Thai Union released its 2019 Sustainability Report on May 26. The document, which can be downloaded here, provides an in-depth look at ongoing progress being made towards creating a more sustainable and ethical global seafood industry.
The seventh annual report details the Bangkok-headquartered company’s performance against key performance indicators and targets that have been outlined in SeaChange, its global sustainability strategy blueprint. In addition, it offers insights into the extensive work being done around the world across the four fronts: Safe and Legal Labor, Responsible Sourcing, Responsible Operations and People and Communities.
The report also contains details about Thai Union’s Tuna Commitment and a progress update on its Vessel Code of Conduct (VCoC).
“Thai Union has continued its strong growth over the past decade,” said CEO Thiraphong Chansiri. “With that growth comes significant responsibility as a leader. It’s important we not only improve our own practices, but set new standards for sustainability across the entire seafood industry as we work towards building an industry that is transparent, sustainable and ethical. The progress we have made in 2019 is another strong step towards that ambition.”
Dr. Darian McBain, the company’s global director of corporate affairs and sustainability, added: “I am incredibly proud of our sustainability achievements in 2019. We have fed the world its first taste of commercially-farmed shrimp fed with sustainable alternative protein, published our first supply chain transparency report and demonstrated our commitment to transparency by inviting third-party audits of some of our key projects – including our ethical recruitment policy, the VCoC and our agreement with Greenpeace. But many challenges remain and we will continue to pursue and drive positive change across the entire global seafood industry.”
As a participant in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the 2019 Sustainability Report serves as Thai Union’s annual Communication on Progress (COP) to stakeholders. It also highlights the company’s activities supporting the environmental and social responsibilities of the broader United Nations Sustainable development Goals (UN SDGs).
In business for more than 40 years, Thai Union ranks as one of the world’s leading producers of shelf-stable tuna, frozen shrimp and other value-added frozen and canned seafood products. The group’s consolidated sales last year amounted to THB 126.27 billion (approximately US $4.1 billion) and its global workforce consists of approximately 44,000 people.
