November 16, 2023

CP Foods implements strict water management to strengthen food security

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is leading the way by implementing comprehensive technologies and adhering to its 3Rs principle — Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse — to mitigate potential water scarcities, in light of the impact of  El Niño, the company said.

This forward-looking approach is designed to ensure uninterrupted operations and strengthen food security in Thailand and CP Foods' other markets.

Siripong Aroonratana, chief operating officer of CP Foods' livestock business, emphasised the company's unwavering commitment to advancing water usage efficiency. This commitment aims to achieve optimal effectiveness, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable water management.

By adopting the 3Rs, CP Foods is proactively improving water recycling and reuse practices, thereby reducing reliance on natural water sources and upholding food safety standards. Its actions include optimising water use in farm operations, adjusting evaporative cooling systems according to weather conditions, regulating water flow, and enhancing natural water collection and storage. Efforts also extend to establishing additional surface ponds, drilling for groundwater and campaigning to reduce water wastage.

Innovative measures like an underground water bank model further demonstrate CP Foods' dedication to sustainability. The company has successfully implemented such a project in Phanom Sarakham District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand, significantly cutting costs and reducing reliance on external water sources and benefiting local farmers by alleviating the need to purchase water during dry spells.

Last year, CP Foods' operations in Thailand witnessed a 53% reduction in water use per production unit since 2015, with 24% of water being reused and recycled in its Thai and international operations.

- CP Foods