Water institute for Sustainability joins hands with private sector including CPF to set up the first-ever Water Footprint assessment criteria in Thailand. The Memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Water Footprint assessment between the institute and two CPF processing plants has been signed in an attempt to develop sustainable water use in accordance to ISO 14046.

The project is being funded by the government to develop criteria for sustainable water management through partnership with private sectors. Employees from the selected plants will be trained and consulted by specialist from the Water Institution for Sustainability on the assessing method, report and implement strategy to reduce Water Footprint.

The MOU will increase number of specialists and build a government – private partnership that work together to set up the first ever water footprint framework and criteria which suitable for Thailand.

Ms. Panrat Phechpakdee, Acting Director of the Water Institution for Sustainability, said this partnership between the government and private sectors is an effort to set up water footprint assessment in Thailand. The institute selected CPF’s Minburi plant 2 and Saraburi food processing as partner. It will enable CPF plants to identify the amount of water usage throughout the product chain, using ISO 14046’s indicators.

“Water Footprint Assessment is designed to assess and optimize water use in production process including “hot spot” for water consumption. The goal is to reduce water use throughout the supply chain. The institution selected 15 plants from various industries and sizes, including CPF’s plants, to be role models for water footprint management,” Ms. Panrat said.

Mr. Theerayut Patcharamaneepakorn, Senior Vice president of CPF’s Minburi plant 2, said the Company recognizes the importance of water resource. The scheme will improve water consumption efficacy within the Company to match the international standard and, consequently, reduce operating cost and strengthen competitiveness for the Company’s business.

Mr. Thongchai Sukpattananikul, Vice president of CPF’s Saraburi food processing plant noted that the assessment will shape a practical water management plan for Thailand. The company will be able to identify and manage amount of water use from livestock feed’s farming to waste disposal process.

The data received from the pilot project will be reported to Water institute for Sustainability who oversee the pilot project and certify the result of the assessment.