Management Approach
Water use and wastewater are critical issues that both stakeholders and the company prioritize, as they are essential natural resources for sustaining life and business operations. The company has established a 'Sustainable Water Resource Management Policy' to demonstrate its commitment to responsible water usage, reducing and preventing negative impacts on the environment and the rights of local communities to access freshwater resources. This policy also aims to promote and protect water resources throughout the value chain while complying rigorously with the Factory Act of 1992, the wastewater standards of the Pollution Control Department, and Follow the system ISO 14001:2015 environmental standards. Covering 100% of the company's operating area in Buriram Province. Additionally, the company's facility is located in Buriram Province, which is classified as a water-stressed area. As such, the company has evaluated water resource risk using the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and implemented risk management measures. These measures include improving water use efficiency in production processes, ensuring wastewater treatment meets standards, and systematically recycling water for reuse in production processes.
Further information on the Sustainable Water Resource Management Policy can be found at www.nerubber.com or by scanning the QR Code.
The company has established a water resource management strategy known as "4Rs" to enhance water use efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and ensure operational stability. This strategy relies on collaboration with stakeholders both inside and outside the organization, as follows:
2024 Performance
Creating Water Security
The company recognizes the considerable water consumption in the production process, which poses a risk of water scarcity in the event of severe climate change. To mitigate this risk, the company has established a backup water source within its premises, ensuring that operations do not rely on external water sources. This is achieved through the excavation of seasonal rainwater collection ponds to serve as surface water reserves for production activities and consumption within the facility. Currently, the company has three rainwater collection ponds with a total capacity of 326,368 cubic meters and two treated water ponds with a combined capacity of 89,361 cubic meters, which gather all treated water for reuse in the production process. This practice ensures that the company does not discharge effluent into public waterbodies and can operate continuously without encountering water scarcity issues.
Reducing Water Consumption and Water Loss in the Organization
The company has set a goal to reduce water usage in both production processes and offices, and has implemented the 'NER Together for Sustainable Water Conservation' project to encourage all employees to actively participate in water resource conservation and use water efficiently in all activities.
- Enhancing water use efficiency of equipment and fixtures: The company selected fixtures designed for water conservation.
- Inspecting and repairing water leaks in equipment and piping systems: The company conducted weekly
- Educating and raising awareness among employees about water consumption and conservation: The company organized awareness campaigns to inform employees about water-saving measures for both the office and production processes.
Wastewater Management and Recycling
Wastewater Treatment
In 2024, the total volume of wastewater entering the treatment systems at both facilities amounted to 1,338,301 cubic meters. This wastewater was processed through Phase 1 treatment systems (Rubber Sheet Factory 1 and Livestock Flooring Factory) and Phase 2 treatment systems (Rubber Sheet Factory 2), which have a combined treatment capacity of 15,000 cubic meters per day. Both aerobic and anaerobic treatment methods were employed to maximize the efficiency of wastewater treatment. All treated wastewater totaling 1,338,301 cubic meters (100%) was directed to the treated water storage ponds for reuse in production processes and for irrigating green areas and Napier grass plots without being discharged into public waterways, following the principle of Zero Water Discharge.
Water Quality Control
The average Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of the treated water was recorded at 76 milligrams per liter, and the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) was 15.4 milligrams per liter, both of which are below the legal standards of 120 milligrams per liter and 20 milligrams per liter, respectively, throughout the year.
In 2024, the company utilized a total of 1,340,958 cubic meters of water, a decrease of 610,993 cubic meters, or 31.34%, from the previous year. Furthermore, the company achieved a water intensity of 3.57 cubic meters per ton of production, reflecting a reduction of 14.44% compared to 2023.
Building Engagement with Stakeholders
The company has established a policy and practices regarding the purchase and sale of cup lump rubber and has communicated these to agricultural suppliers comprehensively. Large banner signage has been installed at both the collection yard and the rubber water drainage area to inform all parties involved. It is mandated that all vehicles transporting rubber from suppliers must be equipped with drainage channels and containers to capture any rubber runoff to prevent spills during transportation. If this requirement is not met, the company will not accept rubber from those suppliers who do not comply with the policy. Additionally, the company has designated the rubber water drainage area as a parking space for rubber transport vehicles and has installed drainage systems to collect wastewater from the trucks for subsequent treatment.
Furthermore, the company has collaborated with the surrounding community to jointly monitor and address potential wastewater leakage points from its operations that could contaminate local water sources or land. To facilitate rapid response to community concerns, the company has established a complaint channel through the Open Chat Line group, In 2024, the company did not receive any complaints from the community or regulators regarding wastewater issues or latex spills from transport vehicles that caused disturbances to the community.
The main goals and notable outcomes of the initiatives focused on water management are summarized in the table below.
