 million THB and employed 452,794 people across over 21 countries worldwide, where the Group has invested. This global presence includes operations in manufacturing plants, livestock farms, retail stores, distribution centers, hypermarkets, supermarkets, mini-supermarkets, and research and development centers, totaling more than 18,869 locations.

In 2023, CP Group focused on creating social value by improving the quality of life for the public, promoting education, and fostering sustainable environmental development. The report highlights several significant progress points, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CP Group reported a 9.45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 & 2) compared to the 2021 baseline and has set goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. In terms of reducing single-use plastic, the Group reported a reduction of 24.78 thousand tons in 2023 and aims to ensure that all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Additionally, CP Group invested over 597 million THB in developing new-generation employees through training and skill development programs and provided scholarships to over 190,000 young people globally.

The sustainability report also presents findings from stakeholder engagement surveys, including feedback and suggestions from all stakeholder groups, as well as insights from external experts. The Group values these perspectives, recognizing their importance in helping the Group understand and adapt to ongoing trends and changes.

For instance, Mr. Wang Peng, an employee at C.P. Food (Hengshui) Co., Ltd., shared, "As an employee, I value career advancement opportunities, particularly in building new knowledge and capabilities, and having the chance to think outside the box. The Group's leadership and future skill development programs promote cross-departmental or cross-company collaboration, allowing employees to apply what they've learned to real work and continuously improve their problem-solving abilities."

Mr. Mohit Purbey of Bunge Asia Pte. Ltd., a business partner, commented, "Today, the Group plays a leading role with a clear policy of zero tolerance for deforestation and 100% traceability. This strong leadership aligns with Bunge's commitment to achieving zero deforestation by 2025. Our collaboration can create an industry-leading platform and help develop an ecosystem conducive to responsible sourcing. We are committed to influencing the industry's direction to ensure that our positive actions drive change in others."

Additionally, a farmer, Mr. Somchai Piangkwan Hathai, a member of the Ban Thung Cham Rueng High-Value Agricultural Enterprise Group in Omkoi, Chiang Mai, highlighted the benefits of the Omkoi Model Project, led by the Charoen Pokphand Foundation for Rural Life Development. The project has improved community livelihoods through job creation and income promotion, operating under the high-value agriculture plan. It involves market-driven agricultural promotion, with production planning done in collaboration with farmer groups, leading to the efficient use of agricultural land, high returns, and proper farm management based on scientific principles, allowing farmers to utilize additional land for other income-generating crops.

The report also includes feedback from customers, government bodies like Thailand's Ministry of Justice, community representatives like the President of Bu Pho Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Buriram, and NGOs such as the International Organization for Migration.

The 2023 Sustainability Report of CP Group highlights significant progress in various areas, such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The report also emphasizes goals like achieving zero waste to landfill and reducing social inequality, with a major target set for 2030. Additionally, the report includes in-depth analysis and evaluation of key sustainability issues through Double and Dynamic Materiality assessments, which enhance stakeholder engagement and risk management to create long-term value. CP Group has also produced six additional focused reports that detail specific approaches and outcomes in various areas.

This report not only reflects the achievements of the past year but also serves as a roadmap for CP Group’s future business strategies and a communication tool to share its sustainability efforts with stakeholders. The report underscores the importance of integrating collaboration with stakeholders across the value chain to drive sustainable change in all dimensions.

You can read and download the 2023 Sustainability Report in Thai at: https://www.cpgroupglobal.com/u/th/pdf/2023/sustainability-report

And in English at: https://www.cpgroupglobal.com/u/en/pdf/2023/sustainability-report