ThaiBev Sustainability

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BIODIVERSITY

The global loss of biodiversity is increasingly recognized as one of climate change’s most significant consequences. To ensure that ecosystems remain resilient and to minimize disruptions to the environmental balance that society relies on, ThaiBev is committed to creating net positive impact on biodiversity across all of our international operations.

ThaiBev recognizes the urgent need for biodiversity conservation and the significant role that businesses play in addressing the global challenge. Our initiatives include committing to avoid gross deforestation across our value chain and carrying out Critical Habitat Assessment at operations sites around the world.

Management Approach

In alignment with the “30x30” commitment at the 15th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 15), ThaiBev is dedicated to protecting and conserving at least 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2025. We are determined to continue our sustainability mission of “Creating and Sharing the Value of Growth” while aiming to protect biodiversity through the following commitments:

To have a net positive impact (NPI) on biodiversity throughout our operations
To eliminate deforestation (zero deforestation) and enhance the protection and management of high-value natural ecosystems

ThaiBev encourages our suppliers and business partners to protect the natural state of ecosystems, ensuring sustainable use of natural resources and avoiding deforestation in ecologically sensitive areas. We have collaborated with external stakeholders such as suppliers, non-governmental organizations, and communities, and will continue to ensure that our commitments are met.

As ThaiBev’s exposure to deforestation within its own direct operations is minimal, such efforts are focused on our supply chain and procurement process, including expanding awareness regarding biodiversity.

Assigned by the Board of Directors, the Sustainability and Risk Management Committee (SRMC) reviews issues related to potential biodiversity risks quarterly. ThaiBev’s risk coordinators for Product Groups work with the Corporate Risk Management Working Team to ensure that the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, reduce, regenerate, restore, and transform) is integrated into company-wide risk management, and that residual impacts are reduced as much as reasonably possible. Any biodiversity-related risk considered material to the Product Groups shall be reported to the SRMC for further consideration and action.

Targets

ThaiBev has announced two new commitments on biodiversity:

Net positive impact on biodiversity by 2025*

No gross deforestation in ThaiBev’s operations and Critical Tier 1 Suppliers of key agricultural commodities including paper packaging from Thailand operations by 2025

Remark: Excluding F&N operations. ThaiBev will assess baselines and review targets to include F&N in fiscal year 2025

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Key Projects

Habitat Assessments and Biodiversity Management Plans

In 2021, ThaiBev refined its assessment of biodiversity data into a Critical Habitat Assessment (CHA) for its operations and surrounding areas, including upstream and downstream locations. The CHA involved a comprehensive examination of species in line with the International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 6 on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources (IFC 2012). It incorporated insights from extensive expert consultations and a detailed review of site-specific information to accurately evaluate potential impacts of site development and operations on critical biodiversity. This assessment covered 40 locations, comprising 42 sites-34 in Thailand, 2 in Myanmar, and 6 in the United Kingdom-totaling an area of 1,786.3 hectares. The results indicated that 31 sites in 29 locations presented a high potential for biodiversity impacts due to their proximity to significant habitats.

In 2022, building on the findings from the CHA, ThaiBev carried out a Residual Biodiversity Impact Assessment (RBIA) at these 31 sites, which are located in Thailand (24 sites), Myanmar (1 site), and Scotland (6 sites).

The assessment aimed to evaluate primary residual impacts on biodiversity, particularly on species classified as critically endangered, endangered or threatened, at either national or international level.

The RBIA showed that three of the 31 sites have major impact on biodiversity. In 2023, biodiversity management plans were implemented at two of these sites, Fuengfuanant and Thanapakdi distilleries, while the third site, Sermsuk non-alcoholic beverage production facilities, located in the Amata City Chonburi industrial estate has been notified to work on a biodiversity management plan.

Thanapakdi distillery, Chiangmai Province

Fire bar danio, Devario maetaengensis (DD) Photo by Arunee Rodloy

The assessments at the Spirits Product Group, Thanapakdi distillery highlighted one relevant species, showing that the residual impact from this site is significant. As a result of distillery inspection and stakeholder consultation, it was confirmed that this species (Fire bar danio) was absent in the study area.

Fuengfuanant Distillery, Prachin Buri Province

The assessments at the Spirits Product Group, Fuengfuanant distillery highlighted four relevant species, showing that the residual impact from this site is significant. After a site inspection and stakeholder consultation, it was confirmed that two of the species are present in the area (Giant freshwater whipray and Club-barbel sheatfish), while the other two are absent. (White-edge whipray and Somphong’s rasbora).

White-edge whipray, Fluvitrygon signifer (EN) Photo by Chawin Tanpitayakupt

Somphong’s rasbora, Trigonostigma somphongsi (CR) Photo by Arunee Rodloy

Giant freshwater whipray, Urogymnus polylepis (VU) Photo by Chawin Tanpitayakupt

Club-barbel Sheatfish, Ceratoglanis pachynema (CR) Photo by Arunee Rodloy

Biodiversity Management Plan

The Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) aims to implement strategies conservation, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity at the Fuengfuanant and Thanapakdi distillery, in order to ensure sustainable resource management to fulfill our corporate social responsibility towards environmental stewardship.

Conducting stakeholder consultations to identify the best biodiversity offset opportunities near the sites
Determining appropriate mitigation actions, monitoring programs, and adaptive management plans to achieve the goals of No Net Loss (NNL) and Net Positive Impact (NPI)

Critical Habitat Assessment (CHA) in Vietnam

In 2023, a Critical Habitat Assessment was also conducted at our operations in Vietnam, covering 11 breweries. The screening showed that one site presented a moderate potential for biodiversity impacts due to its proximity to a protected area

Cardrona Distillery and the Karearea Project

New Zealand Falcon (Karearea, Falco novaeseelandiae)

The Cardrona Distillery, ThaiBev’s New Zealand subsidiary, has partnered with Real NZ to support the Karearea Project, a community-led conservation effort initiated by Cardrona Alpine Resort. In collaboration with Parker Conservation, local Iwi, the Department of Conservation, and other stakeholders, the project focuses on protecting the Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) New Zealand’s only native falcon and most endangered bird of prey. With a population of just 5,000-8,000 individuals, the falcon is classified as “Threatened, Nationally Vulnerable”, underscoring the urgency of this initiative.

The project seeks to estimate breeding population sizes, nesting territory, and adult survival rate, as well as identify causes of nest failure and effective management strategies to support the species recovery. Within a 52,000-hectare area in the Cardrona Valley, researchers have identified 25 breeding pairs, with 27 birds uniquely marked. Data from 22 nesting attempts has shown mixed outcomes: 11 nests successfully fledged chicks, while 11 failed. However, a small sample size limits precise survival rate estimates, emphasizing the need for expanded monitoring.

To enhance conservation efforts, Cardrona Distillery has hosted public information events to raise awareness and has pledged ongoing support, including funding and active involvement in field research. By contributing f inancial and human resources, the distillery aims to ensure long-term success of the Karearea Project, safeguarding this iconic species and its habitat for future generations.

F&N Tree Planting in Malaysia and Thailand

In 2024, F&N, ThaiBev’s subsidiary, made several contributions to environmental conservation through tree planting initiatives. In Sabah, F&N joined the Environmental Awareness Programme by Kirkby International College, planting 210 mangrove trees to protect Sungai Telipok, a key river near F&N’s premises.

In Kuching, nearly 100 employees helped to plant 200 trees during the Sports Club’s Malaysia Day celebration, which also marked the launch of F&N’s water conservation program at the Bung Jagoi Heritage Centre. In Thailand, over 360 employees planted 450 trees at the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi Province to help restore local ecosystems. These efforts underscore ThaiBev’s dedication to addressing ecological challenges and building a sustainable future through environmental stewardship and community collaboration.

Community Forest Projects with the Forest in Our Hearts Foundation, Thailand

ThaiBev, in collaboration with the Forest in Our Hearts Foundation, has actively promoted conservation through “Forest Ordination” ceremonies across various locations. These ceremonies aim to raise awareness about conservation, prevent deforestation, and strengthen the bond between communities and forests. Rooted in local traditions, the ritual ordination of the forests symbolizes preservation and empowers communities to manage them sustainably.

In 2024, ThaiBev also supported the Forest in Our Hearts Foundation in launching a community forest planting initiative across 19 locations (16 in Chiang Mai Province and 3 in Uthai Thani Province). This effort, in partnership with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, integrated a carbon credit system to support sustainable development while restoring green spaces.

Additionally, the “Youth as Stewards of the Forest” project engaged 700 young people in conservation activities at two UNESCO biosphere reserves: Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai Province and Pa Sak-Huay Tak in Lampang Province. Through hands-on experiences and nature trails, the program deepened participants’ understanding of conservation and inspired them to take active roles in preserving their local ecosystems.

In 2025, ThaiBev aims to extend its Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) to include all sites with residual biodiversity risks, prioritizing based on risk levels. The goal is to create a unified BMP that can be applied across the sites that share similar landscapes and ecological characteristics. Biodiversity assessment will also be extended to cover F&N production facilities.

In addition, the existing environmental management plans for four medium-risk sites will be reviewed to identify actions to mitigate impacts on biodiversity. The sites are Luckchai Liquor Trading, Ratchaburi Province; Oishi Trading (Wang Muang), Saraburi Province; SermSuk, Nakhon Sawan Province; and S.S. Karnsura, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The focus will be on addressing key issues such as wastewater, solid waste, air pollution, and noise pollution management, commitment to advancing circular economy practices and contributing to a cleaner environment.


Read More Information about Bio Diversity in Sustainability Report 2024