WASTE MANAGEMENT 

 

Long term target: In 2032

(1) Reduce 15% of food waste per revenue from base year (2021)

(2) Reduce 15% of packaging volume per revenue from base year (2021)

 

Throughout the past year, waste management remains to be a material topic for many companies to address, continuously seeking new and improved procedures and processes to appropriately and sustainably manage the diverse types of wastes generated from upstream, downstream and post-consumption stages throughout the value chain. Appropriate waste management remains to be enforced by the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers, encouraging companies to take accountability for wastes generated and disposed from their value chain. This effort is also in line with the Thailand 4.0 policy, which adopted the Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model to foster a more sustainable economic development. A lack of appropriate waste management will lead to a series of negative consequences to BJC, impacting surrounding societies, potentially violating communities rights and well-being, impacting the standards of living in their respective homes and communities, and environment, impacting local ecosystems and biodiversity.

 

Berli Jucker PLC (BJC) has achieved substantial progress in its sustainability endeavors, including in the area of waste management. The company utilizes a thorough methodology that involves conducting waste audits to identify areas for improvement and establishing clearly defined targets to reduce waste. An important undertaking is the execution of waste segregation and recycling programs throughout all operations, leading to a significant reduction in the quantity of waste disposed to landfills. This endeavor is enhanced by investments in infrastructure that ensure effective sorting and recycling operations.

BJC prioritizes waste reduction by focusing on streamlining production processes and creating inventive packaging solutions that minimize resource consumption and enhance recyclability. Employee training programs focused on waste reduction are essential to these initiatives, since they ensure that the workforce is adequately prepared to contribute to waste minimization. BJC's initiatives exemplify its overarching dedication to sustainability, with the objective of creating the industry standard for environmentally conscious operations by employing resource efficiency and innovative waste management solutions.
 

 

Waste to Value

 

 

 

The conventional flow of waste management underwent a drastic transition, as the current situation forced societies to implement various safety practices such as lockdown procedures and social distancing, has resulted in an intensifies production and consumption of single-use products and panic buying, hindering past effects to manage global waste problems, such as plastic pollutions, packaging and food waste. As a company with a large revenue proportion within the packaging industry, BJC have always prioritized the effective production, consumption and management of wastes from upstream, downstream and post-consumption stages of the value chain, and have established customized policies, procedures and initiatives to manage the diverse types of wastes throughout the value chain and postconsumption. The commitment to waste management is also applied to the modern retail industry, where BJC also holds a large proportion of revenue where food loss and waste are key concerns companies are held accountable by stakeholders.

 

 

Wastes are generated throughout various stages within the value chain, from upstream, downstream, and post-consumption in different forms and quantities, depending on the nature of the production processes, each requiring specific management procedures to manage in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. To appropriately regulate the management of wastes throughout the value chain, BJC strictly complies with the corporate wide Environmental Management Policy, developed by the centralized Sustainability and Risk Management Department and oversee by the Safety Health and Environment (SHE) team of each department. The policy has been developed using criteria from the ISO 14001 as a founding guideline, along with requirements form applicable laws, regulations and standards of operating countries and international best standards. Inspired by this policy, BJC progresses with the integration of a circular economy approach to waste management, applied through the 7R’s principles striving to reduce wastes, while fostering a consistent approach to manage waste in each supply chain.

 

Waste Disposal at BJC

 

In committing to the corporatewide vision to be “Your Trusted Partner for a Sustainable Better Living”, BJC continues to cultivate its zero waste to landfill culture, which aims to eliminate all form of waste to landfill by the year 2032. In 2024,Waste otherwise disposed includes 8,474 tons of non-hazardous waste used for composting and 4 tons ofhazardous waste temporarily stored prior to treatment or disposal.

 

  

 

Performance Summary 2021-2024

 

Waste (Metric Tonnes)	2021	2022	2023	2024	Target for 2024
A. Total waste generated	101,923	84,258	75,896	77,831
B. Total waste recycled/ reused/ recovery	20,441	28,497	25,910	34,949
C. Total waste disposed	79,176	55,761	49,987	42,882	48,000
i. Waste Landfilled	74,322	53,748	42,058	33,160
ii. Waste Incinerated with Energy Recovery	2,139	826	957	942
iii. Waste Incinerated without Energy Recovery	120	47	140	302
iv. Waste Otherwise Disposed	2,595	1,140	6,832	8,478
v. Waste with unknown disposal method	0	0	0	0
Data coverage (as % of denominator)	89.98	91.37	91.42	91.81

                                    Remark:

                               1. Exclude waste generated from BigC branches expanding. 

                               2. Data verified by third party.

 

Waste Management Programs

 

Waste diversion from landfill  certification
In 2024, BJF implemented a 'Zero Waste to Landfill' initiative at its manufacturing sites by planning optimal waste management approaches to avoid disposal via landfill. As a result, 88.37% of the total industrial waste generated was recycled, while 11.60% was managed through other diversion methods such as energy recovery and animal feed. The company is currently exploring independent third-party verification for this initiative to align with international waste diversion standards. Thai Glass Industries Public Company Limited obtained Circular Economy Management System (CEMs) certification in 2024, covering all glass packaging manufacturing operations at its production facility. The CEMs framework applies principles of resource reduction, reuse, recycling, pollution prevention and zero waste to landfill to the entire production process. Waste management performance is verified annually by SGS, an independent third party.Through systematic implementation and regular audits, the company has achieved Zero Waste to Landfill from its production activities.
Integration of Recycling Programs to Reduce the Waste Sent to Landfill
BJC Group integrates recycling practices within its glass manufacturing subsidiaries, Thai Malaya Glass (TMG) and Thai Glass Industries (TGI). Both facilities systematically collect cullet and glass fragments generated during the production of glass packaging. These materials are reintroduced into the furnaces as raw inputs for new glass packaging production. This closed-loop recycling process reduces the amount of waste directed to landfill.

 

Food Loss & Waste Impact

 

As a company with over 50% revenue generated from  modern retail sector, food loss and waste are a significant issue for BJC. BJC’s waste management includes all waste generated from BJC’s activities and operations throughout the value chain.

 

Food loss & Waste (Metric Tonnes)		2021	2022	2023	2024	Target for 2024
	Total weight of all food loss & waste	21,226	19,719	16,941	15,563	16,000
	Total weight of food loss & waste volume used for alternative purpose	2,102	2,781	2,623	2,991	2,600
	Total discarded	19,124	16,938	14,318	12,572	13,000
	Food loss & waste intensity: Food revenue	0.25	0.38	0.17	0.15
	Coverage	89.98	91.37	91.42	91.81

                           

Remark: The total weight of all food loss & waste in 2022-2024 was recalculated to improve the accuracy of food loss & waste generation activities. This recalculation involved a comprehensive review of existing data, supported by accurate data extraction from the GOLD System, which enabled improved traceability and reliability of food loss and waste measurement.

                                                              

 

 

Break-down of food loss & waste volumes by food category 

• BJC has food loss & waste 15,563 tons divided into consumer business 19% and retail business 81%.
• Retail and consumer  business has food loss & waste detail of Food loss & waste category as below.

 

 

Food category	% of Total Weight
Butchery	14.95
Seafood	0.45
Produce	7.50
Delicatessen	6.68
Bakery	14.52
Perishable	26.30
Frozen	6.91
Beverage	15.00
Sweeted and Salted grocery	7.69

 

 

Food Loss & Waste MANAGEMENT 

 

Food Loss & Waste Management Programs

 

Programs established to measure food loss & waste
Food Waste Measurement at BigC Big C has implemented the 'GOLD System' as its standardized tool to measure and track food loss and waste across all stores. The system captures data on food products both fresh and dry by automatically adjusting inventory based on real-time sales and predefined movement codes. This allows accurate quantification of food loss and waste by product category. The collected data is further utilized for markdown strategies and food donation efforts, supporting effective waste reduction actions and decision making at store level.
Programs to reduce the total volume of food loss & waste
The yellow label Big C is responsible for the management of surplus food products that are approaching to their expiration dates but can still be consumed safely and nutritiously. These products include ready-to-eat meals and bakery goods. Products with yellow labels have been marked down in price in an attempt to draw the attention of consumers and to raise the possibility of selling any remaining surplus food products.
Value-added dishes                                                          Fresh foods such as meat, vegetables, and fruits are brought to Big C's kitchens for the purpose of processing and/or cooking food for sale in the store. This process not only adds value to the product but also extends the shelf life of food and reduces the number of food surplus.
Programs aimed at using food loss & waste for alternative uses
Animal feed                                                                       Food waste is the most significant type of waste within the consumer supply chain, generated from manufacturing processes, damaged products and unsold product. To remediate this waste, while ensuring the health and safety of consumers,Berli Jucker Food (BJF) and Thai Glass Industries (TGI) sell food loss and waste from their respective manufacturing processes and canteens to suppliers for use in animal feed production.
Fertilizer from food waste BJC’s headquarters converts food waste from employee food courts and office areas into fertilizer through composting for use on-site and in surrounding communities. Since 2022, the ‘Rooftop Organic Farm,’ developed in partnership with Bangkok Rooftop Farming, has transformed this fertilizer from food waste into soil supplements for 24 rooftop vegetable patches covering 200 sq.m. In 2024, 603.82 kg of food waste was composted, producing 82.95 kg of organic vegetables managed by 84 employees. The produce is sold at affordable prices to staff, promoting sustainability, healthy eating, and food waste reduction.
Waste-to-Value Solutions BJC actively promotes waste-to-value solutions by recycling used cooking oil into sustainable fuels, reducing environmental impact, and supporting the circular economy.  BJF, used oil from the potato frying process is recycled into biodiesel through a certified supplier 18,880 kg in 2023 and 19,490 kg in 2024. This helps cut carbon emissions, reduce landfill waste, and offer a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Big C works with an oil producer to recycle used cooking oil from its kitchens and food courts into industrial products and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). In 2023, 52,255 kg of oil was recycled, increasing to 69,542 kg in 2024. SAF is a key alternative that helps lower greenhouse gas emissions in aviation and supports global carbon neutrality.
Collaboration with up/downstream partners to reduce the amount of food loss & waste in the value chain
BJC Big C X Thai SOS (Scholars of Sustenance Foundation)      Following the success of the collaboration with the Thai Scholar of Sustenance Thailand (Thai SOS) from previous years, in 2024, BJC continued to collaborate with Thai SOS to donate unsold food and food related products for needed communities and schools nationwide. Today, 19 Big C branch actively participated in the initiative, enabling the collection and donation of over 38,739.66 kg of unsold food, resulted in the reduction of 98,011 kg co2e GHG emissions in 2024. Customers can also participate in the collaboration through sharing food-related idea, such as recipes to utilize unsold food products to create delicious menu for communities.
Food Waste Management Collaboration                         To support the Circular Economy, BJC has prioritized initiating projects that promote the responsible consumption and production of food, food-related products, and food-related services in order to reduce food loss and waste across the value chain.  BJC collaborated with external experts to launch a Food Waste Management Project, aiming to reduce the amount of food-related waste going to landfills, with the intention of applying it to all Big C stores across the nation. In preparation for the initiative, BJC has revisited and revised Big C stores' existing food waste management processes. The revision included further classification to separate food waste into fresh-cut and cooked foods, enabling for an accurate daily weight measurement of food waste. ► The Project comprises of the two phases outlined below.
Phase 1: Collaboration BJC cooperated with partners with experience in food waste management, such as academic institutions and social enterprises, in the first phase of the project. There have been discussions on the management and utilization of supermarket food waste at Big C stores. Conducted workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions on food waste management and identified new business models.  Participating departments and business units are anticipated, with the objective of identifying the most effective and efficient food waste management solutions to implement.
Phase 2: Utilization Separated food waste is stored in an acceptable manner until collection and transport. Partners such as academic institutions and their respective network of farmers collect food waste from certain Big C stores in order to transform it into nutrient-rich animal feed and soil conditioners. The quantity of food waste diverted from landfills, where it generates damaging GHG emissions, is a measure of the environmental implications of food waste sent to landfills.

For more information ► BJC Sustainability Report 2023

 

Waste Management with Community

In addition to reduce waste generated in the organization, BJC also focuses on reducing waste from the community, aiming to create more positive impact to the environment. BJC therefore organizes various activities that will help reduce, manage and recycle waste from the community. The activities are conducted by BJC and in collaboration with external parties such as Yak Lak Tissue Project, Green Roof Project and Rotate the World Project etc.

 

 

PACKAGING MANAGEMENT 

 

Packaging Consumption Classified by Type 

 

Packaging Material		% Coverage	Total Weight (Metric tonnes)	Recycled and/or Certified Material (% of Total weight)	Target 2024 (% of Total weight)
	Wood/ Paper fiber packaging	92.45	39,858	98	95
	Metal (e.g. aluminum or steel) packaging	92.45	1,141	95	90
	Glass packaging	92.45	352	100	100

 

 

 

Through continuous economic growth and prosperity, discerning consumers are making new purchases of products and services to meet their daily needs. Almost without exception, these products and services are offered in a form of packaging, such as plastic, wood/paper fiber, metal, or glass, to protect the contents in the most optimum form. These daily purchases have resulted in the generation of packaging waste, beyond a sustainable level for companies to manage efficiently, impacting the environment, society and economy. As customer's expectations evolve, there is a greater demand for companies to make good packaging decisions such as increasing the use of recycled materials and minimizing waste. Establishing and conducting sustainable packaging management have become an important issue to all companies.

 

 

 

Due to BJC’s core operations are within the packaging industry, the production and consumption of materials such as plastics, glass, and metal for packaging are inevitable. The majority of these materials are often recyclable, thus BJC prioritizes measures to reduce the provision and consumption of non-recyclable packaging through the sustainable packaging management. Disregard to such practice could result in harmful damage to brand reputation and future sales.

 

In response to the issue of packaging, BJC has established the corporate-wide Packaging Policy, which strives to minimize the negative impacts of packaging on the environment, society and economy, providing support for a more sustainable business practices. The policy has been developed in accordance with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that the policy can make a tangible contribution to reducing negative impact, while fostering a more sustainable production and consumption approach.

 

 

BJC'S SUATAINABLE PACKAGING COMMITMENTS

 

Optimize packaging design to suit stakeholders’ needs and requirements and is environmentally friendly	Support efficiency production and use of packaging efficiently

Reduce single-use plastics and encourage reusable packaging	Promote the recycling programs (e.g., Tack-back system) to reduce waste as much as possible	Support the use of bio-based, biodegradable and recyclable materials for production of packaging

Support initiatives to recycle materials back into the production cycle	Promote and support refusing resources which may deteriorate or pollute the environment

 

 

 

Total Plastic Packaging Consumption

BJC set the target for compostable plastic packaging at zero since various research indicate that bioplastic (plastic that is bio-based, biodegradable, or compostable) may not be the best option for managing packaging plastic waste. The first consideration is the source; the majority of bio-based plastic is produced from agricultural crops that compete with food crops, affecting food security and contributing to land-use change and agricultural GHG emissions. The second issue is what happens to them post consumption, when they are discarded. Biodegradable plastics degrade only at high temperatures and relative humidity levels that appear rarely, if ever, in natural environment conditions. Biodegradable plastics, like normal plastic, may potentially break-down into smaller micro-plastics, which can be eaten by animals, leading to food poisoning. For this reason, as previously stated, BJC prioritizes recyclable plastic rather biodegradable plastic.

 

Plastic Packaging (Metric Tonnes)		2021	2022	2023	2024	Target for 2024
	Total weight of all plastic packaging	12,082	11,807	10,553	9,363	10,000
	Percentage of recyclable plastic packaging	65	75	72	77	75
	Percentage of compostable plastic packaging	0	0	0	0	0
	Percentage of recycled content within plastic packaging	21	19	26	29	27
Coverage		94.28	91.92	90.73	92.45

 

 

 

 

Percentage of recyclable plastic packaging	Percentage of recycled content within plastic packaging
2024 73%               2023                      72%           2022                      75%     2021                      65%	2024 29%               2023                     25%           2022                    19%             2021                     21%

 

 

 

BJC recognizes the impact packaging management has on the stakeholders including customers, employees, investors, suppliers, business partners, community, and society, which have different packaging expectations. To manage this, BJC assesses existing processes throughout the value chains to identify BJC’s baseline packaging footprint and to develop setting stretched targets as milestones to be achieved in short and long-terms, which include reducing waste from packaging production by switching to biodegradable and recyclable compostable plastics or items, supervising and educating through engagement with employees and stakeholders in eco-friendly packaging to foster sustainability. 

 

BJC set the target for compostable plastic packaging at zero since various research indicate that bioplastic (plastic that is bio-based, biodegradable, or compostable) may not be the best option for managing packaging plastic waste. The first consideration is the source; the majority of bio-based plastic is produced from agricultural crops that compete with food crops, affecting food security and contributing to land-use change and agricultural GHG emissions. The second issue is what happens to them post consumption, when they are discarded. Biodegradable plastics degrade only at high temperatures and relative humidity levels that appear rarely, if ever, in natural environment conditions. Biodegradable plastics, like normal plastic, may potentially break-down into smaller micro-plastics, which can be eaten by animals, leading to food poisoning. For this reason, as previously stated, BJC prioritizes recyclable plastic rather than biodegradable plastic.

 

 

Highlight Activities