Biodiversity
SDGs Targets
Management Approach GRI 3-3 (2021)
The degradation of biodiversity and natural habitats, as well as the impacts of climate change, significantly affect the economy, health, and livelihoods of humans and all living beings. The Company recognizes the urgency of these risks and is committed to supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to help halt and reverse nature loss by 2030.
To achieve this goal, GC has adopted the approach of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) to assess biodiversity-related risks by analyzing both impacts and dependencies on nature. Implementing this international standard enables GC to effectively identify and assess risks, preparing for disclosure in line with TNFD recommendations, and supporting operations that contribute to the long-term sustainability of ecosystems and the economy.
Mitigation Hierarchy Principle
- Avoid – GC is committed to not operating business activities in critical biodiversity areas and minimizing environmental impacts through its QSHEB policy. This includes Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), integration of biodiversity considerations, environmental risk management, development of environmentally friendly innovations, and extending risk reduction measures across the supply chain. These efforts aim to achieve No Net Loss (NNL) of biodiversity, Net Positive Impact (NPI), and No Gross Deforestation.
- Minimize – GC operates an environmental management system verified by third parties, with a focus on key biodiversity areas. It collaborates with government bodies and industrial estates and monitors performance through indicators such as water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution levels. Nature-related risks are also integrated into the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process. Additionally, GC develops initiatives such as eco-design and biodegradable plastics.
- Restore – GC focuses on ecosystem restoration and conservation through water management programs, including reforestation for both terrestrial and marine ecosystem rehabilitation. One example is the Rayong Coastal Marine Resource Conservation Project, part of a 10-year long-term restoration plan. The Company also assesses water-related risks, including water resource management and flood risks, to mitigate climate change and pollution impacts on biodiversity.
- Offset – GC expands reforestation and ecosystem restoration projects in areas affected by biodiversity loss, implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This includes reforesting 8,600 acres in partnership with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and local communities. The Company also collaborates with partners on research and development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), and invests through its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) fund.
To ensure the biodiversity management and value integration, GC has commitment, compliance, and monitoring in own operation and suppliers. Any environmental impacts are into the consideration and the business decision process. The mitigations of biodiversity loss and deforestation are integrated and communicated within business activities, and with external organizations.
As abovementioned, GC demonstrates the commitment to achieve a No Net Loss (NNL) of biodiversity values within manageable boundaries as well as the commitment to appropriately maintain current and future operational sites to create Net Positive Impact (NPI), where applicable. GC also commits to ‘No Net Deforestation’ throughout value chain, including Tier-1 suppliers and business partners, and ‘No Gross Deforestation’ for our own operation’s activities, that also align with the Net Zero Goal (Compensation-Driven) in 2050. GC has defined the commitment and biodiversity targets to be aligned with the Net Zero Goal (Compensation-Driven). In this regard, GC targets to offset around 1 million tons of carbon using nature-based solutions by 2050.
GC has established regulations to manage relevant key issues in the Quality, Security, Safety, Occupational Health, Environment, and Business Continuity (QSHEB) Policy, the GC Biodiversity Statement, and the No Deforestation Commitment, which are issued by GC’s Board of Directors.
Engagement and Collaboration with the Biodiversity Network
GC collaborates with local communities, government agencies, academic institutions, and private organizations to strengthen communities and society through its Value-based CSR strategy, which comprises three core strategies: Better Living, Better Sharing, and Better Ecology. These strategies are aligned with GC's Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions target and commitment to the Circular Economy. The Company also expands its operations to support ESG initiatives and effectively manages stakeholder engagement.
GC is dedicated to tackling climate change, conserving nature, and delivering benefits to local communities by promoting social enterprises that generate income and support long-term economic growth. Environmental and social outcomes are achieved through key initiatives including the Marine Resource Conservation along the Rayong Coastline Project, which aims to preserve traditional small-scale fishing livelihoods, restore marine ecosystems, and create habitats for aquatic life; the Khao Huai Mahat Forest and Water Conservation Project, spanning 2,500 rai, which focuses on restoring forest areas to increase green space and biodiversity; and The More You Plant, the Better project at On Nut Ecological Forest Park, covering 55 rai of former Bangkok landfill site, dedicated to reforestation and ecosystem restoration.
Additionally, the Company has undertaken reforestation projects for carbon credit benefits in partnership with various agencies, including mangrove reforestation in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources across 3,612.55 rai in Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, and Krabi provinces; the Carbon Credit Management in Forests for Sustainable Development project with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation covering 15,000 rai; and reforestation within GC Campus in Rayong covering 11.84 rai. The total project area encompasses 18,624.39 rai, which is projected to sequester 0.088 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2050.
Furthermore, the Company continues to advance Circular Economy initiatives through the Community Waste Model project, which expands best practices in community-based recycling waste management. This initiative promotes the establishment of Community Waste Hubs, which collected over 330 tons of PET and HDPE plastic bottles in 2025. GC also collaborates with various partners, including government agencies and business partners such as Khlong Tamru Subdistrict Municipality in Chonburi Province and Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Company Limited (SPBT), to scale up the recycling waste management model through joint development and investment approaches.
Following the Company's successful commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as Thailand's first producer, using Used Cooking Oil (UCO) as feedstock, GC recognized the opportunity to manage UCO in collaboration with communities and various agencies. This led to the launch of the "From Kitchen to Cockpit" project, which aims to raise awareness of systematic UCO management, generate income from UCO sales, and reinforce the organization's image in promoting resource efficiency according to Circular Economy principles.
Moreover, GC works with communities around industrial estates across Asia to implement biodiversity-enhancing forestation projects under a compensation-driven approach, contributing to emission reduction goals and fostering long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Collaboration with the Biodiversity Network
| External Partner / Institutions | Collaboration in Biodiversity |
|---|---|
| Department of Marine and Coastal Resources | Supported and cooperated the activities in the coastal areas, and the participation in the activities with local communities. |
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Kasetsart University Air and Coastal Defense Command (ACDC) Konrakpa Club under the Charklukya – Huai Mahat community |
The long-term development initiative with a 10-year timeframe from 2013-2023. The objective is to rehabilitate Khao Huai Mahat’s 2,500 rai ecosystem |
| Ban Chang local community | Cooperation in the implementation of the Rayong Wanarom Ecological Forest Project under the supervision of GC Group |
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Department of Environment, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Kasetsart University |
Collaborated to develop the former landfill area at the On Nut Waste Disposal Center, covering 55 rai, into a green space under the tree-planting project 'The More You Plant, The Better'. |
| Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) | The collaboration on the mangrove reforestation project for carbon credit benefits promotes cooperation among all sectors including government, private sector, and local communities to conserve, restore, and expand mangrove areas, enhancing their richness. This initiative is one of the approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions |
| Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy (ONEP) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) | Participating in a small group meeting under the Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support Program, working together to provide recommendations on national goals and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Volume 5 as well as drive OECMs in preparation for urgent implementation, leading to action under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This initiative is a collaboration between the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy (ONEP), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), GBF-EAS consultants, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). |
| Government Partners, Leading Organizations, and Civil Society | A comprehensive used plastic management system that enables everyone to collaboratively create sustainable value from used plastics under the concept "YOUturn - It Starts with You" |
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Klong Tamru Subdistrict Municipality, Chonburi Province Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (SPBT) |
GC's Community Waste Model (CWM) project started from humble beginnings in 2022 at the Wat Chak Luk Ya community in Rayong Province, and has since become a successful model that has expanded nationwide. Over the past 6 years (2020-2025), leading brands such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Ichitan, and Sprinkle have now turned to using ENVICCO's rPET bottles. |
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Pracharath Rak Samakkee Rayong (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd. Rayong Provincial Community Development Office |
GC recognizes the importance of participating in community development alongside sustainable business operations. Therefore, it has initiated the "From Kitchen to Machine" project to coordinate collaboration with various partners by providing knowledge support and promoting systematic collection of used cooking oil. This helps reduce problems associated with improper disposal of used cooking oil, which can negatively impact the environment. |
Biodiversity Highlight Programs
Over the past several years, GC has conserved and promoted biodiversity through numerous environmentally beneficial projects, all implemented in accordance with the Mitigation Hierarchy Principle.
Minimize
"Turn Life to Give Used Plastic Waste a New Value" Project with gc youturn
“GC YOUTURN" is a comprehensive used plastic management system that opens opportunities for everyone to collaboratively create value from used plastic in a sustainable manner. With the concept of " YOUTURN - It Starts with You," GC partners with government agencies, leading organizations, and the public sector to encourage people to bring their used clear PET plastic and opaque HDPE plastic to clean plastic collection points operated by GC YOUเทิร์น partners. This enables sorting at the source, followed by collection and transportation to ENVICCO, GC's world-class recycling facility, or to certified partner recycling plants. This process is a crucial part of creating "Loop Connecting" — a complete closed-loop plastic management cycle.
Turning plastic waste into valuable products
The collaborative project to develop high-quality products with Sansiri Public Company Limited.
GC collaborates with Sansiri Public Company Limited to develop products that support sustainable lifestyles, such as durable and energy-efficient resin plastic water tanks and environmentally friendly paints made from natural ingredients and free from harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These products enable consumers to choose options that are healthier for both their well-being and the environment in their daily lives.
Community Waste Model Project: Expanding as a Role Model for Recyclable Waste Management in Partnership with Other Allied Organizations, Including Klong Tamru Subdistrict Municipality, Chonburi Province, and Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (SPBT)
GC's Community Waste Model (CWM) project started from humble beginnings in 2022 at the Wat Chak Luk Ya community in Rayong Province and has since become a successful model that has expanded nationwide. Over the past 6 years (2020-2025), the CWM project has diverted more than 1,270 tons of used PET and HDPE plastic bottles from landfills and sent them for recycling at the ENVICCO facility, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2,400 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The success of this model has widely "inspired" partners throughout the business value chain. Currently, leading brands such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Ichitan, and Sprinkle have all turned to using ENVICCO's rPET bottles. Furthermore, national and international organizations such as Suntory PepsiCo have adopted the CWM model at Mab Yang Phorn Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Rayong Province. Additionally, WHA and AMATA are currently studying the model for future implementation. GC serves as a mentor and consultant in these operations to accelerate the widespread adoption of Circular Economy principles.
“From Kitchen to Machine" Project: Transforming Used Cooking Oil (UCO) into Raw Material for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
GC became Thailand's first commercial producer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in early 2025, utilizing innovation to transform "used cooking oil" into clean energy that meets the international ISCC CORSIA standard. This can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 85% compared to conventional fuel, reflecting the company's commitment to driving business toward the Net Zero goal by 2050.
In this regard, the company recognizes the importance of participating in community development alongside sustainable business operations. Therefore, it has initiated the "From Kitchen to Machine" project to coordinate collaboration with various partners by providing knowledge support and promoting systematic collection of used cooking oil. This helps reduce problems associated with improper disposal of used cooking oil, which can negatively impact the environment. Additionally, it creates shared value among the industrial sector, communities, and government agencies to drive Thai society toward sustainable development in the future.
From August to December 2025, the project's operational results include the collection of 14.81 tons of used cooking oil, which was converted into 3.7 tons of SAF, generating income of 399,772.80 baht returned to communities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 11,911.75 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Furthermore, GC has partnered with Pracharath Rak Samakkee Rayong (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd. and Rayong Provincial Community Development Office to expand operations to cover all 8 districts in Rayong Province. The company has also expanded cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) to increase UCO collection points at higher education institutions nationwide, aiming to raise awareness among the younger generation.
Restore
Huai Mahat Forest Restoration Project
GC collaborated with Kasetsart University, the Air and Coastal Defence Command, and the Chak Luk Ya–Huai Mahat Forest Conservation Club to rehabilitate 2,500 rai of land on Huai Mahat Mountain in Rayong Province. The project aims to restore upstream forests, enhance ecosystem richness, improve the quality of life and economy of local communities, and promote forest resource and biodiversity conservation.
Currently, the aforementioned reforestation area is capable of sequestering 32,807 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gases and received certification from the Low Emission Support Scheme (LESS) by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization in 2020. Over the 10-year operational period, biodiversity studies have identified a total of 146 plant species and 463 animal and insect species.
Throughout the project's implementation, it has generated income for communities through employment opportunities, as well as support for local community goods and services, totaling more than 6 million baht.
Huai Mahat Forest Restoration Project
Marine Resource Conservation along the Rayong Coastline Project
The Marine Resource Conservation Project along the Rayong coastline aims to restore ecological richness and balance, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the local marine environment. For the people of Rayong, small-scale coastal fishing is a traditional livelihood closely tied to the province’s abundant coastal resources. In response, GC has designed project activities to address multiple dimensions, supporting both terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
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Building marine habitats using fish traps
Building coastal habitats for marine animals can help improve aquatic biodiversity along the coastline of Rayong province through the use of fish traps which provide a barrier allowing a fishery conservation area. This supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Project Operations and Performance:
Built 34 groups, 450 fish traps
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Releasing marine species
GC releases aquatic species suitable for the Rayong coastal environment, such as sea bass, black tiger prawn, and blue swimming crab, among others.
Project Operations and Performance:
Released 16 groups of aquatic animals, including fish, shrimps, crabs, totaling to more than 50 million animals.
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Aquatic Animal Bank (Mud Crabs, Berried Blue Swimming Crab, Fish, and Squid)
The project involves collecting aquatic animal eggs for hatching and rearing before releasing the juveniles back into the sea, helping to increase the natural population. In addition, local fishers voluntarily limit their catch during critical periods by avoiding fishing during spawning seasons or refraining from catching broodstock for sale or consumption. This practice has led to a rise in marine animal populations and increased income for fishers.
Project operation and performance:
The Aquatic Animal Bank initiative was carried out in collaboration with 24 fishing groups, comprising 6 mud crab banks, 16 berried blue swimming crab banks, and 2 fish and squid banks.
Offset
On Nut Ecological Forest Park Development Project
GC, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Kasetsart University, developed and rehabilitated a former 55-rai landfill area at the On Nut Waste Disposal Center in Bangkok into a green space in the form of an “ecological forest.” Tree planting was carried out on the former landfill based on academic principles by experts from the Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University.
This reforestation project not only helps mitigate pollution impacts but also enhances biodiversity and improves environmental quality. Over the past three years, more than 45,000 trees have been planted. Surveys have identified 79 plant species and 158 animal and insect species. The ecological forest has the potential to sequester 165 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year and release 120 tons of oxygen annually.
The project aligns with GC’s biodiversity sustainability policy and its Net Zero target by 2050, while also supporting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s urban forest expansion initiative.
Mangrove Reforestation Project for Carbon Credit Benefits
GC collaborated with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to implement a mangrove reforestation project for carbon credit benefits. This initiative promotes cooperation among all sectors including government, private sector, and local communities to conserve, restore, and expand mangrove areas, enhancing their richness. This effort is one of the strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the current global warming crisis.
GC has carried out mangrove planting in five provinces: Rayong, Trat, Chanthaburi, and Phetchaburi, and Krabi, covering a total area of more than 3,600 rai. It is estimated that the project will sequester approximately 4,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. Additionally, it supports biodiversity in the mangrove ecosystem which serves as a habitat for aquatic animals and native plants that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
Baseline biodiversity studies have identified 102 plant species, 113 animal species, and 36 insect species. This project is another approach supporting carbon offsetting through nature-based solutions, aligning with GC’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030 and to achieve stable Net Zero carbon status by 2050.
Forest Carbon Credit Management Project for Sustainable Development
GC collaborates with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage to implement the Forest Carbon Credit Management Project for Sustainable Development. The project aims to support communities in forest conservation while improving quality of life and building strong communities. The Mae Fah Luang Foundation is responsible for all project operations, including employing local community members to maintain forests allocated by the government. The foundation also supports the establishment of systems to measure and assess carbon dioxide absorption (carbon credits) and registers carbon credits under the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER). Carbon credits are then allocated to private sector project developers.
The company joined the Forest Carbon Credit Management Project for Sustainable Development in Phase 3 (2023) covering 5,000 rai and Phase 4 (2024) covering 10,000 rai. The carbon credit accounting period spans 3 years, with a guaranteed minimum of 13,500 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This initiative supports the company's commitment to achieving its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 and steadfastly moving toward becoming a Net Zero organization by 2050.
