In its second year, the Suntory–KTIS Regenerative Agriculture (RA) project delivered early evidence that the implemented practices have the potential to achieve meaningful environmental gains while maintaining commercially viable sugarcane production.
Across both pilot sites, RA test plots consistently reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional practices. Absolute emissions declined by approximately 30–35%, with emissions intensity reduced by 20–25%. These improvements were primarily driven by lower reliance on synthetic fertilisers and reduced fuel consumption, highlighting the efficiency gains possible through more sustainable input management.
While yields in RA plots were slightly lower than in control plots, overall crop performance remained stable and commercially viable. Importantly, sucrose quality was broadly maintained across test plots, demonstrating that reduced-input systems can continue to meet production and quality requirements for the sugar value chain.
The project also reported encouraging early signs of improved soil health. Test plots showed increases in soil organic matter and phosphorus levels, indicating potential longer-term benefits for soil fertility, resilience, and productivity. These improvements are critical for supporting sustainable agricultural systems in the face of climate pressures.
Brian Golden, Chief Operating Officer, Global Supply Solutions / Head of Supply Chain, Suntory Business Expert APAC Pte. Ltd. – “Real decarbonization takes deep collaboration, and our work with KTIS and VIVE proves what’s possible. Seeing a 30% drop in emissions alongside healthier, more resilient soil shows that we’re on the right track. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in our second year and look forward to scaling these low-carbon practices in the near future.”
Overall, the Year 2 results reinforce the potential viability of regenerative agriculture as a practical and scalable approach for sugarcane production in Thailand. By delivering emissions reductions alongside stable production outcomes, the project so far indicates a credible and cost-effective pathway for decarbonising sugar supply chains. Year 3 will bring the pilot phase to a close and simultaneously explore opportunities to commercially scale across the supply chain.
