To address the urgent need to reduce environmental impacts in global supply chains, large food and beverage (F&B) businesses are taking significant steps to lower their Scope 3 emissions. Suntory Holdings Limited, in collaboration with VIVE and Kaset Thai International Sugar Corporation (KTIS), is at the forefront of these efforts. Scope 3 refers to indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur in a company’s value chain, both upstream and downstream, excluding emissions from owned or controlled operations. Examples include emissions from suppliers, product use, and waste disposal.
Suntory Holdings Limited has embarked on an important collaboration with VIVE and KTIS to conduct in-field experiments based on Regenerative Agricultural (RA) principles. These experiments aim to measure the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of sugarcane produced using RA practices compared to those produced with conventional farming methods. This project provides a comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of sugarcane cultivation and will inform strategies for commercially scaling RA practices in the supply chain.
The results from the first year of this pilot show that RA practices have a clear impact on soil health. Soil organic matter (SOM) decreased across test and control plots, however, the test plots retained higher SOM, suggesting a positive effect of RA practices. Cane growth remained relatively unchanged, with only a marginal difference in average height and width across the plots. Finally, nutrient levels, such as magnesium and phosphorus, increased overall, indicating improved soil health despite SOM reduction.
When looking to analyse the results from the pilot on GHG emissions, yield, etc. due to flooding at one of the sites, this rendered the results unreliable. From the non-flooded site, hence, Year 1 data shows a 37% reduction in absolute emissions and a 40% decrease in emissions intensity in test plots compared to control plots. Key carbon hotspots included synthetic nitrous oxide emissions from fertilisers, chemical fertiliser application, farm fuel use, and crop residues. Addressing these hotspots through precise fertiliser application and improved residue management could further enhance GHG reductions in Year 2.
Finally, the commercial scaling of RA practices across the sugar supply chain requires balancing economic and environmental efficiencies. The control plots demonstrated better cost feasibility, with lower carbon costs, making them more suitable for large-scale production. However, they exhibited higher emissions intensity, presenting environmental concerns. Test plots, while more costly, showed significantly lower emissions intensity, offering a more sustainable production model.
Scaling RA practices require careful consideration of cost and carbon trade-offs, alongside continued monitoring to validate long-term benefits hence, the second- and third-year results will strengthen the current analysis and deliver a more realistic framework for estimating carbon and cost implications of introducing RA in sugarcane cultivation, at scale.
Ben French, Associate Director at VIVE said, Regenerative agriculture is a long-term commitment, requiring patience, adaptation, and a deep understanding of environmental influences. Data plays a crucial role in these pilots, helping farmers track soil health, crop performance, and external impacts over multiple cycles. Through this collaboration the project partners worked together to collect, analyse, and share insights, building the knowledge needed to refine practices and maximise outcomes. Only through continuous adjustments and informed decision-making can the full benefits of regenerative practices be realised.
