Thai Union Group reaffirmed where its priorities lie in a 5 October press release crafted in response to a campaign launched by Greenpeace last week that challenged the company’s sourcing methods and its commitment to worker wellbeing.
“Thai Union is fully committed to the protection of the marine environment and to responsible sourcing; indeed, the future success of our business is inextricably linked to the health of the ocean and an ongoing and plentiful supply of fish,” assured TU.
The company welcomed and encouraged the work being carried by the NGO “to drive change and improve sustainability through global tuna supply chains, from catch to point of sale,” and aligned itself with Greenpeace’s efforts.
“Like Greenpeace, we recognize that the reach and reputation of Thai Union and its many consumer brands allows us to lead the industry in effecting real change that will minimize bycatch, protect stock levels, preserve oceans, improve working conditions and ensure safe and legal practices throughout every fishing operation in the world. We have already made considerable progress towards achieving these within our own operations,” wrote TU representatives.
However, TU took issue with a number of the claims laid out by Greenpeace in its campaign launch. The company confirmed that it has policies in place “that strictly prohibit the purposeful capture of sharks and the abhorrent practice of shark-finning, and ensure that all of our operations comply with every national and international legal requirement.” What’s more, as a founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), Thai Union has vowed to help drive out Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing practices – a commitment its internal policies also reflect, according to the company.
“Through our Business Ethics and Labor Code of Conduct, we uphold strict policies ensuring that anyone employed by Thai Union or within our supply chains is treated with respect; we strive to comply with every law – both national and international - to protect human rights,” said TU.
Thai Union embraces its role as a standard-setter for the industry, according to the press release; the company hopes that by working closely with ISSF, that it and the tuna fishing industry at large will reap the rewards.
“Our vision is for an industry that respects the oceans and protects marine life, offers safe employment for millions of people around the world, supports the development of coastal communities and continues to provide a safe, affordable and healthy food source for a global population well into the future. Of course, this is a difficult balance to achieve and we call on Greenpeace to join the industry debate that is already underway, to work towards achieving our shared objectives,” TU concluded.
