Thai Union Collaborates with Thai Government to Achieve Zero Wastewater Discharge and Establish an Industry Learning Center

Thai Union has successfully eliminated 100% of its wastewater discharge by using innovative technologies to utilize all recycled water within its fish plant in Thailand Thai Union will operate a Zero Wastewater Discharge Learning Center, advocating for government policies promoting sustainable industrial development, and striving to become a responsible leader in the industry.

Samut Sakorn , March 28, 2024 -- Thai Union Group PCL, the world's seafood leader, has collaborated with the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), part of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research Innovation (MHESI), to announce that the Zero Wastewater Discharge Project at its fish plant in Thailand has set a new global benchmark for a seafood factory by achieving 100 percent wastewater treatment.

Ms. Suchada Thaensap, Secretary to Minister of MHESI said that Zero Wastewater Discharge project aligns with the strategic objectives of MHESI and Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi who spearheads research and innovation focusing on environmental friendliness, social development through sustainable practices (Go Green Strategy), Sustainability, Carbon Neutrality, clean energy, bioeconomy, and in accordance with the government's policies to drive Thailand towards sustainable development goals (SDGs) by the year 2030.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongchai Suwonsichon, Director of the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), said "The project was supported with funding through the Circular Economy (CE) program, PMUC. The CE program focuses on driving Thailand to create added value from the circular economy and low-carbon economy that grows from clean production innovations, reduces resource usage, and increases material circulation. This project is an excellent example of effectively leveraging innovation and serves as a good model for technology transfer within the country, benefiting entrepreneurs at all levels. The upcoming "Zero Wastewater Discharge Learning Center" will aid in developing the potential of entrepreneurs in related industries, in line with the mission of PMUC to drive technological development and innovation, as well as to foster collaboration and investment in research and innovation for real benefits that enhance the country's competitiveness."

"In 2024, PMUC has allocated no less than 300 million baht to support research and innovation in sustainability. We are focusing on driving the CE program and the Energy, Chemicals and Biomaterials program to create added value by utilizing waste or industrial by-products within the country as alternative raw materials or to create new products. Additionally, we are promoting the development of renewable energy, clean energy production for fuel use, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have set targets to reduce GHG emissions by 30 Mt CO2e, increase GDP by 3 %, and reduce a third of resource usage by 2030, aiming for Thailand's Carbon Neutrality by 2050 by promoting research and innovation development within the country," Dr. Thongchai said.

The Zero Wastewater Discharge Project, which is a pilot project for five of Thai Union, has been supported by an initial investment of THB 3.4 million from PMUC. Thai Union has committed THB 8.4 million to this first project. The groundbreaking initiative at the Samut Sakhon plant underscores Thai Union’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with its ambitious SeaChange® 2030 strategy, including a commitment to best-in-class manufacturing which targets 100 percent elimination of water discharge, food waste, and waste to landfill by 2030.

“At Thai Union, we have strengthened our research and innovation development to increase sustainable growth throughout the value chain. Over the past years, Thai Union has worked closely with MHESI, PMUC, Mahidol University, and our dedicated team to develop and implement Zero Wastewater Discharge by utilizing all water in our supply chain. This is aligned with government circular economy principles to create added value, and the use of natural resources to maximize the benefits”, said Suthidej Amornkasemwong, Managing Director (Fish Plant) at Thai Union Group. “We extend our sincere gratitude to PMUC for their steadfast partnership and support throughout this journey. Together, we have harnessed our collective strengths to drive meaningful change and create a more sustainable future for all."

“Our Zero Wastewater Discharge project uses Ultrafiltration (UF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) to improve water quality and enable reusing, recycling, and recovering water in industrial machinery systems,” Suthidej said.

The Zero Wastewater Discharge Project located at Thai Union in Samut Sakorn, covers an area of approximately 155,000 square meters. The first wastewater system has reduced daily water consumption from 7 million liters to 4 million liters, resulting in water cost savings of approximately THB 27.8 million per year.

Adam Brennan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Thai Union Group, said “Through the Zero Wastewater Discharge Project, Thai Union is not just setting a new standard for sustainability within our own operations; we are contributing to a global movement towards more responsible and environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. By achieving 100 percent wastewater treatment efficiency, we are demonstrating that it is possible to balance industrial growth with environmental stewardship. The project is more than an achievement for Thai Union, it demonstrates what can be accomplished when innovation, commitment, and collaboration come together for the greater good of our planet” Brennan said.

The collaboration between PMUC and Thai Union includes over four other successful projects in nutritional supplements, beverages, and high-value functional ingredients from tuna fish oil. These projects are ready to promote and enter the market. Additionally, there are more projects being developed for the peptides' biological in food, and pet food supplements.

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