Makro is best known in Thailand for being the place to go if you want to buy bulk goods. However, the cash and carry giant may also soon be recognized for its commitment to the environment after announcing plans that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2030. Additionally, the retailer will stop selling polystyrene foam food containers this year.
The CP Group subsidiary will host events and organize awareness campaigns that encourage eateries to use biodegradable products instead of foam food containers. Given the nature of the cash and carry business, Makro has never used plastic bags but has continued to look for other ways to improve its sustainability.
“From day one, we began our operations in Thailand with a zero plastic bag policy which has thus far helped the country avoid disposal of over 4,400 million plastic bags in 32 years” Dr. Anan Watcharapongvinij, Director-Construction & Facilities of Makro, told the Bangkok Post. “Meanwhile, our race for environmental sustainability via our ‘Makro Go Green’ recycling project, starting in January 2021, turns every 20 empty bottles donated from staff into a new Makro Go Green uniform, thereby exercising greater care for the environment.”
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In order to reach its ambitious zero emissions target, Makro has begun making several changes at its stores to make them more eco-friendly. The company’s actions are guided by a desire to reduce the negative impact it has on the environment.
“We have succeeded in adjusting our operations to reduce environmental impacts. For instance, we have installed solar rooftop panels at 52 branches, thereby reducing our annual CO2e emissions by over 20,000 tons, which is equivalent to planting over 1.3 million trees,” Dr. Anan stated. “We have also installed high-quality LED lights in over 26 branches, along with upgraded refrigeration systems and chillers inside 17 locations, resulting in a reduction of electricity consumption by 5,460,000 kilowatt hours and 2,800 tons of CO2 emissions annually.”
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