Leading the way in carbon neutral food production

Dan Pathomvanich, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NR Instant Produce PCL, better known as NRF, is concerned about the challenges of climate change and the risks involved, but his company is prepared to make a positive difference.

Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Mr Dan said his company — a leading global manufacturer of sustainable plant-based foods — has a strong and clear vision of achieving carbon net zero by 2030. He said NRF is working closely with policymakers, business partners and local farmers to ensure that upstream and downstream business levels work harmoniously to address climate concerns.

Since 1991, NRF has journeyed from being a small grass-roots business to becoming a global food company that produces high-quality, affordable and ethically made goods that are sought after.

The company has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities worldwide where it produces its signature brands, private label products and co-packing lines.

But Mr Dan said climate change and its consequences will negatively impact his company and the whole food system.

"When the world’s temperature increases more than two Celsius degrees, one-third of the food supply chain will disappear. The agricultural sector is likely to be the most hit by the results of climate change," Mr Dan said.

"It will finally lose one growing system and cycle by 2050, leading to food shortages. Over the next two decades, It is estimated that over 30 trillion dollars will be needed to solve climate change-related problems."

Amidst the crisis of addressing climate change in a short period, Mr Dan said the company is not reluctant to invest more in clean and green state-of-the-art technology.

But it has been found that different kinds of technology fit best with some countries while not with other ones. He said some might work in European Union ( EU) countries, but not for India or Thailand.

It is a challenge to find the right technological solution for the right market, he said.

His company has also sought further cooperation from policymakers as well as local and internationally active organizations. Mr Dan said he has also participated in global conferences like the World Economic Forum to build networks and find partners that share the same ideals of a better world.

"Our company has a strong intention to be the first carbon net zero company and carbon negative food company not only in Asia but in the world over the next year," he said. "We can do that by managing carbon negative emissions from upstream to downstream. We want to make food that fights climate change."

According to Mr Dan, for the upstream level, the company has closely worked with state agencies to promote green agricultural practices to farmers who produce raw materials for food production.

The company also encourages them to switch to using less herbicide or pesticide on crops or to follow organic farming practices, he said, adding that less use of such chemicals will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Regarding the downstream level, he said that his company has targeted Asian grocery shops in the EU, the UK, Australia, and several other countries to provide carbon emission-free products through an “end-to-end” process. Moreover, building up the customer’s green experience is another company strategy.

"They would sense a kind of experience for taking a responsibility to the world when they come to the groceries and buy our net zero carbon products," Mr Dan said.

"They do not need to go to the farm or plant the crop themselves, but just by shopping. And they would feel good about themselves for being a part of saving the world,” he said.