CSR Activities
CPAXT and NIA Join Forces, Signing MoU to Boost Staff Innovation Capability for Sustainable Organizational Growth
Bangkok—6 August 2024 – CP AXTRA Public Company Limited (CPAXT) —the operator of “Makro,” a leading wholesaler and “Lotus's,” a leading retailer—has joined forces with The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) , represented by the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, to drive the enhancement of employee innovation capability. The MoU encompasses several objectives, including designing and developing innovation programs for CPAXT employees, providing guidelines and advice to enhance the competitive advantage of CPAXT's innovations, and creating a network of agile startups and tech companies. This network will serve as a platform for sharing and disseminating knowledge, leading to innovation development and business expansion for sustainable growth. Mr. Shaun Wong, Group Chief Transformation Officer – Makro Wholesale Business, CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, said, “In a rapidly changing world, organizations worldwide must adapt and integrate new technological innovations into their management and operations to drive sustainable growth. Realizing this, CPAXT harnesses innovation and technology to enhance efficiency organization-wide while being committed to social and environmental responsibility. We are moving forward to develop and create 'sustainable innovations' to drive positive changes in our products, services, and business processes. By applying various technological innovations, we aim to create long-term positive impacts on society and the environment, aligning with our mission to conduct business according to CPAXT's 2030 Sustainability Strategies. Our synergy with the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) will support efforts to create added value to eco-friendly products, promote the production of goods from recycled materials, and strengthen employee capabilities to drive business in response to future changes in the business environment. ” Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, stated, “NIA's significant role is to promote the creation of innovations for commercialization by applying knowledge and leveraging networks to develop an innovation ecosystem. Cultivating an innovation mindset among employees is pivotal to building a competent workforce to drive positive change and enable the organization to create outstanding innovations. To achieve this, NIA has collaborated with CP AXTRA Public Company Limited to design and develop innovation programs for CPAXT's employees. These programs aim to equip employees with innovative thinking and skills and engage them in activities that transform innovative ideas into practical applications, enhancing the value of products and services. The collaboration seeks to make a difference, offer new experiences to customers, respond to potential challenges, and meet current customer expectations and trends.” “This collaborative effort will be a key mechanism for driving product creation and advancing innovation and technology processes that benefit people and contribute to the Thai economy and society. It will also help develop Thailand's workforce by enhancing their knowledge and innovation capabilities, leading to increased innovation output nationwide. Furthermore, we will provide consultancy on organizational development and serve as a coordinator for both policy and implementation, resulting in an improved innovation system and corporate culture. NIA sincerely hopes that this collaboration will elevate CPAXT's staff's capability to develop innovations while contributing to the sustainable development of the organization and society.” The MoU signing event featured an exhibition of CPAXT's innovative products, showcasing creativity and product development, including: The potato burger with buns made from fresh potatoes and imported meat without chemical used, makes it healthy, and environmentally friendly. The label-free bottled water highlights an eco-friendly concept by utilizing PET bottles and aluminum labels with laser marking technology instead of ink. It is 100% recyclable, reducing the use of new plastic by approximately 11.6 tons per year. Employee uniforms made from recycled PET bottles: In 2022, the company collected up to 2.4 million PET bottles and recycled them into 120,000 uniforms, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 73.92 tons of CO2e*. Recycled garbage bags are made from recycled plastic pellets, reducing the need for new plastics. They help decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 652,943 kg CO2e and reduce landfill waste by 35.72 tons**. New early-season jasmine rice is stored at a cool temperature to preserve its quality before being packed in metalized bags. Advanced technology is used to preserve its fragrance, softness, and shiny, fresh appearance throughout the year.
Learn more
CP Extra aims to deliver 3 million meals and joins hands with the Office of the Basic Education Commission to provide funds for the “Good Food for Brothers and Sisters” project to support students to access good, nutritious meals.
CP Extra Public Company Limited, the operator of wholesale and retail businesses Makro-Lotus, continues the “Good Food for Brothers and Sisters” project, aiming to support quality and nutritious food ingredients for schools nationwide. Most recently, it provided grants to 100 schools in the North, starting with Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces, to provide access to good and nutritious meals to over 11,000 students. It also invited the students to join an extracurricular learning activity (School Visit) to promote the creation of real experiences at Makro Chiang Mai (Superhighway) branch. Mrs. Siriporn Dechsingh, Deputy Chief Corporate Communication Officer, CP Extra Public Company Limited, said, “Makro-Lotus operates alongside communities and Thai society, focusing on comprehensive development in all dimensions, including environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG), as well as promoting good health and well-being for Thai youth through various activities that are in line with the organization’s sustainability mission. The “Good Food for Seniors and Younger Children” project has been in operation for the 7th consecutive year, supporting quality ingredients to be used to prepare lunch for students in schools that lack or have limited access to food in all 77 provinces nationwide, totaling more than 1,000 schools with more than 100,000 students, so that youths have access to good, nutritious food according to nutritional principles.” Mr. Somnuk Yoddamnoen, Director of Fresh Food Product Management, CP Extra Public Company Limited, said, “Makro and Lotus have continuously carried out the “Longan Sharing Happiness…Returning Happiness to the Community” activity by supporting longan growers to earn income, helping drive the Thai economy to grow. Makro donates 1 baht from every kilogram of longan sold to support quality raw materials and fresh food for 100 schools in the North to provide nutritious lunches and promote good health for students. In addition, we have organized learning activities outside the classroom to create experiences and provide knowledge to students about purchasing fresh food ingredients and the benefits of consuming all 5 main food groups for good health of the youth, who will be an important force in the future.” Makro-Lotus is ready to move forward with its intention to do business alongside Thai society, emphasizing the role model organization that places importance on conducting business in line with sustainable development. The event was honored by Mr. Saneh Ratchada, Deputy Director of Chiang Mai Primary Educational Service Area Office 1, and executives of CP Extra Public Company Limited, led by Mr. Somnuk Yoddamnoen, Director of Fresh Food Management, executives and branch managers, who joined the event at Makro Chiang Mai (Superhighway) branch.
Learn more
Makro-Lotus stands with Thai society, delivering essential items to flood victims in 3 upper northern provinces
Due to the continuous heavy rain in many areas, Makro-Lotus under CP Extra Public Company Limited aims to support Thai society by joining forces to deliver relief bags, drinking water and essential items to flood victims in the 3 upper northern provinces of Nan, Chiang Rai and Phayao. The Makro-Lotus volunteer team has visited Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province, Wiang Kaen District, Thoeng District, Chiang Rai Province, and Dok Kham Tai District, Pong District, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province to deliver drinking water, dried food, and essentials to people in the areas affected by the flooding situation. They have also delivered relief bags to support flood relief centers in all 10 districts of Nan Province.
Learn more
“CP Extra” continues the path of sustainability with the AXTRA Care project, delivering surplus food to enhance the quality of life of Thai elephants.
On the path of sustainability in driving the business of Makro-Lotus under CP Extra Public Company Limited, which aims to develop in all dimensions of environment, society and corporate governance to continue the intention of being a carbon neutral organization and manage excess food to zero by 2030 through bringing benefits to the public. For this sustainability goal, Makro-Lotus has collaborated with government agencies and organizations such as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to deliver surplus food that is still edible (Food Waste) to wildlife nationwide to enhance wildlife welfare and alleviate their suffering during the food shortage. Most recently, on the occasion of Thai Elephant Day this year, Makro-Lotus is aware of the difficult time that Thai elephants are in, who are being used for labor and abandoned. Their quality of life is in critical condition, and many elephants are lacking food, including the relatively high cost of elephant food per day. Makro-Lotus would like to be a part in helping to ease this burden by launching the AXTRA Care project for Thai society to promote better elephant welfare by supporting surplus food that is still edible to the National Elephant Institute under royal patronage, namely the Elephant Hospital in Lampang and Krabi provinces. There is a management process from upstream to downstream to reduce food loss from Makro and Lotus branches in Chiang Mai, Lampang and Krabi, totaling more than 20 branches, by delivering surplus food to Thai elephants for a better quality of life. In addition, Makro-Lotus continues to organize activities to help elephants throughout the year in many forms. Come help Thai elephants have a better life by giving opportunities and sharing kindness, just a little bit from each person. Just this much can make Thai elephants smile brightly again. Even though the elephants can't hear what we communicate, they can definitely feel the kindness that we give.
Learn more
Makro-Lotus joins hands with the Office of the Basic Education Commission to provide funding for the “CP Extra Good Food for Brothers and Sisters” project, providing meals for over 11,000 students from 100 schools in the North.
Makro-Lotus under CP Extra Public Company Limited moves forward to create sustainability in all dimensions, aiming to drive the “CP Extra Good Food for Brothers and Sisters” project continuously, supporting quality and nutritious food ingredients for schools that lack or have limited access to food by providing scholarships to over 11,000 students from 100 schools in the North, starting with Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces, to access good, nutritious, safe meals that promote development in various aspects and quality growth, in line with the company’s goal of supporting good health and well-being of the public. This event was honored by Lt. Col. Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, Dr. Theer Phawangkanan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, and Dr. Waranyaporn Chalermrak, Director of the Office of the School Lunch Fund, who received the donation from Ms. Siriporn Dechsingh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Communications, CP Extra Public Company Limited, at the meeting room, Office of the Basic Education Commission Building 4, Ministry of Education. In 2023, Makro and Lotus delivered more than 3 million meals of fresh food and high-quality ingredients under the Good Food for Brothers and Sisters project to schools in need in 77 provinces nationwide, reaching more than 30,000 students from more than 180 schools nationwide. In total, over the past 7 years, more than 100,000 students in more than 980 schools nationwide have access to nutritious and beneficial food.
Learn more
Makro-Lotus join forces to purchase over 65 million kilograms of Thai fruits, distributing produce through all branches across Thailand, supporting farmers with sustainable income.
Makro and Lotus under CP Extra Public Company Limited, one of the leaders in the wholesale and retail business in Asia, have set their sights on a platform of opportunity, welcoming the Thai fruit season in 2024, moving forward to support farmers by planning to purchase more than 65 million kilograms of Thai fruits this year, with a combined value of 2,900 million baht, through more than 2,600 Makro and Lotus branches nationwide, as well as online channels. Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, Chairman of CP Extra Public Company Limited, said, “CP Extra is committed Support farmers and small entrepreneurs (SMEs) to be strong with the platform of opportunities policy under the strategy to drive business alongside sustainability. In every fruit season, the company collaborates with the government sector and various agencies to develop and be a channel for distributing produce to consumers through every branch throughout Thailand, including online channels and exporting to foreign markets. This is considered an expansion of opportunities for Thai fruits to reach the world market more. This is one of the important missions that CP Extra and CP Group have always been committed to, in order to help realize Thailand’s dream of becoming the world’s kitchen.” The company recently joined hands with Chanthaburi Province and relevant agencies to organize the “Eastern Fruit Caravan to Makro-Lotus Nationwide” event to support seasonal fruits such as longan, mangosteen, longkong, salak, and durian, which will be sold through Makro and Lotus branches nationwide. This year, Makro-Lotus plans to purchase more than 65 million kilograms of Thai fruits for the entire year, a 21% increase from the previous year, and aims to export more than 25 million kilograms of Thai fruits to meet the increasing demand of both domestic and international markets, support economic expansion, and create sustainable income for farmers. The event was honored by Mr. Monsit Paisanthanawat, Governor of Chanthaburi Province, as the chairman of the opening ceremony, along with Mr. Jirawut Suwanna-at, Chanthaburi Provincial Commerce Officer, Mr. Panya Praditsarn, Chanthaburi Provincial Agriculture Officer, Ms. Pensuda Pho-ngen, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chanthaburi Office, Mr. Wirote Boonman, President of the Khlung Agricultural Cooperative Limited, and many other agencies. Ms. Siriporn Dechsingh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Communications, CP Extra Public Company Limited, Mr. Somnuk Yoddamnoen, Director of Fresh Food Management, and executives joined the event at the Khlung Agricultural Cooperative, Chanthaburi Province.
Learn more
Makro and Lotus under CP Extra Public Company Limited reaffirm their success in reducing food waste by passing on excess food, moving forward to create sustainability according to the goal of reducing food waste to zero by 2030.
The business strategy of CP Extra Public Company Limited, the operator of Makro wholesale stores and Lotus retail stores, is to drive the business with sustainability. In 2023, the company was able to reduce excess food or Food Waste by delivering excess food in 3 forms to related partner agencies, totaling more than 3,000 tons, to create public benefits for the public, divided into (1) excess food that can still be eaten and (2) excess food that people cannot consume but is still safe for animals, which is sent to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and other agencies. (3) Excess food that people and animals cannot consume will be used to produce organic fertilizers and EM fermented water for further use. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO), the global food waste problem is more than 1,300 million tons, or one-third of the food produced for global consumption each year. In Thailand, there is approximately 17.5 million tons of food waste per year, equivalent to 8 and a half Rajamangala Stadiums. Excess food waste is a global problem. CP Extra, an organization committed to sustainable business, has continuously managed excess food to the highest efficiency. Recently, Makro and Lotus have continued the “Good Food for Brothers and Sisters” project, supporting quality ingredients to prepare lunch for students in schools that lack or have limited access to good, nutritious, safe, and nutritious food. This year, more than 2,600,000 baht has been donated, with a goal of delivering more than 3 million quality lunch ingredients throughout the 2024 academic year to more than 30,000 students in more than 130 schools nationwide. The “Good Food for Brothers and Sisters” project has been implemented for the 7th year in 77 provinces nationwide, covering more than 1,000 schools with a total of more than 120,000 students, to ensure that youths have access to good, nutritious food and complete nutrition. In addition, we have organized activities to provide knowledge on eating healthy food for students, continuously creating benefits for Thai society, reinforcing the model of an organization that emphasizes doing business in line with sustainable development guidelines.
Learn more
