EXTERNAL CONTRIBUTIONS 

 

Contributions & Other Spending
(and membership of associations)

 

Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC) is committed to conduct business under the principles of good corporate governance and anti-corruption, applying such transparent approach to all the organization's monetary contribution, under strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations. BJC does not contributes to any activities related to politics, with only involvements with industry relevant trade associations. BJC's public contributions can be summarized as follow;

 

Activities	2020*	2021*	2022	2023
Lobbying, interest representation or similar	0	0	0	0
Local, regional or national political campaign/candidates	0	0	0	0
Trade Association or tax-exempt groups (e.g. think tanks)	3,365,693	2,079,497	4,155,208	5,374,888
Other (e.g. spending related to ballot measures or referendums)	0	0	0	0
Total	3,365,693	2,079,497	4,155,208	5,374,888
Data Coverage (%)	93	93	100	100

Remark: *Only 2019-2021 exclude all overseas operations                             

 

Largest Contributions & Expenditures

 

BJC actively identifies and contributes to various indistry relevant organizations and associations to support their respective missions and engages in knowledge sharing to monitor and identify business and industry trends, risks and opportunities which may impact BJC operations. In 2023, the largest contributions & expenditures are as follow: 

 

No.	Organizations	2023 Spending (THB)
1	The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)	758,655
2	The Resources Management for Sustainability (3R) Foundation	300,000

 

Packaging – As climate change and its environmental and social impacts become increasingly prominent, consumers are demanding greater accountability from companies, particularly regarding their operational sustainability. This heightened awareness has led to consumer boycotts of businesses that do not address climate change issues adequately. Consequently, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly products and services, such as packaging made from aluminum cans and glass bottles, to minimize waste. In response, BJC is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of its operations, products, and services. Therefore, BJC actively supports the development and implementation of legal measures promoting environmentally friendly packaging to align with evolving consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

 

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has a mission to strengthen Thai industrial productivity to be able to compete internationally, leading to sustainable develop in Economy, Social and Environment of Thailand include promoting and developing industrial enterprises; studying and finding solutions to problems related to industrial operations; promoting education, research, training, academic dissemination and industrial technology; providing advice and recommendations to the government to develop the industrial economy; checking products and issuing product origin or product quality certificates; and promoting industrialists and being a central place for industrialists to exchange ideas for the benefit of the industry.

 

Description of Position / Engagement of BJC: BJC engages in initiatives to influence packaging legislation and regulatory frameworks. It participates in working groups and meetings to recommend and comment on packaging-related laws and regulations, ensuring they effectively support both sustainability and business growth. BJC meets monthly with the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management (TIPMSE) to stay informed on legal updates, enhance packaging production, and implement concepts to minimize environmental impacts. The engagements help BJC contribute to policies promoting sustainable industrial practices. The efforts align with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), aiming to strengthen Thai businesses. The FTI's goals include promoting industrial enterprises, solving operational problems, advancing education and training, advising the government on industrial economic development, and serving as a hub to exchange ideas. The collaborations ensure its influence on public policy and legislation aligns with national economic development.

 

Company Benefit: The Association with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), enables BJC to participate in the development of  industry relevant policies, expanding manufacturers responsibilities (EPR) of packaging wastes. It also provides BJC with a channel to voice opinions and recommendations on plans for determining appropriate measures for the EPR (both strategies, events and public relations) with the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management (TIPMSE), fostering good relationships between BJC and TIPMSE, making it easier for BJC to invite TIPMSE to conduct knowledge sharing events to communities on waste management and the creation of educational materials and assessment forms. This have sinced enabled BJC to participated in seminars on EPR implementation in Vietnam, Indonesia and Europe.  

 

 

Recycling - Recycling is a cornerstone of BJC's environmental strategy. The company prioritizes proper waste management due to its significant environmental impacts. Effective recycling conserves natural resources, reduces pollution, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers the environmental footprint. BJC’s commitment to recycling underscores its dedication to sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility, aiming to mitigate adverse effects associated with improper waste disposal.

 

The Resources Management for Sustainability (3R) Foundation (3RF): promotes the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It aims to reduce waste, enhance resource reuse, and foster sustainable production and consumption through innovative product design and circular economy practices.

 

Description of Position / Engagement: BJC actively participates in the 3R Foundation (3RF) to align its operations with sustainable resource management. Through 3RF, BJC influences policy and advocates for legislation that supports sustainable resource management, aligned with the foundation’s mission to build collaboration between government, private, public, and education sectors to promote effective waste separation and management. This membership allows BJC to promote the 3R principles—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—across sectors, supporting activities that minimize resource consumption and encourage recycling.

Additionally, BJC collaborates with organizations and stakeholders committed to sustainable resource management, reflecting the foundation’s objective to push policies and develop legislation encouraging sustainable resource management. This involvement enhances BJC’s reputation as an environmental leader, fosters strategic partnerships, and cultivates innovation. Supporting 3RF contributes to BJC’s sustainability goals, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens its competitive market position, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.

 

Company Benefit: BJC become a member and support 3RF to align its business operations with these sustainable practices. By participating, BJC can influence policy, advocate for laws supporting sustainable resource management, and gain a competitive edge through eco-friendly initiatives. As a member, BJC educates various sectors about 3R, supports activities that reduce resource usage, and promotes recycling. Additionally, BJC helps build a network of organizations and individuals dedicated to sustainable resource management. This involvement enhances BJC’s reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship, facilitates business partnerships, and opens new opportunities for innovation. By supporting 3RF, BJC not only contributes to a sustainable future but also benefits from improved operational efficiency and market positioning.

Furthermore, in 2023, the following issues/topics are the most important issues/topics related to policy influence activities that BJC contributed includes:

 

No.	Organizations	2023 Spending (THB)
1	Global Compact Network Association	300,000
2	Thai E-Payment Trade Association	160,500
3	The Thai Chamber of commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand	23,000

 

 

 

Global Compact Network Association The Global Compact Network Association is a local network of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), designed to support businesses and non-business participants in implementing the UNGC's ten principles at a national or regional level. These networks facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action among members, tailored to local contexts and priorities. By providing a platform for dialogue and partnership, they enable participants to address complex sustainability challenges effectively and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Company Benefit: Supporting the Global Compact Network Association can offer BJC substantial benefits. Engaging with the network can enhance BJC's local and global reputation, showcasing its commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices. This involvement not only strengthens consumer and investor trust but also allows BJC to influence local and global policies on critical sustainability issues. By aligning with the network, BJC can leverage collaborative opportunities, access valuable resources, and actively participate in shaping a sustainable future. Supporting the Global Compact Network Association enables BJC to drive positive change while reinforcing its leadership in corporate responsibility. 

 

Thai E-Payment Trade Association (TEPA) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the e-payment industry in Thailand. TEPA aims to promote the adoption of electronic payment systems, enhance security and efficiency, and foster innovation in financial technologies. It serves as a collaborative platform for stakeholders, including financial institutions, payment service providers, and technology companies, to address industry challenges, share best practices, and influence regulatory frameworks. TEPA's initiatives include advocacy for favorable policies, industry standards development, and educational programs to increase awareness and trust in e-payment solutions.

Company Benefit: Supporting TEPA can be highly advantageous for BJC. As a prominent player in the retail and consumer goods sector, BJC stands to benefit from the growth and efficiency improvements in the e-payment landscape driven by TEPA's efforts. By aligning with TEPA, BJC can contribute to shaping policies that promote secure and seamless payment experiences for its customers. This involvement enhances BJC's reputation as an innovator and leader in adopting advanced payment technologies, fostering consumer trust and satisfaction. Additionally, supporting TEPA provides BJC with opportunities to collaborate with key industry players, stay ahead of regulatory changes, and leverage cutting-edge payment solutions, ultimately driving business growth and operational efficiency. 

 

The Thai Chamber of commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand foster economic growth, facilitate trade and investment, and enhance the global competitiveness of Thai businesses. These organizations provide a platform for dialogue between the private sector and the government, advocating for policies that create a favorable business environment. Their activities include organizing trade missions, offering business development services, and addressing key issues such as regulatory reforms, trade barriers, and economic policies.

Company Benefit: By engaging with these influential organizations, BJC can actively participate in shaping policies that directly impact its business operations and the broader economic landscape. This involvement allows BJC to advocate for favorable regulations, access valuable networking opportunities, and stay informed about industry trends and market developments. Supporting these organizations demonstrates BJC's commitment to Thailand's economic prosperity, enhancing its corporate reputation and building stronger relationships with key stakeholders.

For example, BJC's subsidiary, Big C, contributed to "Big Match 2023," the largest business matching event in Thailand. Organized with the Modern Trade market, it promoted opportunities for entrepreneurs and farmers to enter distribution channels. Through cooperation with Modern Trade partners and government agencies under the Business Matching Committee, Big C played a crucial role in creating market access opportunities for these stakeholders
 

 

Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC) Supports a Well-Designed Climate Policy 

 

BJC actively supports the Paris Agreement and is committed to address climate change while continuing to grow sustainably together with our stakeholders, offering products and services to meet the daily needs of our customers. a well-designed climate policy should efficiently and effectively achieve ambitious emissions reductions, at the best economic costs. As such BJC supports well-designed climate policies and firmly believe that a price on carbon is one of the most efficient mechanisms to foster and harness market forces to reduce emissions. In complement to a policy-enabled markets, BJC also supports private market contributions, evident from our work to reduce our carbon footprint throughout the supply chain. In order to actively contribute towards this commitment, BJC became members of international and local networks, working towards achieving the goals of the Paris agreement. 

 

 

Carbon Neutral Network

 

To effectively achieve the ambitious objectives of the Paris Agreement, where global temperature increase must be kept below 2 degrees, with a target of 1.5 degrees, a united and collaborative effort from all parties is paramount. BJC recognizes the significance of this global challenge and actively engages in initiatives to contribute towards these objectives.

As a member of the Thailand Carbon Neutral Network (TCNN), BJC supports TCNN's mission to foster cooperation between private, public, and local communities. Together, they strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, creating sustainable growth in a climate-friendly society, and ultimately aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Through this engagement, BJC plays a vital role in advancing environmentally responsible practices and promoting a greener future.

 

United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) 

 

Furthermore, BJC's commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond regional efforts. As a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), BJC adheres to the ten principles, which encompass not only Human Rights, Labor, and Anti-Corruption but also a strong emphasis on Environment. This entails undertaking initiatives that promote greater environmental responsibility and encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies. By aligning with the UNGC principles, BJC contributes to the long-term goals and objectives set forth by the Paris Agreement.

 

In essence, BJC's active engagement in the Thailand Carbon Neutral Network and membership in the United Nations Global Compact exemplify the company's dedication to driving the development of public policies and initiatives that lead towards a sustainable and climate-friendly future. By collaborating with various stakeholders and adhering to global principles, BJC reinforces its commitment to address the challenges posed by climate change and pave the way for a more sustainable world.

 

 

Energy Support Negotiation 

Energy serves as a crucial resource driving all business operations, playing a pivotal role in determining operating expenses. However, concerns have arisen within the private sector due to the alarming rise in electricity costs. As we progressed through 2022, energy prices surged across all sectors by a staggering 20%, prompting BJC to take a proactive stance and voice its apprehensions. In response to the escalating energy prices, BJC assumed a leading role as an executive representative in engaging with the Thai Retailer Association (TRA). Recognizing the significance of addressing this issue collectively, BJC (as a member of TRA) to advocate for a sustainable solutions. A prominent figure in this endeavor was the president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), who continuously urged the government to review five critical aspects that had been persistently requested.

 

These essential points encompassed proposal to deter adjusting the electricity tariff structure, fostering and implementing measures to bolster the utilization of alternative energy sources like solar cells, and obliging private power plants to share the burden of Fuel Adjustment (FA) costs during this challenging period. By addressing these concerns, BJC aimed to harness energy prices effectively and mitigate the impact on various business sectors. Considering that retail energy represents a primary cost for retail businesses like BJC, which rely heavily on energy to operate their stores, government assistance in this matter would aid in stabilizing operating expenses and curbing risks stemming from soaring costs.

 

BJC's proactive position as a TRA member extended to proposing a request for government support in investing in equipment aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting the adoption of clean energy practices. Among the suggestions was the implementation of import tax reductions and a threefold decrease in expenses associated with clean energy equipment. This strategic move not only helped in reducing operational costs for businesses but also played a role in combating climate change, reflecting BJC's commitment to sustainable practices.

 

As one of the major players in the private sector, BJC eagerly called for collaborative efforts between the government and businesses to tackle the rising electricity costs. By fostering an environment conducive to embracing renewable energy sources and encouraging energy efficiency, BJC envisioned a future where businesses could thrive despite the challenges posed by the escalating energy prices. Through collective action and support from the government, BJC strived to pave the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective energy landscape for businesses and the nation as a whole

 

 

 

Packaging Management 

As consumer awareness about climate change and its far-reaching environmental and social impacts grows, companies like BJC are facing mounting pressure to take accountability for their actions and go beyond business as usual. Consumers are no longer willing to support companies that remain indifferent to the climate crisis, and this has led to a rising demand for eco-friendly products and services, particularly in the realm of packaging, such as aluminum cans and glass bottles, to combat wasteful practices. Embracing a commitment to sustainability, BJC is actively seeking solutions to minimize the environmental impact of its operations, products, and services. Consequently, the company is actively involved in supporting the development of legal measures concerning environmentally friendly products to meet the evolving expectations of consumers.

 

One significant way in which BJC is driving the development of public policies related to packaging in the retail business in Thailand is through its engagement with the subsidiary, Thai Beverage Can Limited (TBC). By collaborating with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and signing a memorandum of understanding for the Packback project, BJC is taking a proactive stance in advocating for policy development under the principles of Expand Manufacturer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging waste in Thailand. This approach is designed to hold manufacturers accountable for the lifecycle of their packaging, including its end-of-life disposal and recycling.

 

Furthermore, BJC is actively participating in meetings with the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management (TIPMSE) on a monthly basis. During these crucial gatherings, the company provides valuable insights, opinions, and recommendations on formulating appropriate EPR measures. This ongoing involvement signifies BJC's commitment to shaping effective policies that align with the company's dedication to sustainability.

 

But BJC's dedication to promoting environmentally friendly packaging extends far beyond policy discussions. The company has extended its efforts into educational events and training programs for communities, aiming to raise awareness and educate them about the best practices for waste management. By empowering communities with knowledge and skills in waste reduction and responsible packaging disposal, BJC is actively contributing to the cultivation of a more environmentally conscious society.

 

BJC is at the forefront of driving positive change in the retail business sector in Thailand by advocating for and influencing the development of public policies related to sustainable packaging practices. Through collaboration with key industry stakeholders and active participation in policy discussions, the company is reinforcing the principles of Expand Manufacturer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging waste. Moreover, by engaging in educational initiatives with communities, BJC is sowing the seeds for a greener and more eco-friendly future. As BJC continues to champion sustainability, it sets a commendable example for other businesses to follow suit in the global fight against climate change and environmental degradation.