Thai Union Group PCL has announced an expansion of its shrimp decarbonization efforts, bringing together stakeholders from government, finance, and farming to discuss sustainable aquaculture and blue finance. The company hosted a high-level panel at the UN Global Compact Thailand Expo 2025 focused on how financial mechanisms that support ocean-based sustainability can help lower emissions in shrimp farming.
The event, titled “Blue Financing and Aquaculture: Empowering the Sustainability Transition,” gathered experts from various sectors to examine ways the seafood industry can use capital and innovation to help shrimp farmers reduce their environmental impact while maintaining growth. Thai Union highlighted its ongoing initiative to decarbonize shrimp production and expressed optimism about scaling low-carbon practices across most shrimp farms in Thailand as part of its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
“As a global leader in the seafood industry, Thai Union is committed to driving sustainability across the sector through a range of initiatives. One of our key priorities is reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand’s aquaculture industry,” said Yongyut Setthawiwat, Managing Director, Group Treasurer, Thai Union Group. “We believe that Blue Finance – financial investments that support sustainable activities related to the ocean and aquatic ecosystems – will be a key enabler in unlocking the resources needed across all sectors to accelerate the adoption of knowledge, innovation, and technology to promote sustainability throughout the industry’s supply chain and support the growth of the Blue Economy.”
Thai Union reports that its initial efforts are already yielding results. Shrimp produced under its decarbonization program are now sold in U.S. stores under the Chicken of the Sea brand. This initiative was developed with The Nature Conservancy, Ahold Delhaize USA, and Whole Foods Market. Participating farms have implemented science-based solutions such as switching to renewable energy sources, improving efficiency, and using new technologies aimed at reducing environmental impacts. These shrimp products are fully traceable from hatchery through shipment.
Panelists included representatives from organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Thailand’s Department of Fisheries, and local farmers participating in Thai Union’s program. They discussed both opportunities for expanding blue finance access and challenges faced by sustainable farming initiatives.
“Blue finance has the potential to transform how we support ocean-based industries,” said Fonthip Yuthaseree, Sustainable Finance Expert (Consultant), Asian Development Bank (ADB). “By aligning financial flows with environmental and social outcomes in line with global standards, we can empower farmers to make improvements in ways that benefit not only themselves, but also businesses, society, the environment, and biodiversity.”
Mantakanthi Tamtin from Thailand’s Department of Fisheries noted that public-private collaboration is crucial for advancing sustainable aquaculture: “Thailand is committed to advancing sustainable aquaculture through collaboration with the private sector and financial institutions. Initiatives that align with national policies, such as efforts to reduce emissions and improve farm efficiency, can play a key role in supporting both environmental stewardship and economic resilience in the aquaculture sector.”
Ponchart Luangnarumitchai of Anan Farm shared his experience participating in Thai Union’s program: “Before joining, it was difficult to access the knowledge, technology, and financing needed to reduce emissions from my farm. But over the past year, I’ve gained valuable insights and practical experience in applying new technologies. Installing solar panels has significantly lowered our energy costs, and using high-quality, sustainable shrimp feed means we use less feed and maintain better water quality. Thanks to these improvements, our shrimp can now reach more markets that demand sustainability. It gives me hope that we can farm in a way that protects the environment and supports our families.”
The discussion emphasized both progress made so far by Thai Union’s initiative as well as ongoing challenges on achieving net zero goals for aquaculture.
“We’re not just talking about change, we’re building the ecosystem to make it happen,” Setthawiwat added. “This is Thailand’s opportunity to lead. But to succeed, we need everyone at the table: farmers, banks, regulators, scientists. That’s how we’ll scale this initiative to hundreds of farms and create a model the world can follow.”