Greenpeace Thailand’s latest report, titled “CP’s Plastic Pollution Unmasked”, sheds light on flaws in the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group’s sustainable packaging policy, criticizing insufficient efforts to address the plastic pollution crisis. Despite claims of progress, CP’s policy focuses on downstream measures, failing to tackle the root cause of plastic pollution. Urging urgent action, Greenpeace Thailand calls on CP Group to prioritize the reduction and elimination of plastic packaging in its supply chain to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero goals.

The report evaluates CP Group’s sustainable packaging policy and its implementation, focusing on CP All Public Co., Ltd. and CPF Public Co., Ltd., analyzing their sustainability reports from 2022 and 2023. Released to coincide with Earth Day and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) session in Ottawa, Canada, Greenpeace Thailand calls for collaboration to support a global plastic treaty addressing pollution.

Starting a public campaign on September 29, 2022, Greenpeace Thailand targets CP Group, urging the reduction and removal of single-use plastic products from its supply chains. The report serves as a wake-up call for CP Group to prioritize upstream solutions and shift environmental practices to vigorously address the plastic pollution challenge. Greenpeace aims to protect public interest, consumer rights, and raise awareness on deceptive marketing tactics like “greenwashing”.

Pichmol Rugrod, Plastic-Free Future Project Leader at Greenpeace Thailand, emphasizes CP Group’s responsibility in reducing its plastic footprint, urging access to reuse models, bulk refills, or deposit-and-refund programs. With estimated total sales of 23,000 million baht in 2022, CP Group’s significant role in solving the plastic pollution crisis is highlighted.

Despite CP Group’s Sustainable Packaging Policy aiming for 100% recyclable, compostable, or reusable plastic packaging by 2025, audits reveal persistent plastic pollution. Lack of infrastructure and reliance on Waste-to-Energy methods contribute to the crisis. Greenpeace Thailand demands CP Group to commit to non-plastic packaging, promote reuse systems, and refrain from false solutions like waste incineration.

Urging a ban on plastic bags and promoting reuse systems, Greenpeace calls for tracking returned plastic waste to calculate external costs and foster innovation. The report emphasizes the urgency for CP Group to address plastic pollution and align with sustainable practices by 2030.