Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), a major agro-industrial and food conglomerate in Thailand, has launched a new initiative aimed at helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt sustainable practices while navigating the challenges of digital transformation. The programme, titled SMEx Low-Cost, Envi-Caring, combines technology adoption, environmental responsibility, and business mentorship to equip SMEs for success in a complex and rapidly evolving market.
The initiative seeks to address a dual challenge confronting many modern SMEs: the need to digitize their operations and reduce their environmental footprint. With limited financial and technical resources, these challenges often serve as roadblocks to growth and innovation for small businesses.
According to CP Foods, SMEs are vital collaborators in meeting the growing consumer expectations for safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible products. The SMEx programme aims to strengthen these businesses by offering tools and guidance that align with global sustainability standards, especially in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The company’s Chief Executive of Corporate Engineering emphasized that the SMEx project builds on CP Foods’ expertise to support business transformation among SMEs. It forms part of a broader corporate initiative, Partner to Grow…Sustainable Growth Together, which is designed to enhance the capacities of the company’s suppliers, whether small or large.
The initiative is backed by a network of institutional partners offering critical support across different areas. Chulalongkorn University contributes research and knowledge on sustainable development, while the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) helps SMEs calculate emissions across their production processes. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) assists with the adoption of digital technologies, and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) provides financial support for businesses pursuing sustainable development goals.
A DEPA executive noted that carbon footprint management remains a major hurdle for SMEs, who form the backbone of Thailand’s economy. Through SMEx, businesses gain practical tools and resources needed to compete both nationally and internationally in a climate-conscious global market.
By combining expert knowledge, financial support, and mentorship, CP Foods’ SMEx initiative marks a significant step toward a more inclusive and sustainable future for Thailand’s SME sector.
