Environmental management
SMPC’s environmental management is part of the overall management approach encompassing ‘Sustainability in Environmental Dimension’. It serves as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to effectively manage business groups, functions, and operational areas in alignment, with a primary focus on sustainable management.
Sustainability Management in the Environment Dimension
Environmental Policy and Practices
To protect the environment, the company has adhered to an environmental policy consisting of the following objectives:
1.
Create a process that is consistent with international management systems, ensuring that all sectors involved in work and production processes are environmentally friendly, prioritize product quality, adhere to legal standards, and provide exceptional service.
2.
Minimize losses through cost-reduction systems and damage prevention to enhance the quality and productivity of products. Commit to continuously developing and improving quality management systems and environmental performance.
3.
Respond promptly and efficiently to incidents impacting the environment and the community due to the company’s operations, fully cooperating with government officials and relevant agencies.
4.
Commit to complying with laws and other requirements relevant to the organization’s context.
5.
Dedicate to developing, responsibly managing, and upholding environmental care, as well as respecting local customs and traditions where the company operates. Refrain from any actions that could harm natural resources and the environment, aiming to protect the environment, prevent pollution, and maximize the benefits of natural resources.
6.
Prevent accidents and control waste emissions to stay below acceptable standard levels or legal requirements.
7.
Promote environmental management awareness among organizational personnel.
8.
Cultivate personnel in the organization to be conscious of quality, environment and safety.
Performance
The company acknowledges that conducting business with environmental friendliness is one of the key factors for sustainability. In order to meet international standards and gain global recognition, SMPC has implemented a policy to encourage employees to efficiently utilize resources such as electricity, water, and oil, and appropriately control their usage. Since 2017, the company has been accredited with ISO 14001:2015 — Environmental Management Systems.
The company has an energy management system in place to achieve the most effective and efficient use of energy. Each year, the company, along with the Environment Management System Committee, sets goals and operates with the aim of reducing electricity consumption. The goals and operations are as follows:
The electricity consumption of the company in 2023 has decreased by 7.6% from 2022, while amount of electricity consumed per unit of production increased by 4.4% because in 2023 the unit of production has decreased. As a result, the amount of electricity used compared to the production unit increased slightly. However, the company still has a campaign to reduce energy consumption and increasing leakage rate inspections at various points, such as leakages in the factory’s compressed air. In addition, the company has carried out activities to promote the reduction of electricity consumption as follows
The activities aimed at promoting the reduction of electricity consumption include:
- Replacing conventional light bulbs with energy-saving ones.
- Conducting regular maintenance of machinery and equipment.
- Harnessing renewable energy from the sun by installing a Solar Rooftop power generation system.
- Increase the efficiency of the Air Compressor to replace the old one with low efficiency.
- Improve the insulation of the wall and door of furnace.
The company has a water management system in place to ensure efficient water usage, reduce water consumption and loss, and manage water quality. Each year, the company, along with the Environmental Management System Committee, sets goals and operates to reduce water usage. The goals and operations are as follows:
The 2023 water consumption decreased by 19% from 2022 while the water usage per production unit increased by 8.4%. The company has increased the inspection of water leakage, and the campaign to reduce water usage. SMPC rolled out the activities to reduce tap water usage as follows
Activities to promote the reduction of tap water usage:
- The company recycles 100% of used water in the production process by treating it through a filtered and disinfected process.
- Expanding the water reservoir to increase the capacity for water recycling.
- Storing rainwater in a reserve water tank for use in the production process.
- Measures to check leakage points of water pipes within the factory to reduce waste.
The company effectively manages both hazardous and non-hazardous garbage and waste. It actively promotes waste management and separation. The information regarding garbage and waste management operations is as follows:
In 2022, 76% of non-hazardous waste was recycled and utilized. As for hazardous waste, the company has installed a zinc dust collector box in the production line, allowing for 21% of it to be reused and recycled. SMPC has implemented the following activities to promote waste management:
Activities to promote waste management:
- The company has provided suitable waste containers, ensuring waste is separated and stored in an organized manner.
- A contaminated waste shed has been constructed for appropriate disposal, following standardized company protocols.
- The company has implemented the ‘Waste Bank Project’ as part of its 5S activities, with continuous participation from all employees.
The company has ensured compliance with exhaust fume standards specified by law. Each year, the company, along with the Environment Management System Committee, sets targets and implements air pollution management. The goals and operations are as follows:
Activities to promote air quality management:
- SMPC reduces internal dust levels before releasing air into the surrounding community by outsourcing daily vacuuming services within the plant.
- The production process utilizes a wet scrubber system to prevent the emission of fumes and dust generated during production into the air, thereby minimizing the impact on the environment.
- The relevant departments conduct regular monitoring of air quality and have an audit and maintenance plan for machinery and equipment.
The company realizes the importance of climate change and global warming. Risks from climate change affects the company’s business operations. The company therefore places importance on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in response to government and private sector policies both domestically and internationally that focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company has established a working team of carbon footprint management, conducting an assessment of the company’s greenhouse gas emissions. By setting the year 2021 as the base year. There were a data verification process, data storage, and the measure of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions to a standard. In 2023, the company has hired ECEE Company Limited to be a verifier of the organization’s greenhouse gas emissions. This was the information between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022. The company was certified Carbon Footprint for Organization from Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization). The company has set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its result as follows
1. Direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1):
These are caused by the combustion of various fuels, both from machines and from company-owned vehicles, such as LPG, gasoline and diesel. Additionally, direct emissions include carbon dioxide emissions from the production process, the use of refrigerants, and the use of chemicals in the wastewater treatment system.
2. Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from energy use (Scope 2):
These are caused by the company’s electricity consumption.
3. Other indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 3):
These are caused by consumption of energy and various fuels, such as LPG, gasoline, diesel and electricity.
In 2023, the company has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.63 percent compared to 2022. In 2023, the company reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 977 tons of carbon dioxide or a decrease of 4 percent compared to the base year 2022.
The company measures noise, light and heat levels to ensure a good working environment for employees and operators. The company also prioritizes the safety and well-being of operators by setting operational goals as follows:
- Level of noise: SMPC consistently monitors level of noise according to the required law to ensure of no noise pollution to the community. Wind noise reduction devices (Silencers) is used in the production process. The company also installed soundproof wall, noise barrier tunnel, a cover room for water and powder spraying blower, cover room for Zinc and sandblasting blower to reduce noise caused by the factory operation. Planting trees around the factory fence is used as a soundproof wall. SMPC also considers other additional directions to prevent and manage the noise pollution. For the employee, the company also have noise protection, such as ear plug, and ear muff for the employees who work in the environment at risk of noise pollution. The employees also are encouraged to wear personal protection equipment (PPE). The company organizes to have the hearing test on top of the annual medical checkup, for the employees who work in the loudly noise area.
- Lighting: The company ensures proper illumination in the working area to provide employees with sufficient lighting and a safe working environment, thereby preventing accident.
- Heat: The company measures heat levels in the working areas and takes immediate corrective action if improper operating conditions are detected.
Employee Education and Training on Environment
The company has a policy to raise awareness and spread the concept of efficient resource utilization and environmental conservation to all employees through training, the company’s notice board, and posters. Additionally, the company organizes activities to inspire all employees to properly use resources and conserve the environment, as follows:
1. ISO 14001 training is provided to new staff members. The public relations team of the ISO 14001 project has already incorporated the project into the annual training course for review.
2. A campaign is being implemented by the company to separate waste into general waste, recyclable waste, and hazardous waste, with continuous efforts.
3. Energy conservation is promoted both within and outside the organization, reaching out to business partners and the community through brochures, contact manuals, and regulations.
4. The company provides a complaint center for submitting complaints related to environmental impact. The center can be reached at 02-895-4139 or via email at em@smpcplc.com, available 24 hours a day.
5. During the quarterly Board of Directors meeting, there will be an agenda item to regularly consider, follow up on, and take action regarding whistleblowing incidents.
