TSM Group Demonstrates Comprehensive Sustainability: Two Mills Achieve Top-Tier Status (Tier 3+)
NDPE Sugar Assessment Results Elevate the Sugar Supply Chain, Extending Responsibility from Sugarcane Fields to Consumers
TSM Group reaffirms its commitment to driving a responsible sugar industry. The second NDPE Sugar assessment for 2026 reveals that Thai Kanchanaburi Sugar and Thai Udon Thani Sugar have both achieved the highest rating—Tier 3+—with scores of 94% and 90%, respectively. These results, which exceed the 80% threshold, reflect significant progress in implementing the “No Deforestation and No People Exploitation” (NDPE) policy. This encompasses environmental, social, and human rights standards, while also promoting sustainable agricultural practices—such as reducing sugarcane burning and greenhouse gas emissions—and safeguarding ecosystems and local communities. These efforts are designed to enhance accountability and build trust throughout the entire supply chain.
Dr. Kanokwan Wongwattanasin, Chief Corporate Governance Officer at TSM Group, stated that the group is dedicated to elevating its sugar business by ensuring quality and responsibility across every dimension—from raw material sourcing and the promotion of sustainable sugarcane cultivation to the production process and the final delivery of products to consumers. This is because the quality of sugar is not measured solely by product standards alone. It also encompasses responsibility toward natural resources, the environment, and stakeholders throughout the supply chain—including farmers, laborers, business partners, and local communities.
Most recently, Thai Kanchanaburi Sugar Co., Ltd. and Thai Udon Thani Sugar Co., Ltd., both part of the TSM Group, achieved a “Tier 3+” rating under Wilmar’s NDPE Sugar program, which promotes responsible sugar sourcing. Tier 3+ is the highest level in this assessment framework; it requires more than just a stated commitment to sustainability. Participants must score over 80% on the Supplier Reporting Tool (SRT) and ensure that all or a portion of their mills or raw material sources have undergone third-party audits or certifications in accordance with the program’s criteria.
The TSM Group is committed to conducting its business in alignment with the NDPE Sugar framework, covering social, environmental, and agricultural aspects. The group prioritizes respecting the rights of laborers and communities, protecting forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity, as well as reducing sugarcane burning and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the efficient use of resources and the promotion of good agricultural practices to support responsible sourcing and mitigate long-term environmental and social impacts. This assessment is conducted via the SRT under the NDPE Sugar program, which tracks sustainability progress and compliance with NDPE principles, covering key areas such as the traceability of sugarcane sources and the assessment of human rights and environmental risks. …greenhouse gas emissions, grievance mechanisms, and good management practices, as well as processes for prioritizing risks and developing improvement plans to address operational gaps.
As a result of these assessments, both mills achieved a “Tier 3+” rating—the highest level under the NDPE Sugar assessment criteria. The “+” (Plus) designation signifies that, in addition to adhering to NDPE principles, the mills have implemented sustainability management systems that are either certified or verified by an independent third party. Both mills are certified under the VIVE Sustainable Supply Programme, a standard that promotes sustainability management throughout the sugarcane and sugar supply chain. This achievement not only reflects performance in line with NDPE principles but also demonstrates a commitment to developing sustainability management systems that meet international standards. These results highlight progress across several key dimensions while identifying areas for further operational improvement in the future.
“We believe that the production of high-quality sugar must begin with responsibility at the very source, encompassing both people and the environment throughout the entire supply chain. The fact that both mills attained a ‘Tier 3+’ rating—the highest possible level—with scores of 94% and 90%, not only reflects the commitment of the TSM Group but also demonstrates performance that can be tangibly assessed and monitored, particularly regarding raw material sourcing and the protection of the rights of individuals and communities.” “…and protecting the ecosystem. However, we do not view this assessment as the final milestone of our success, but rather as another significant step toward continuously enhancing our operations—whether by promoting sound agricultural practices, looking after stakeholders across the supply chain, or minimizing environmental impact. Our goal is to build confidence among our customers and partners, while driving the Thai sugar industry toward high-quality and sustainable growth,” said Dr. Kanokwan.
