Thai Union dedicates $200m to promote sustainable manufacturing

Thai Union, the globally recognized owner of John West, is setting the bar high in sustainable manufacturing within the seafood industry. The company is dedicating a whopping $200 million – its entire 2022 net profit – to enact the next phase of its sustainability strategy, aiming for a significant overhaul of the worldwide seafood value chain.

Source: Thai Union

This ambitious initiative, aptly named SeaChange 2030, is an expansion of the company's 2016 sustainability strategy and encompasses 11 interconnected goals to elevate sustainable manufacturing standards across the seafood industry.

"Implementing sustainable manufacturing practices is no longer a choice, but a necessity for our industry," asserts Adam Brennan, Thai Union's Chief Sustainability Officer. "Our people, our planet, and our oceans demand urgent and aggressive action."

Among the ambitious goals outlined in this sustainable manufacturing blueprint is the commitment to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 42% by 2030, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Moreover, the company intends to source 100% of wild-caught seafood responsibly or from fisheries in an improvement program by 2030.

Thai Union is also pledging that all shrimp will be farmed with minimal impact on our ecosystems and in line with the latest industry best practices in welfare and working conditions. These commitments signal a significant stride in sustainable manufacturing within the seafood industry.

In addition to their ambitious sustainable manufacturing goals, Thai Union will invest $7 million in preserving and restoring crucial ecosystems. The company targets zero water discharge, zero waste to landfill, and zero food loss at its five primary global facilities.

The company has pledged to eliminate 1,500 tonnes of plastic destined for oceans and waterways and commits to using sustainable packaging for all branded products by 2025. They also advocate for at least 60% of own label products to adopt sustainable packaging.

Thai Union has synchronized its net-zero ambitions with the Science Based Targets initiative, proudly becoming the first global seafood company to do so.

Beyond sustainable manufacturing, Thai Union is committed to ensuring a safe and equitable workplace for all employees. The company vows to intensify its fight against illegal fishing and modern slavery and enforces the best labor practices. Their goal is for women to occupy 50% of management roles, showing a commitment to gender balance in the workplace.

Thai Union has also committed to enhancing the nutritional value of its branded products and pledged to donate more than $7 million to the communities it operates in.

"Sustainable manufacturing is key to driving meaningful improvements across the seafood industry," Brennan added. "It requires the collective effort of communities, governments, and organizations to make these much-needed structural changes a reality. We’re asking the wider industry and our peers to join us in this effort."