Challenges and Commitments

GGC recognizes that climate change may affect the organization’s water consumption, driven by drought conditions and the expansion of the industrial sector, which increases overall water demand. These factors pose risks of water shortages essential for production processes, both in terms of quality and quantity, and may potentially disrupt business operations as well as affect water resources in surrounding communities. Accordingly, GGC places strong emphasis on efficient and sustainable water management across the entire value chain.

Key Stakeholders

Employee
Community
Shareholder, Investor and Analyst
Government
Supplier and Business Partner
Customer

For additional information on: Stakeholder Engagement

Goals

Maintain water consumption in production processes at no more than1.57 cubic meters per ton of production at GGC1.
Maintain water consumption in production processes at no more than 0.75 cubic meters per ton of production at GGC2.

Key Performance in 2025

Water consumption in production processes at GGC1: 1.59 cubic meters per ton of production at GGC1
Water consumption in production processes at GGC2: 0.75 cubic meters per ton of production at GGC2

Management Approach

Sustainable Water Management Guidelines GRI 303-1 (2018)

GGC places strong emphasis on efficient water management and aims to reduce overall water consumption, including increasing the reuse of treated water. Accordingly, GGC has developed an operational plan to enhance water management efficiency, comprising the following key areas:

Conduct annual water usage assessments to improve water efficiency
Regular assessments of water consumption in production processes are carried out to analyze data and identify areas for improvement to reduce water usage, as well as to develop relevant water-related initiatives.
Reduce water consumption through operational adjustments
Improving work processes or activities within the organization or production facilities to enhance efficiency and reduce water consumption without affecting product or service quality.
Establish water reduction targets
Establishing clear and measurable water reduction targets, along with the implementation of systems to monitor performance.
Implement water recycling processes
Implementing projects to treat or refine used water so it can be reused, thereby reducing the need for raw water from natural sources.
Provide training programs to raise awareness among Employees
Providing training on water management to Employees to strengthen understanding and awareness regarding efficient water use.

Water Management Program

GGC has developed an action plan to enhance water management efficiency within production processes, focusing on reducing operational water consumption and increasing the reuse ratio of Clarified Water, Demineralized Water, and Boil Water.

Conduct annual water usage assessments to identify opportunities for improving water efficiency.
Reduce water consumption through operational adjustments, such as switching to water-saving equipment in production processes, optimizing production ratios to reduce water use without affecting product quality and quantity, and upgrading equipment to enhance water efficiency.
Establishment of targets to reduce water use
Application of water recycling
Provide training programs to raise awareness among all Employees on water management for enhanced efficiency.

Water Management Projects

Cooling Tower Water Efficiency Improvement Project

The Cooling Towers within GGC’s production facilities function by circulating cooling water through heat exchangers and pump equipment to support effective heat transfer. To improve the heat exchange efficiency within the pumps, cooling water has been discharged directly from the circulation line into the wastewater pond. This practice leads to unnecessary water and chemical losses and increases production costs arising from higher water usage and increased chemical consumption.

GGC has therefore implemented a project to enhance cooling water efficiency by connecting the discharge line from each pump back to the Cooling Basin, allowing the cooling water to be recirculated. This reduces the volume of cooling water discharged as wastewater and lowers the amount of chemicals required in the production process.

Outcomes and Benefits

  • Improve cooling water usage efficiency within the system
  • Save 570,000 baht per year in water and chemical consumption
  • Reduce wastewater management costs by 172,800 baht per year

For additional information on GGC’s water resource management performance: Performance Data 2025

Water Risk Assessment GRI 303-1 (2018)

GGC conducts water risk assessments for all operating sites to identify potential risks by utilizing the WWF Water Risk Filter and reviewing water-risk mapping data developed by the Royal Irrigation Department. Continuous monitoring plays a critical role in planning and mitigating risks that could affect business operations. By closely monitoring reservoir water levels, GGC ensures that its operations do not adversely impact surrounding communities. This approach helps maintain a balance between operational requirements and environmental sustainability while fostering positive relationships with local communities.

In addition, GGC monitors contingency measures that may require reductions in water consumption within Rayong and Chonburi industrial operating areas and reports findings to management for strategic planning.

Sampling Points / Monthly Raw Water Quality Analysis
Rayong Area
  1. Nong Pla Lai Reservoir
  2. Dok Krai Reservoir
  3. Khlong Yai Reservoir
  4. Prasae Reservoir
  5. Rayong River
  6. Dok Krai – Map Ta Phut Pipeline
  7. Nong Pla Lai – Map Ta Phut Pipeline
  8. Thap Ma Pond
Chonburi Area
  1. Nong Kho Reservoir
  2. Bang Phra Reservoir

GGC also collaborates with external organizations such as the PTT Group, the Eastern Water Operations Center Working Team (Water War Room), and the Federation of Thai Industries to manage potential drought-related water challenges and closely monitor water conditions. This ensures sufficient water availability for business operations without impacting surrounding communities.

GGC conducts an annual water risk assessment covering future water availability and water quality throughout its value chain by utilizing the WWF Water Risk Filter. Water-related risks associated with dependency and potential impacts are also evaluated as part of this assessment. The results indicate that GGC does not operate in areas facing water scarcity. In addition, GGC applies the WWF Water Risk Filter to assess potential future changes in water-related regulations within its operating areas to support the development of long-term water strategies and strengthen future decision-making capabilities. After reviewing and analyzing the assessment results across three risk categories—physical risks, regulatory risks, and reputational risks—none of GGC’s production sites were found to be exposed to high risk in any category.

Furthermore, GGC regularly monitors local water levels, referencing data from the Royal Irrigation Department. This continuous monitoring is crucial for planning and mitigating potential impacts on business operations. By closely tracking water levels in various reservoirs, GGC ensures that its activities do not affect surrounding communities. This approach allows GGC to maintain a balance between operational needs and environmental sustainability, fostering positive relationships with local communities.

Effluent Management GRI 303-2 (2018)

GGC establishes the QSHEB Occupational Health and Environmental Plan as a framework for monitoring and supervising effluent discharge across the entire production chain. The effluent management system complies with applicable legal requirements, including the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E. 2535 (1992) and the discharge requirements for centralized wastewater treatment systems within industrial estates under the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). The system also aligns with mitigation measures specified in the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report. GGC continuously improves its wastewater treatment system to ensure that effluent quality meets the standards of the oleochemical industry. Key parameters monitored include pH, temperature, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), oil and grease, and heavy metals such as mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As). The effluent quality is tested twice daily, and results are reported in management meetings to support effective monitoring and control before discharge into the central wastewater treatment system operated by the industrial estate.

GGC also implements improvement projects based on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3Rs) principles to enhance water and wastewater quality. The objective is to reduce overall water consumption and the volume of wastewater generated within the production facilities. These projects remain ongoing.

Water Efficiency training

GGC conducts environmental management training for all Employees based on ISO 145001, in which water management forms a core component. The training emphasizes raising awareness of water efficiency within the organization to reduce water consumption and maximize resource utilization. The internal training program on water management is structured around the 3Rs principle and includes the following modules:

  1. Overview of GGC’s existing water management policies under the QSHE framework and ISO 145001 requirements
  2. Application of the 3Rs principles in factory water management and the importance of reducing water use, reusing water, and recycling water within the workplace
  3. Introduction to the benefits of water reduction initiatives

Water Management Performance

2022 2023 2024 2025 Target 2025
Total Water Consumption (m³) 521,654 543,076 572,111 582,562 552,859