EXTERNAL CONTRIBUTIONS 

 

Contributions & Other Spending

 

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	2019	2020	2021	2022
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)	3,348,553.08	3,365,692.98	2,079,496.99	4,155,207.69
Other (e.g. spending related to ballot measures or referendums)	0	0	0	0
Total	3,348,553.08	3,365,692.98	2,079,496.99	4,155,207.69
Data Coverage (%)	94	93	93	100

Remark: Data Coverage between 2019-2021 exclude all overseas operations, while 2022 includes 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 2022, the top three largest contributions & expenditures are as follow: 

 

No.	Organizations	2022 Spending (THB)
1	The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)	725,197.18
2	Thai E-Payment Trade Association	160,500.00
3	Thai Retailer Association (TRA)	70,000.00

 

 

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.

 

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.  

 

Thai E-Payment Trade Association was established by a group of non-bank operators to discuss/negotiate with regulators of both the Bank of Thailand (BOT), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), as well as the Thai bankers' Association. 

 

Company Benefit: Association with the Thai E-Payment Trade Association enables BJC to receive information about new changes to the industry and various action plans soon to be implemented. This allows BJC to plan appropriate response plans to achieve maximum benefit from the changes. BJC also have voting rights in association meetings to voice opinions and concerns about changes. Furthermore, as an associate of the association, BJC benefits from the association's negotiationa with the Thai Bankers Association, regarding procedures and fees, allowing BJC to fast-track procedures legally.  

 

Thai Retailer Association was established to be a collaboration center for retail business for provide suggestion, exchange news, solve problems, express opinions and follow the movement of the retail market both inside and outside the country to facilitate business, trade, industry, or economy that will lead to the development of member knowledge in ASEAN region. The association also promotes the development and upgrading of the retail business to align with international standards and government's policy. 

 

Company Benefit: Through the asosciation with the Thai Retailer Association, BJC benefits from gaining insights of annoucements such as COVID-19 protection measures which affects retail businesses. In addition, the association presents BJC with a platform to voice concerns/issues and recommend alternative solutions with will benfit all relevant parties.

 

Furthermore, in 2022, the following issues/topics are the most important issues/topics related to policy influence activities that BJC contributed includes:

 

No.	Issue/topics	2022 Spending (THB)
1	Packaging Management	500,000.00
2	Energy Support Negotiation (e.g. adjust electricity tariff)	70,000.00

 

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

 

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

 

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.