Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is ramping up support for Thai SMEs within its supply chain to transition towards low-carbon operations through the ongoing “SMEx – Low Cost, Low Carbon” initiative. The programme underscores CP Foods’ commitment to sustainable business practices by encouraging partners to pursue Carbon Footprint for Organization (CFO) certification, aligned with international standards. The goal is to help SMEs reduce operational costs, unlock new market opportunities, and strengthen their environmental credibility in the global marketplace.

Mr. Peerapong Krinchai, Head of Corporate Engineering at CP Foods, said that the company places high importance on collaborative action across its supply chain to achieve its Net-Zero target by 2050. Now in its fourth edition, the SMEx programme enables SMEs to overcome resource limitations — particularly in greenhouse gas (GHG) assessment expertise — and supports them in developing practical, data-driven carbon reduction strategies. The target this year is for 22 SME partners to obtain CFO certification from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).

“SMEx is more than just a knowledge-sharing programme. It empowers SMEs to take tangible actions in enhancing operational efficiency and managing resources systematically,” Mr. Peerapong noted. “With tailored guidance from experts and leading academic institutions, SMEs are equipped to calculate and report their full organizational carbon footprint and successfully register for CFO certification.”

Participating SMEs gain the know-how to improve production efficiency, minimize losses and operational risks, and reinvest their savings into sustainability projects — ultimately strengthening their competitiveness in environmentally conscious markets.

The SMEx initiative is part of CP Foods’ broader “Partner to Grow” programme, which focuses on strengthening the capacity and sustainability of its suppliers across the value chain. This strategic effort aims to cultivate a resilient, future-ready business ecosystem that meets international standards and is agile in adapting to evolving market dynamics and sustainability demands.

This year, 22 SME partners are joining the fourth batch of SMEx, working closely with CP Foods engineers and experts to optimize their production processes, energy, and resources. The programme is supported by key national stakeholders including: Chulalongkorn University’s Office of Sustainability and Social Engagement, which offers academic knowledge and sustainability training;  Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), providing guidance on carbon footprint assessment; Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), which advises on digital transformation for SMEs; and Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP), which facilitates access to funding for green initiatives such as solar energy adoption and renewable energy integration.